Jerry S Rawls College Of BusinessEdit
The Jerry S Rawls College Of Business is the business school serving Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Named for a prominent Texas business figure whose philanthropy supported the school’s growth, the college positions itself as a bridge between rigorous market-oriented education and the practical needs of West Texas employers. It emphasizes preparing students to contribute to the private sector, create jobs, and manage risk in a competitive economy, while maintaining strong ties to the local and regional business ecosystem. Texas Tech University Lubbock Jerry S. Rawls
As a hub for undergraduate and graduate business training, the college combines traditional disciplines with applied learning. Students pursue degrees and certificates across core business areas, including accounting, finance, marketing, management, and information systems, with a focus on equipping them for measurable outcomes in the workplace. The college also maintains graduate programs designed to develop leadership and technical expertise for career advancement, and it supports working professionals through continuing education and executive development opportunities. The institution’s programs are anchored in the standards of professional accreditation and industry relevance, with connections to employers across the energy, agriculture, finance, and technology sectors. Accounting Finance Marketing Management Information Systems Master of Business Administration AACSB
History
The college traces its evolution to the expansion of business education within Texas Tech University and its effort to align academic programs with the opportunities and demands of a modern economy. A significant chapter in its history was the renaming of the school in honor of Jerry S. Rawls following substantial philanthropic support from his family and related donors. This naming reflected a broader pattern in which private philanthropy supports public universities’ capacity to deliver applied, employer-responsive education. Over the years, the college has expanded facilities, launched new curricula, and deepened collaborations with local businesses, startups, and regional industries. Jerry S. Rawls
Academic programs
Undergraduates: The college offers BBA tracks and related business majors designed to prepare students for entry into corporate and entrepreneurial careers. Majors commonly include accounting, finance, marketing, management, and information systems, with options to pursue minors and concentrations that complement core coursework. Bachelor of Business Administration
Graduates: Graduate programs include the MBA and other master’s options that emphasize practical problem solving, leadership, and analytics. Programs are designed for traditional full-time students as well as working professionals seeking advancement. The college emphasizes a blend of theory, data-driven decision making, and hands-on learning experiences. Master of Business Administration
Executive and continuing education: For professionals seeking to update skills or prepare for greater responsibility, the college provides executive education offerings and certificate programs in areas such as data analytics, finance, and operations.
Accreditations and outcomes: The college pursues accreditation and aims to deliver programs that meet industry standards, with emphasis on career readiness and value in the labor market. AACSB
Campus and community
The Jerry S Rawls College Of Business sits within the university’s campus in Lubbock, linking classroom instruction with real-world practice. Facilities include classrooms and labs designed to support accounting information systems, financial analysis, marketing simulations, and other business functions, along with spaces for student clubs, entrepreneurship initiatives, and career services. The college maintains relationships with local employers, regional firms, and national companies, offering internships, co-ops, and project-based learning that connect students to the job market. Lubbock Texas Tech University
Governance and leadership
The college is led by a dean and a faculty governing body responsible for curriculum, research, and student outcomes. Governance emphasizes a balance between traditional business disciplines and the practical, market-facing skills that employers seek, as well as the professional development of students through mentorship, internships, and experiential learning opportunities. Dean
Controversies and debates
Like many public university programs with strong ties to the private sector, the Jerry S Rawls College Of Business operates in a milieu where debates about educational philosophy frequently surface. Proponents argue that the college’s emphasis on market-based training, entrepreneurship, and measurable results best serves students and the broader economy by producing graduates who can create value, compete globally, and respond to labor market demands. Critics sometimes contend that business schools can underplay broader social considerations or ethics in the name of efficiency or ROI, and some argue that curricula should place more emphasis on social responsibility, equity, and inclusive pedagogy.
From a perspective that prioritizes free enterprise and pragmatic outcomes, the criticisms often labeled as “woke” are seen as misplaced or exaggerated: the claim is that focusing on market signals, risk management, and job-ready skills does not inherently diminish ethics or community well-being, and that partnerships with businesses can reinforce accountability and practical ethics through real-world exposure. Advocates emphasize that merit-based admissions, clear performance metrics, and transparent ties to industry help ensure that students gain skills that translate into durable job opportunities and economic growth for the broader community. The debate continues around how best to balance competitiveness, opportunity, and social considerations within a business school framework. Economics Entrepreneurship