Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos was born near Kingsville, Texas in 1927. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a B.A. degree in 1949 and an M.A. degree in 1951. In 1954, he earned a Ph.D. degree in Physiology from Iowa State University. From 1954 to 1964, Dr. Cavazos taught anatomy at the Medical College of Virginia. He taught at the Tufts University School of Medicine from 1964 to 1980 and served as its dean from 1975 to 1980.

In 1980, Dr. Cavazos became the first alumnus to hold the distinction of serving as Texas Tech University’s President. In 1988 Dr. Cavazos left his Alma Mata and became the first Hispanic appointed to a cabinet level position when President Ronald Reagan appointed him Secretary of Education (1988-1990). Dr. Cavazos has 21 honorary degrees, has been honored as Distinguished Alumnus of Texas Tech University and was named “Most Influential Hispanic” in the United States by Hispanic Business.