John Harrell II, Ed.D.

Assistant Vice President of Student Services & Student Engagement

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso

Dr. John R. Harrell II, known as “Dr. J,” is an innovative thinker with proven skills working with students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. John is a passionate educator with a track record of implementing, guiding, and evaluating successful student development programming. His professional career demonstrates his ability to lead large, complex areas and remain cognizant of multiple stakeholders’ needs.  He is a first-gen graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business with a concentration in Corporate Communication. Additionally, Dr. Harrell completed his Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Education in Executive Educational Leadership at Houston Baptist University.

Dr. Harrell has over fifteen years of experience working in various student and instructional services roles. Dr. Harrell currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Student Services & Student Engagement at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. Dr. Harrell is the institution’s senior student affairs and enrollment services officer, overseeing strategic initiatives related to student success.  He has previously served as Assistant Dean of Student Services at the Texas Southern University Joan M. Lafleur College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences and other student affairs and enrollment management positions across the state of Texas. As an educator, scholar, and college administrator, Dr. Harrell has actively led cutting-edge programs that drive student achievement, improve lives, and produce graduates qualified to enter the workforce or further university studies.  John places a great focus on promoting college readiness standards and developing coalitions across department and division lines to build top-performing teams.

John is the grandson of Mississippi farmers and the son of a retired Army soldier. He has seen firsthand the positive economic impact that education can have on families. Dr. Harrell has committed to being a fierce educational advocate for the underserved and underprepared.