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Bob Albritton
Two Fort Worth businessmen were recently elected chairmen of the boards of regents at their respective alma maters and the broader systems encompassing multiple institutions.
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on Tuesday tapped Robert L. “Bob” Albritton chairman. Likewise, the Texas Tech system appointed Cody Campbell, a “lifelong Red Raider,” to the same position.
Cody Campbell
“I am humbled and honored,” said Albritton, Aggie Class of 1971. “It can be daunting to think about the storied history of this great university and system, but it is an honor to be given a lead role in protecting what has made it great and building on that. What an exciting time for the opportunity.”
Albritton was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2015 by Gov. Greg Abbott and reappointed in 2021. He has served as vice chairman for the past two years.
A native of Bryan, Albritton is the son of Martha and Ford Albritton. The couple are best known for the Albritton Tower, the landmark bell tower they donated to the university in 1984. Ford Albritton ’43 served on the Board of Regents from 1968-75.
It is believed that Ford and Bob Albritton are only father and son to have both served on the system’s governing board.
Albritton graduated with honors from Texas A&M, with a double major in Economics and Marketing. A member of the Corps of Cadets, he was commissioned upon graduation as a second lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force.
In 1978, he joined Texas American Bank as senior vice president. Shortly thereafter, he formed his first independent company, Albritton Development Company, which became the holding company for various operating entities. He has had numerous businesses in the ensuing years in industries that include railroads, energy, real estate and bio-medical technology.
He currently is the board chairman and CEO of RCL Services Group, a railroad construction company. He is also a majority owner and board chairman of Wave Neuroscience, a company researching and developing treatments for PTSD and other mental and cognitive conditions.
The A&M System is in the midst of constructing Texas A&M-Fort Worth in downtown.
Campbell is the fourth regent from Fort Worth to serve as chairman at Texas Tech. The others were Amon Carter, appointed by Gov. Pat Neff; Wright Armstrong, appointed by Gov. Price Daniel; and Christopher Huckabee, appointed by Abbott.
Campbell, too, was appointed by Abbott, in 2021.
“As a lifelong Red Raider, I’m committed to working alongside my fellow board members to advance the mission of our system and continue building on the legacy of excellence at each of our universities,” Campbell said. “This institution means so much to me and my family, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help shape its future.”
Campbell is a member of the TTU System Spur Society, which recognizes generous donors contributing to the growth of the system, as well as Texas Tech University’s Founders Society, which acknowledges individuals and organizations that advance Texas Tech athletics through significant financial contributions.
His commitment led to the naming of the Cody Campbell Field at Jones AT&T Stadium, recognizing a $25 million donation as part of the stadium’s south end zone renovation — a nearly $250 million project redefining the home of Texas Tech football.
Campbell is the co-CEO and co-founder of Double Eagle Energy Holdings, an upstream E&P company headquartered in Fort Worth. Over the last decade, Double Eagle has been one of the most active participants in the Permian Basin, assembling hundreds of thousands of acres and completing billions of dollars in transactions.