2025 Kickoff Luncheon

Join us for as we Ignite to Unite for our 2025 Annual Campaign Kickoff featuring keynote speaker Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec.

About President Schovanec

Under Lawrence Schovanec’s leadership, Texas Tech University has reached new heights, exceeding benchmarks in student enrollment, research awards and expenditures and fundraising.

After receiving his doctorate in mathematics from Indiana University, Schovanec joined Texas Tech’s faculty as an assistant mathematics professor. Today, as the university’s 17th president, his tenure at Texas Tech has spanned more than four decades. He’s served as a department chair, dean, provost and, since 2016, university president.

Published primarily in the areas of biomechanical and physiological control systems and solid mechanics, Schovanec has spoken extensively at international conferences and other professional venues. He’s a strong sponsor for educational and outreach activities in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and has received more than $3.2 million in external funding, primarily from the National Science Foundation.

In addition to his role as president, Schovanec serves on the executive board for the Inter-American Organization for Higher Education, representing the United States. He is also a member of the NAFSA Board of Directors.

Previously, he was chair of both the Texas Council of Public University Presidents and Chancellors and the Texas International Education Consortium board. From 2021-2023, he chaired the Big 12 Board of Directors.

Schovanec and his wife Patty, a member of the mathematics faculty, are inspired every day by the students, each of whom brings unique experiences and perspectives that add to the fabric of the Texas Tech experience. Together, they share the values of grit, determination and hard work – traits that are on display every day by Red Raiders across the globe.