Leigh Bryan Knight was born in Alvin, Texas, on June 30, 1943. He began studying business at Texas Tech in 1961, where he was active in TTU’s ROTC program. He graduated with his BBA in 1966 and continued at TTU until he earned his MBA in 1968. Knight served in the Army and arrived in Vietnam on June 8, 1969, where he served at the Long Binh Army Depot working as a management analyst for the 1st Logistics Command. While in Vietnam Knight was a first lieutenant and he earned a National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, a Bronze Star, Meritorious Unit Citation, and two Overseas Service Bars. He is married to Karen L. Knight and has four children: Suzanne Sisk, Clinton Knight, Julie Knight, and Kristin Knight.