Count Pyotr Vasilyevich Zavadovsky, born on January 10 (21), 1739, in the Kiev Governorate, was a Russian statesman of Ukrainian descent. He served as cabinet secretary and was a favorite of Catherine II, becoming the first Minister of Public Education of the Russian Empire in 1802 and 1810.

Zavadovsky came from a Little Russian family and was born in the village of Krasnovichi. His father, Vasily Vasilyevich Zavadovsky, was a Cossack elder, and his mother was the daughter of a podkomory, Pelageya Stepanovna Shiray. Due to the family's modest means, Pyotr was raised by his uncle and educated at a Jesuit school in Orsha, and later at the Kyiv Theological Academy until 1760.

In 1760, he began his service in Glukhov at the Little Russian Collegium and soon became a senior advisor to the Pochep Cossack hundred. Count Rumyantsev, who governed Little Russia from 1765, noticed him and appointed him to his secret chancellery. During the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774, Zavadovsky commanded a detachment defending the Dniester coast and was promoted to premier-major, then to lieutenant colonel and colonel for his merits.

In 1774, he participated in the preparation of the Treaty of Kuchuk-Kainarji and was awarded the Order of Saint George of the 4th class and the estate of Lyalychi. In 1775, Zavadovsky arrived in St. Petersburg with Count Rumyantsev and was introduced to Catherine II, becoming her favorite and cabinet secretary. He received numerous awards and privileges but was soon removed from the court due to intrigues.

After his resignation, Zavadovsky remained loyal to Catherine and did not marry for ten years. He built a palace in Yekaterinodar, adorned with a statue of the empress. With the support of his friend Bezborodko, Zavadovsky held important positions, including privy councilor and senator. He managed banks and educational institutions, developed statutes and plans for public schools.

In 1793, Emperor Francis II granted him the title of Count of the Holy Roman Empire, and Catherine II awarded him the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky. In 1797, Paul I elevated him to the rank of count in the Russian Empire, but in 1799, Zavadovsky was dismissed due to financial machinations in the bank.

Under Alexander I, Zavadovsky returned to service and became a senator and a member of the Permanent Council. From 1802 to 1810, he headed the Ministry of Public Education, promoting the establishment of public schools and universities. From 1810 until his death, he was the chairman of the Department of Laws of the State Council.

Count Pyotr Vasilyevich Zavadovsky died on January 9 (21), 1812, in St. Petersburg and was buried at the Lazarev Cemetery of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.