Robert L. Duncan

Robert Lloyd Duncan (born August 5, 1953) is an American attorney and politician who served as the fourth chancellor of the Texas Tech University System from 2014 to 2018. A Republican, he previously served as a member of both houses of the Texas State Legislature.

Early life and education

Duncan is the only son of the five children of Frank L. Duncan, a district conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Vernon, and the former Robena Formby. Duncan graduated from Vernon High School in 1971, and obtained a bachelor degree in agricultural economics from Texas Tech University, where he was elected student senator and student body president. He also obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Texas Tech law school.

Career

Duncan served in the Texas State Senate from the 28th district, centered about Lubbock, from 1996, when he won a special election, until his resignation in July 2014, when he was named chancellor of the Texas Tech system. He previously served in the Texas House of Representatives from District 84 from his election in 1992 until 1996. On May 19, 2014, the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents named Duncan the sole finalist to succeed former U.S. Representative Kent Hance as the system chancellor. He resigned his role as chancellor in 2018.

Duncan was a partner at the Lubbock firm of Crenshaw Dupree & Milam, L.L.P. for 25 years, and is now of counsel for the firm. In January 2025, the office of Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced that Duncan would be joining his team to serve as Chief of Staff.

Personal life Duncan is married to the former Terri Patterson. He has two children from his first marriage to the former Lynne Stebbins, Lindsey and Matthew Duncan.

Election history

Senate election history of Duncan.

Most recent election

2004

Previous elections

2002

1998

1996