Laura Banks-Reed, Ph.D.
Laura N. Banks-Reed Ed.D. is a native of Tucson Arizona. She earned four degrees from the University of Arizona: Bachelor of Science Master of Education Education Specialist and Doctorate of Education. For 39 years she served as an educator in Tucson. During that time, she served as a teacher Peace Corps Lecturer Principal District Reading Coordinator and Assistant Superintendent. Presently she is President/Owner of LNB Enterprises an educational consulting firm. Dr. Banks-Reed is an avid community worker and volunteer. She has served on numerous local state and national boards and YWCA NAACP Urban League Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Women at the Top. She was a member of the YWCA National Board for 11 years a member of the International Advisory Board for the University of Arizona/College of Education and a member of the Advisory Council for the UTSA College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Banks-Reed was named a Paul Harris Fellow (Rotary International). She served as National Secretary Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and National Recording Secretary of the Links Inc. Dr. Banks-Reed was a Charter Member San Antonio Chapter National Coalition of 100 Black Women. She has received many outstanding awards and commendations. They include the University of Arizona Black Alumni Phenomenal Woman Award University of Arizona Distinguished Citizen Award YWCA's Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award Shriner's Award for Service Excellence in Education and the University of Arizona College of Education Distinguished Service Award. She is an NAACP Diamond Lifetime Member of Robert L. Horn Award recipient. Additionally, Dr. Banks-Reed is listed in seven different editions of "Who's Who" and is featured in the 1997 Edition of the Southern Arizona Women's Fund book. An elementary school in Tucson, Arizona was named in her honor in April 2002 and dedicated in February 2003. The Barrio Anita Association of Tucson honored Dr. Banks-Reed's achievements and community service by including a 15-foot portrait of her in glass mosaic tile in a 400-square foot mural. She and her late husband Jack Banks were owners of Jack's Original Barbecue for 42 years. The business was inducted into the Arizona Restaurant Hall of Fame in 1994. Her life is personified through Luke 12:48 "To whom much is give much is required; And from one who has been entrusted with much much more will be asked". In 2006 Dr. Banks-Reed married her wartime sweetheart Mr. Eugene Reed. They are members of Second Baptist Church and reside in Helotes Texas. Honored on the African American Women's Arch.