John Opperman, PhD

Dr. John Opperman was named Associate Vice President for Outreach and Engagement in September 2019. He previously served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Texas Tech University System since 2015 and as Interim President at Texas Tech University in 2016.

In his current role, Dr. Opperman oversees the Office of University Outreach and Engagement. That office is responsible for coordinating community engagement involving faculty, staff and students and community partners in West Texas and beyond.

Dr. Opperman previously served as Vice Chancellor for Policy & Planning 2002-2015 and oversaw strategic planning for the TTU System and academic policy issues. He served as the Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer for the TTU System from 1996-1999.

In addition to his positions at the TTU System, Dr. Opperman has spent more than 20 years in public service with the State of Texas, working primarily on issues related to higher education, public education, and state budgeting. He has served as Director of Budget, Policy & Planning for the Governor of Texas, Budget Director for the Lt. Governor of Texas, and Director of the Senate Finance Committee in the Texas Legislature.

Dr. Opperman holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and master’s degree and PhD from the University of Texas at Austin.