Dr. Larry Dwayne Ponder was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. Being that his father was in the U. S. Navy and later a minister, Larry had many opportunities to live in many parts of the United States as well as Guam and Scotland. He moved back to Texas in 1979 and raised his children mostly in the Houston area. Family is very important to him and that includes his 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law, and 4 grandchildren.

Easter 2019
Dr. Ponder Graduated from high school in Mineola, Texas and earned his B. S. degree from the University of Texas – Pan American with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Mathematics. He earned his Masters of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification. He also earned his Doctor of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in Educational Leadership along with the Superintendency series.

Dr. Ponder retired from the Alief Independent School District where he served for 26 years.  Combined with his work with other institutions and districts he has served a variety of positions that include: teacher, curriculum specialist, professor, and administrator.