"[3] A native Texan, Lawrence B. Harkless did his undergraduate work at The University of North Texas and is a graduate of the California School of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco where he was a member of the honor society.

He completed his internship at UTHSCSA and his residency in Podiatric Surgery at Atlanta Medical Center in Atlanta, GA. His most significant contribution has been his leadership and passion in integrating podiatric medicine in an academic Health Science Center earning the respect and admiration of his physician colleagues.

Harkless also operated his own private practice, The Alamo Foot Clinic Inc., He has chaired the Medical Faculty Assembly, and served as Director of the Podiatric Residency Training Program at (UTHSCSA).

[9] Described by some as "the father of diabetic foot care",[3] he is recognized nationally and internationally for his scientific and scholarly contributions serving on editorial boards, scientific advisory panels, for most of the major pharmaceutical companies and government (United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

[10] Harkless is the recipient of the APMA's Distinguished Service Citation, which is the highest honor given by the profession; the President's Excellence Award in Teaching, given to him by UTHSCSA (1998), the Lifetime Achievement Award and Hall of Fame by Podiatry Management Magazine (2002), and a place on the Wall of Honor at the Texas Diabetes Institute (2003).