Rachel McLelland
STUDENT REGENT
Rachel McLelland was appointed as Student Regent for the Board of Regents of the Texas Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà System (Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà System) on May 22, 2026, by Gov. Greg Abbott. McLelland serves on the Academic, Clinical and Student Affairs Committee. Her one-year term began on June 1, 2026, and will expire on May 31, 2027.
McLelland, who is from Tijeras, New Mexico, is a student at (Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃHSC), where she is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree at the . She graduated from (Texas Tech) in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in anthropology and general studies, with minors in chemistry, biology, and health professions.
Throughout her academic career, McLelland has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service at Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃHSC and in the Lubbock community. Her involvement has included serving as president of the Hands-On Clinical Skills and No One Dies Alone programs, research coordinator for the Orthopaedic Interest Group and a Mentor in Medicine participant, where she has guided undergraduate students through the medical school application process.
Additionally, she has served as a Dean’s Ambassador for the School of Medicine since 2021. Outside the classroom, she volunteers as a NICU cuddler at a local hospital and provides peripheral artery disease screenings and patient counseling at a free clinic. While at Texas Tech, she also served as the 2015-16 Masked Rider, making 305 public appearances representing the university.
McLelland is currently a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force Reserve. Upon completing medical school and residency, she will serve as an active-duty physician in the United States Air Force.
McLelland becomes the 21st student to serve on the Board of Regents and the eighth student from Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃHSC.