Dr. Haragan and his wife, Willie, are both from Houston, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Science and Doctorate degrees at the University of Texas at Austin in 1959 and 1969 respectively. In the interim he received his Master of Science degree from Texas A&M. Dr. Haragan became an assistant professor for Geosciences in 1969. He has served the university since that time as Chairperson of the Department of Geosciences, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research, Provost and Executive Vice President, and, most recently, as President of the University, a position from which he resigned in August 2000. Dr. Haragan deserves a great deal of credit for the growth and success of the TTU Honors College, which would not have reached its current status without the support and care he gave it during his years as President of the University. As President Emeritus, Dr. Haragan serves as a professor in the Department of Geosciences and the Honors College, as well as serving as an honorary member of the Higher Education faculty in the College of Education. He also served as a special consultant to the Office of International Affairs, working primarily in the area of study abroad for Texas Tech students.

Dr. Haragan is a man with a talent for music. He plays the piano and he sang in barbershop quartets for years. He's also great at telling stories. If you get the chance to meet him, you should ask him to tell you about the tornado that struck Lubbock in May of 1970. He was on Broadway Avenue in what was then called the Brookshire Inn and in what is now Gardski's Loft when the tornado hit the downtown area. Dr. Haragan is a warm and friendly personality in Honors, and it's a treat to hear him speak, especially since he has such a busy schedule.