Cavazos Middle School was named after noted local educator Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos, who served as the President of Texas Tech University from 1980-1988, and as the U.S. Secretary of Education from 1988-1990.

Dr. Cavazos is well known for his commitment to educational opportunities for minorities,  and he had a vision of seeing secondary education become technology oriented.

Cavazos Middle School was completed in 1993, Cavazos is the newest middle school in Lubbock ISD, giving students an opportunity to learn in an aesthetically pleasing environment.