In research universities, research tends to occupy the focus of the tenure-track faculty, as well. Publications pave the way to tenure. Teaching evaluations may

In research universities, research tends to occupy the focus of the tenure-track faculty, as well. Publications pave the way to tenure. Teaching evaluations may help one's tenure case slightly (if they're outstanding) or hurt a little bit (if they're really bad). Being in/chairing the right committees can help a little bit, as well. However, the lion's share of one's tenure case often comes down to research.