Texas Tech Names Interim President

Texas Tech University Interim President Named

Officials at the Texas Tech University System named Lawrence Schovanec, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, as interim president of Texas Tech University.

The announcement came after actions taken at the Board of Regents meeting in El Paso.

"Dr. Schovanec has 30 years of dedicated service at Texas Tech," said Kent Hance, chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. "He knows our university well and has done an outstanding job as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. I am confident Dr. Schovanec will lead with enthusiasm and integrity in this role."

Schovanec, who became dean of the College of Arts & Sciences in June 2010, will begin his duties in early September. He will serve for an indefinite period of time as a search committee works to select a replacement for Guy Bailey, the 15th and former president of Texas Tech.

"I am humbled by the opportunity to serve Texas Tech as interim president," Schovanec said. "Because of the contributions of the faculty, students and staff and the administrative leadership of the university, we enjoy substantial momentum in the crucial areas of enrollment growth, student success, faculty productivity and scholarship, and research funding. As evidence of our progress, Texas Tech now receives a share of the state's National Research University Fund. Working with all university stakeholders, and utilizing our Strategic Plan and business model, my objective as interim president is to enhance Texas Tech's position as a great public research university."

Board Chairman Jerry E. Turner said Schovanec's appointment assures that Texas Tech University will continue to advance.

"Dr. Schovanec's extensive institutional experience makes him an ideal person to maintain our forward progress," Turner said. "I believe he will keep us on track as we continue to expand and enhance our established academic programs and research profile."

At Texas Tech for approximately three decades, Schovanec previously served as interim dean of the College of Arts & Sciences from September 2008 through May 2010.  Prior to this, he served as chairman of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics beginning in 1998. He joined the faculty in 1982.

Schovanec earned his doctorate in mathematics from Indiana University, his master's degree from Texas A&M University and his bachelor of science degree from Phillips University. He has received the President's Excellence in Teaching Award and is a member of the Texas Tech Teaching Academy.

Schovanec has published widely in academic journals and has spoken at numerous professional conferences. His research interests are in the fields of biomechanical and physiological control systems and solid mechanics. He has received more than $3.2 million in external funding for his research.