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Texas Tech Regent Cody Campbell Joins Trump's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition

Texas Tech Regent Cody Campbell Appointed to President Trump's Council on Sports

In a significant development bridging the worlds of higher education, athletics, and national policy, Texas Tech University Board of Regents member Cody Campbell has been named to President Donald Trump's revamped Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The announcement, made public on July 31, 2025, underscores Campbell's rising prominence as a key figure in both collegiate sports philanthropy and broader efforts to promote health and wellness across the United States. This appointment not only highlights Campbell's personal achievements but also positions Texas Tech at the intersection of sports advocacy and federal initiatives, potentially opening doors for enhanced funding and programs at the university level.

Cody Campbell, a Lubbock native and Texas Tech alumnus, has long been a pillar of the Red Raiders community. Born and raised in West Texas, Campbell's journey began on the football fields of Texas Tech, where he played as an offensive lineman from 1999 to 2003 under legendary coach Mike Leach. His time as a Red Raider instilled in him a deep passion for athletics, teamwork, and perseverance—values that have defined his post-collegiate career. After graduating with a degree in finance, Campbell ventured into the energy sector, founding Double Eagle Energy Holdings, a highly successful oil and gas company based in Fort Worth. Under his leadership, the company grew exponentially, leading to lucrative acquisitions and establishing Campbell as a multimillionaire entrepreneur. His business acumen has not only amassed personal wealth but also enabled him to give back generously to his alma mater.

Campbell's philanthropy toward Texas Tech has been nothing short of transformative. In recent years, he has donated tens of millions of dollars to the university's athletic programs, most notably contributing to the construction of state-of-the-art facilities like the Dustin R. Womble Football Center and the Sports Performance Center. These investments have bolstered Texas Tech's competitiveness in the Big 12 Conference, attracting top recruits and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience. His commitment extends beyond finances; as a member of the Texas Tech Board of Regents since his appointment in 2021 by Governor Greg Abbott, Campbell has played a pivotal role in shaping university policy, advocating for expansions in STEM education, athletic infrastructure, and community outreach. Regents colleagues have praised his hands-on approach, often describing him as a "bridge-builder" who connects donors, administrators, and policymakers to advance Texas Tech's mission.

The appointment to President Trump's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition comes at a time when the administration is prioritizing health initiatives amid ongoing national conversations about obesity, mental health, and youth sports participation. Originally established in the 1950s as the President's Council on Youth Fitness under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the council has evolved over decades to address broader wellness issues. Under Trump's previous term, it was restructured to emphasize sports and nutrition, with high-profile members including athletes, coaches, and health experts. The 2025 iteration, relaunched following Trump's return to office, aims to combat sedentary lifestyles exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and promote physical activity as a cornerstone of American resilience. Campbell's inclusion is seen as a nod to his expertise in collegiate athletics and his ability to influence policy at the grassroots level.

In a statement released by the White House, President Trump lauded Campbell's selection, saying, "Cody Campbell embodies the American spirit of hard work and dedication. From the gridiron at Texas Tech to building a business empire, he's shown what it takes to win. On this council, he'll help us get our kids moving, our athletes thriving, and our nation healthier than ever before." Campbell, in turn, expressed his enthusiasm for the role, noting in an interview with Lubbock Avalanche-Journal that "Sports changed my life, and I believe they can change lives across this country. I'm honored to serve alongside leaders who share a vision for a fitter, stronger America, and I'll bring the Red Raider grit to every discussion."

This appointment has elicited widespread reactions within the Texas Tech community and beyond. University President Lawrence Schovanec hailed it as a "proud moment for Texas Tech," emphasizing how Campbell's national platform could amplify the university's efforts in sports science and health education. "Cody's appointment reflects the caliber of leaders we produce here," Schovanec said. "It will undoubtedly foster new partnerships that benefit our students and the broader Lubbock community." Fellow regents echoed this sentiment, with one anonymous board member noting that Campbell's influence in Washington could lead to federal grants for athletic research or youth programs in underserved West Texas areas.

On a broader scale, Campbell's role on the council aligns with ongoing national debates about the intersection of sports, politics, and public health. The council's agenda includes initiatives to expand access to sports in schools, promote nutritional education, and address disparities in fitness opportunities for minority and rural populations—issues particularly relevant to Texas Tech's service area in the rural Panhandle. Critics of the Trump administration, however, have questioned the council's composition, arguing it favors high-profile donors and allies over diverse experts. Supporters counter that figures like Campbell bring real-world experience, having navigated the challenges of funding and sustaining athletic programs in a competitive landscape.

Campbell's personal story adds a compelling layer to his appointment. Growing up in a modest family, he credits Texas Tech's football program for providing him with discipline and opportunities that propelled his success. His wife, a fellow Texas Tech graduate, and their family remain deeply involved in Lubbock's charitable scene, further cementing his ties to the region. Beyond energy, Campbell has diversified his investments into real estate and sports ventures, including minority stakes in professional teams, which could inform his contributions to the council's discussions on professional-amateur athlete transitions and anti-doping policies.

Looking ahead, Campbell's involvement could have ripple effects for Texas Tech athletics. With the Red Raiders football team under head coach Joey McGuire continuing to build momentum—fresh off a strong 2024 season that saw them contend for the Big 12 title—additional federal attention might translate to enhanced recruiting or facility upgrades. Moreover, as college sports grapple with name, image, and likeness (NIL) reforms and conference realignments, Campbell's dual role as regent and council member positions him to advocate for policies that protect student-athletes' well-being while fostering competitive equity.

In the political arena, this appointment underscores the enduring alliance between Trump and influential Texas figures. Texas, a Republican stronghold, has seen several of its leaders tapped for federal roles, and Campbell's conservative leanings—evident in his support for pro-business policies and traditional values—align with the administration's priorities. Yet, Campbell has emphasized that his focus on the council will remain apolitical, centered on bipartisan goals like reducing childhood obesity rates, which have climbed to alarming levels nationwide.

As Texas Tech prepares for the upcoming academic year, the university community is buzzing with optimism. Alumni associations have already planned events to celebrate Campbell's achievement, and students in sports management programs are eager to see how this national exposure might create internship or research opportunities. For Lubbock, a city where Texas Tech is the economic and cultural heartbeat, Campbell's rise serves as a reminder of the Red Raiders' far-reaching impact.

In summary, Cody Campbell's appointment to President Trump's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition is more than a personal accolade—it's a testament to the power of education, athletics, and public service. From his roots as a Red Raider lineman to his current stature as a regent and national advisor, Campbell exemplifies how individual success can fuel collective progress. As he steps into this role, the eyes of West Texas and the nation will be watching, hopeful that his contributions will inspire a healthier, more active future for all Americans. This development not only elevates Texas Tech's profile but also reinforces the vital role of sports in shaping policy and society at large. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Article at:
[ https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/sports/college/red-raiders/2025/07/31/texas-tech-regents-cody-campbell-president-trump-council-on-sports/85375033007/ ]