Leadership Fueling Innovation
Texas Tech Health El Paso President Richard Lange Receives Pioneers 21 Innovation Award
Awards recognize individuals who have pioneered new avenues for regional economic and human advancement
Texas Tech Health El Paso President Richard Lange, M.D., M.B.A. was honored with the prestigious Pioneers 21 Innovation Award during a special event Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection, in Downtown El Paso.
As president of Texas Tech Health El Paso, Dr. Lange has led transformative health care and academic and research initiatives that have reshaped our Borderplex region. His leadership has also strengthened El Paso’s role in medical innovation.
“I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from Pioneers 21,” Dr. Lange said. “This award reflects the collective work of so many dedicated faculty, clinicians, students and community partners who share a commitment to advancing health care and innovation in our Borderplex. Together, we are building a healthier future for our region.”
The Pioneers 21 Innovation Awards honor exceptional Borderplex leaders whose vision advances the region, strengthens the economy, and improves the quality of life of the community. Award recipients are recognized for leveraging emerging technologies and forward-thinking strategies to foster a culture of innovation.
“Our awardees exemplify a strong commitment to exploration and a readiness to embrace unconventional, transformative ideas,” Pioneers 21 said in a statement. “Their openness to creativity, no matter how radical, has inspired a lasting culture of progress, sparking meaningful change across industries and sectors.”
Recipients share a deep connection to the community alongside a demonstrated ability to turn bold ideas into meaningful impact. Together, they represent the spirit of innovation that continues to shape the region’s future. Other recipients of the 2026 Pioneers 21 Innovation Awards include Paso del Norte Health Foundation CEO Tracy Yellen, and Kirk and Judy Robison, leaders of the Kirk and Judy Robison Foundation.
A nationally recognized cardiologist, educator and health care innovator, Dr. Lange has served as president of Texas Tech Health El Paso since 2014. He also served concurrently as dean of the Foster School of Medicine from 2014 to 2025. During his tenure, he built an institution that addressed critical regional health needs while laying the groundwork for long-term health equity.
Under his leadership, Texas Tech Health El Paso launched the Hunt School of Dental Medicine, the first new dental school to open in Texas in more than 50 years. It has significantly expanded our community’s access to oral health care and strengthened the region’s workforce pathway.
Dr. Lange is also overseeing the development of the Fox Cancer Center, our Borderplex’s first comprehensive cancer center. The center will integrate advanced imaging, treatment, research, clinical trials and community outreach, allowing patients to receive world-class cancer care close to home.
Dr. Lange has helped grow, retain, and empower local talent, ensuring that innovation benefits the community for generations to come. With more than 400 published articles, he’s elevated El Paso’s presence on the national research stage, demonstrating that world-class innovation can originate and thrive here. In recognition of his lasting community impact, El Paso Inc. named him El Pasoan of the Year in 2021.
Extending his influence beyond the classroom and clinic, Dr. Lange co-created the long-running medical podcast, TT HealthWatch, bringing trusted medical insight to a broad public audience. He’s also served for 15 years on the FDA Circulatory System Devices Panel, including six years as chair, helping shape national policy at the intersection of innovation and patient safety.
Founded in 2011, Pioneers 21 is El Paso’s original launchpad for innovation and has supported more than 250 startups, fueling the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
About Texas Tech Health El Paso
Texas Tech Health El Paso serves 108 counties in West Texas and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of health care heroes. Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a uniquely innovative destination for medical, nursing, biomedical sciences and dental education.
Focusing on excellence in health care education, research, and clinical service, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated more than 2,600 professionals over the past decade. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.