Dr. Lawrence Schovanec is the 17th president of Texas Tech University. Prior to his appointment, he served as the university provost since December 2013 and was interim president from July 2012 through March 2013. He also served as the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and chair of the Department of Mathematics & Statistics.

Dr. Schovanec earned his doctorate in mathematics from Indiana University, his master’s degree from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Phillips University. Other than two appointments as a visiting professor at Texas A&M and a research fellow at the U.S. Air Force Astronautics Laboratory, Schovanec has spent his entire career at Texas Tech University.

He has published primarily in the areas of biomechanical and physiological control systems and solid mechanics. He has spoken extensively at international conferences and other professional venues. As an administrator, he has been a strong advocate for educational and outreach activities in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In support of his research and STEM activities he has received more than $3.2 million in external funding, primarily from the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Schovanec has received the President’s Excellence in Teaching Award and is a member of the Texas Tech Teaching Academy. In 2011, he was a recipient of the Texas Tech University Inclusive Excellence Award given by the Division of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement.