Larry Lyon is a 1971 Baylor graduate who returned to Baylor's Sociology Department after earning his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin in 1975. He is currently a Professor of Sociology, Director of the Center for Community Research and Development, and Dean of the Graduate School.

Dean Lyon has served as Chair of the Baylor Faculty Senate, Director of the Baylor 1994-96 Self-Study, President of the Southwestern Sociological Association, President of the Southwestern Social Science Association, and President of the Association of Texas Graduate Schools.