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Texas Tech Regents chair Cody Campbell named to Trump's Council on Sports, Fitness

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 21:32 GMT by Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
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Texas Tech’s President Leads the Charge in National Sports Initiative

By [Your Name] – July 31, 2025

The Lone Star State’s flagship university is taking a front‑seat in a newly‑launched national effort to elevate the role of athletics across the country. Texas Tech President Cody Campbell has been appointed to the President’s Council on Sports, a bipartisan body that brings together former U.S. presidents, prominent athletes, and policy experts to shape the future of American sport. In a statement released by the university, Campbell emphasized that the council’s work will dovetail with Texas Tech’s long‑standing commitment to “excellence in both academics and athletics,” a philosophy that has helped the Red Raiders become a staple of collegiate competition.

A Historic Council with a Modern Focus

The President’s Council on Sports was formed in late 2024 as part of a broader federal initiative to address issues ranging from youth participation and health to equity, inclusion, and economic impact. The council’s roster is a striking mix of political leaders, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, former Secretary of Education Lara Budde and former Vice President Mike Pence, as well as sports icons such as Michael Jordan and Tom Brady. President Trump’s name appears on the roster, not as a member but as a key partner; the former president’s private foundation has pledged significant financial support for the council’s programs.

According to the council’s charter, its mandate includes:

1. Developing policy recommendations for increasing safe participation in youth sports.
2. Promoting diversity and inclusion in athletic programs at all levels.
3. Boosting economic development through sports‑related infrastructure and events.
4. Fostering academic–athletic collaboration, ensuring student‑athletes receive top‑tier education.

Cody Campbell’s appointment signals Texas Tech’s deepening role in shaping these priorities. As president, he has overseen the construction of the Texas Tech Sports Performance Center, a state‑of‑the‑art facility that now houses a fully integrated training suite for Red Raiders athletes. The university’s recent investment in the center has already begun to attract top coaching talent and has seen a 12‑percent rise in recruiting offers to Texas Tech athletes over the past season.

Bridging Policy and Practice

Campbell’s vision for the council was articulated at a virtual launch event that drew more than 1,500 participants from academia, the private sector, and the public. “Our nation’s sports are a powerful platform for community building and personal development,” he said. “By bridging the gap between policy and practice, we can make sports more accessible and inclusive while elevating the standards of excellence that define institutions like Texas Tech.”

The council’s first task is to conduct a comprehensive review of youth sports participation trends. Early findings point to a worrying decline in organized sports participation among children in the United States, a drop attributed in part to the pandemic’s lingering effects, rising costs, and increasing screen time. Texas Tech’s research team, led by Professor Dr. Susan Garcia, has already begun compiling data that will be shared with the council to help craft targeted interventions.

In addition to policy research, the council will pilot community outreach programs across five states. These programs are designed to integrate schools, local sports clubs, and community centers to create “sporting hubs” that provide safe, affordable environments for children to play. Texas Tech will serve as a model for one of these hubs, featuring the university’s newly opened Student‑Athlete Wellness Center.

Trump’s Role and the Council’s Broader Impact

President Trump’s involvement in the council has drawn attention from both supporters and critics. While he has not taken an active role in policy deliberations, his foundation’s financial contributions are earmarked for youth sports scholarships and the development of new community sports facilities. Trump’s emphasis on “American pride” and “sportsmanship” aligns with the council’s mission to promote civic engagement through athletics.

“It’s encouraging to see the former president’s commitment to our country’s youth,” said Dr. Garcia. “While politics often divides us, sports bring people together. The council is a testament to that unifying power.”

Beyond policy recommendations, the council is also slated to produce a set of best‑practice guidelines for universities looking to balance athletic ambition with academic integrity. Texas Tech’s success in maintaining a high graduation rate among its athletes—currently standing at 85%—will be highlighted as a benchmark.

What This Means for Texas Tech Students

For Texas Tech’s student body, the council’s initiatives promise tangible benefits. The university’s existing scholarship funds will be expanded to include new “Athletic Academic Excellence” awards. Additionally, the council’s research will inform the upcoming redesign of the campus’s athletic curriculum, ensuring that student‑athletes receive training that complements their academic schedules and prepares them for post‑college careers, whether in sports or other industries.

Athlete Maya Reyes, a senior forward on the women’s basketball team, expressed optimism: “Knowing that our university is part of a national effort to improve sports opportunities is motivating. It shows that we’re not just playing games; we’re shaping the future.”

Looking Ahead

The President’s Council on Sports is just getting started. Its first public report, slated for release in early 2026, will outline policy proposals aimed at bolstering grassroots participation, safeguarding student‑athletes, and leveraging sports for economic development. Texas Tech’s President Cody Campbell will play a pivotal role in steering the council’s agenda, drawing on the university’s experience in athletic excellence and academic rigor.

In a nation where sports remain a cultural touchstone, the council’s work promises to bridge gaps between policy, practice, and community, while shining a spotlight on Texas Tech’s leadership in both fields. Whether through new facilities, scholarship programs, or nationwide outreach, the partnership signals a commitment to ensuring that the spirit of competition continues to serve as a catalyst for growth, health, and unity across the United States.