Page 12 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2023 - Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

University. He has spent his entire
career at Texas Tech University,
except for two positions as a
visiting professor at Texas A&M
and a research fellow at the United
States Air Force Astronautics
Laboratory.
Dr. Schovanec’s path to the
Presidency of Texas Tech
University is best described as an
unintentional pursuit. Prior to his
appointment in 2016, he served as
interim president from July 2012 to
March 2013, and as provost since
December 2013. He also served
as dean of the College of Arts &
Sciences, as well as the chair of the
Department of Mathematics and Photo Courtesy of Texas Tech University
Statistics.
Upon accepting the position of the 17th President of
Texas Tech University, Schovanec says that there is not
any day that resembles another; every day requires a
different perspective.

“We have lots of meetings, lots of communication,
and I am extensively involved in matters pertaining to
enrollment, student success and well-being, and working
with legislators and donors,” Schovanec described.
“I must accredit the ease of my routine to my team.
Without them and their fantastic diligence, my job would
be much more difficult.”
Photo Courtesy of Texas Tech University
Despite the hecticness that comes with the position of
being the president of a school of this caliber, Schovanec aspects of what makes graduates from Texas Tech so
never fails to speak of how proud he is of his two sons, special, according to Schovanec.
accrediting their success to his wife, Patty, who is an
undergraduate adviser and instructor in the Department “The first priority of my vision, and of Texas Tech as a
of Mathematics and Statistics at Texas Tech. whole, is that we never lose sight of the fact that people
who come to Tech are ensured that you leave here
Tyler Schovanec was a former special teams coordinator career-ready, with a certain disposition that leads you
and running backs coach for Houston Baptist University; to success,” Schovanec proclaimed. “I think that’s what
he has now come back home to Lubbock where he serves Red Raiders are most famous for. Red Raiders have
as a special teams analyst for the Texas Tech coaching an unparalleled work ethic, determination never seen
staff. Cory, Dr. Schovanec’s other son, was also an before, and a quality of mind that subconsciously leads
outstanding high school athlete but concentrated on his them to success and leadership in their communities,”
academic career. Cory now serves as a Launch Engineer Schovanec said.
at SpaceX, based in Brownsville, TX.
Schovanec, while not only holding arguably the
As Texas Tech celebrates its centennial, Dr. Schovanec most prestigious position for the university, is also a
says the vision of Texas Tech is evidenced by what remarkable advocate for the university across the state,
Red Raiders go on to do in society. The grit and not just in Lubbock.
determination of Red Raiders is one of the pinnacle

12 Lubbock Senior Link