Born in Richland, Washington; 1972 graduate of Emmett High School; TVCC and BSU with a B.S. political science; member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served a mission in Brazil 1973-1975; father of eight and grandfather of 28; married for 44 years to Sheryll; written several books on education, health care, and poverty; chairman of the Senate Education Committee; serves on the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee; main architect of the very successful Advanced Opportunities program; website Steventhayn.com.