Bill Blackwood was a graduate of Texas A&M University and served in the Texas Legislature from 1984 through 1993 (R-Mesquite).
In September 1993, the Texas Legislature placed LEMIT under the control of SHSU and moved the headquarters to Huntsville; at this time the institute was renamed in honor of State Representative Bill Blackwood.
The LEMIT Headquarters building carries Blackwood's name.
