Meet Our Students

Principal, Morton Elementary School, Arlington ISD
M.Ed. Educational Administration, Lamar University 
B.S. Psychology & English, Stephen F. Austin State University 

"I believe in 'Getting Better Every Day' as a professional and a person. I have a personal responsibility as the leader of my school community to provide an equitable education to all students. As a leader, I set the tone for setting high standards and expectations to shape a vision of academic success for all students, enable and build capacity in educators to be at their best in their practice and promote a shared responsibility with parents so that ALL students can thrive in their education journey through goal-setting, perseverance, and accomplishment." 

Mental Health Coordinator, Plano ISD

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education." – MLK Jr.

Deputy Chief of Academics, Attuned Education Partners
M.Ed.,American University
B.A., Georgetown University

"I enrolled in this program with the goal of fostering personal growth and becoming an even stronger leader for all the children I serve. I strongly believe in the transformative power of education, particularly for historically marginalized students. As Nelson Mandela wisely said, "Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world."

Principal, Price Elementary, Mesquite ISD 

"It is not enough to just be the leader of a school. As school administrators, we must lead. Through meaningful change, setting the example of excellence and resilience, and finding ways to encourage and inspire individuals for growth, every day, I strive to lead my students, staff, and community better than I did the day before. Pursuing this degree allows me to handle solutions to systemic challenges better and develop the necessary skills to lead our students and the communities we serve effectively."

Coordinator, Racial Equity Office, Dallas ISD 
M.S. Educational Administration, Texas A&M University
B.A. Communications, Mississippi State University

"One of my favorite quotes is, "Be the change you wish to see." I embarked on this doctoral journey to become a better change agent and become more equipped with the skills and knowledge so that I can be most impactful. This degree isn't just for me but also for my family and for the students and families I will continue to impact. "

Head of Primary and Lower School at St. John's Episcopal School
M.A. Teaching, Columbia College
B.S. in Kinesiology, San Diego State University

"Robert Fulghum wrote, “The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. No, not at all. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be.” I joined this program to fill my watering can and grow personally and professionally so that I can transform students' minds in learning environments that foster meaningful inquiry and critical thinking. I believe education should broaden the lens through which students see and experience the world and that trusting relationships have the most significant impact on school culture and student outcomes. ”

Owner & CEO - Cadenza Strategy Group
M.Ed. Educational Leadership, University of North Texas
B.S. Music Education, Baylor University

"I joined the SMU Ed.D. program to further and feed my passion for creating powerful systems that change students' lives. It is my most fervent belief that every student deserves our absolute best, every day. In order to provide that experience, we need educators and leaders trained in the research-proven best practices that the SMU Ed.D. program provides. This degree will empower me to drive paradigm shifting change for the students, teachers, leaders, and systems I support at Cadenza. "

Executive Director of Feeder in Houston ISD
M.Ed. Education Leadership, Southern Methodist University 
B.A. Psychology and Pre-Med, University of Southern California

"I entered the educational leadership and policy doctoral program driven by my unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact on our education system. My passion lies in creating equitable opportunities for all students, empowering them to thrive regardless of their backgrounds or zip codes. My personal philosophy centers on the belief that education is the catalyst for societal progress, and I embrace the challenges of leadership to effect meaningful change. 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' - Nelson Mandela. As I embark on this journey, my mantra remains, 'Equity in education, a pathway to a brighter future for all.'"

Pre-K Bilingual Teacher, Martha Turner Reilly Elementary, Dallas ISD
M.A. Leadership Studies, University of Victoria
M.Ed., Lesley University
B.A. Anthropology, Hispanic and Latin American Studies, Connecticut College

This program will help me grow with our cohort to be successful education leaders and great friends. I appreciate the flexibility to continue to teach full-time, while starting my degree and raising a young family.

McLean 6th Grade Principal, Fort Worth ISD
M.A Women and Gender Studies, University of North Texas
M.Ed., Lesley University
B.S - Spanish Literature and Linguistics, Tarleton State University

I am pursuing my Ed.D for those who believed in my abilities, for the educators in my life that grew me, mentored me and for the little 5 year old Spanish speaking undocumented self, to show her that ¡SI SE PUEDE! My area of focus examines the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender and othering to identify barriers and drivers to accessing academic opportunities and breaking the systematic barriers that prevents us from pursuing and accomplishing higher education.

Executive Director of Secondary, Terrell ISD
M.Ed., Lamar University
B.S., University of North Texas

A wise leader once told me to “Live my life so that others are successful”, and I have taken this quote to heart and live by it daily. Of the many characteristics of leadership, humility, selflessness, gratitude, empathy, and grit are key traits I have developed over time. They are most significant when you are in the business of growing people. Servant leadership is, and will always be the model in which I lead. My firm belief is to walk alongside your team, as there is no role or job too small or too big, we all matter in this work. The current state of education has definitely challenged and shifted my mindset, which indeed has impacted how one would normally lead. The cohort structure of the SMU program is one of the primary reasons why I feel this is the best program for me. This journey isn’t one that can be completed alone, and I am grateful for the community within the program and I will be ready and willing to share my time and support my fellow classmates.

Assistant Principal, Lamar High School, Arlington ISD
M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Southern Methodist University
B.A.A.S. Business & Human Resource Management, University of North Texas

This doctoral program will provide an opportunity to deepen my understanding of educational policy, research methodologies, and leadership strategies. With this knowledge, I aim to transform educational institutions into beacons of inclusivity and excellence where all students can thrive and achieve their dreams. One of my core philosophies is rooted in the principle that every student, regardless of their linguistic or cultural background, deserves access to quality education that fosters their unique potential. As an educational leader, I aspire to dismantle barriers, challenge inequities, and pave the way for inclusive educational systems.  

Campus Principal, Ripley House PreK-8th, BakerRipley Community Schools
M.Ed., Lamar University
B.B.A., University of Notre Dame

I am committed to the belief that as educators, we must create environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive and make a positive contribution to our communities. My passion for ensuring high-quality education and equity for all students drives me toward a degree in educational leadership at SMU.

Assistant Principal, DeSoto High School- DeSoto ISD
M.Ed. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, The University of Texas at Arlington
M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction- Math Emphasis, The University of Texas at Arlington B.A.A.S. Applied Arts and Sciences, University of North Texas

My goal in pursuing my Ed.D in Educational Leadership at SMU is to: 1) build upon the experiential knowledge gained as an instructional leader in my current role; 2) contribute to and learn from the different experiences of other educational leadership colleagues in a cohort setting; and 3) impact the learning environment of all stakeholders through learning from the researched based study and implementation of best practices in educational leadership. Furthermore, I am passionate about service leadership, continuous learning, establishing collegial bonds, and my unrelenting commitment to mastering my craft in how I implement instructional and educational leadership practices.

Co-Founder Dallas ISD CityLab High School, Founder and Past President of The CityLab Foundation
Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington - College of Architecture, Planning & Public Affairs Masters in Architecture, Texas A&M University
B.S. Architecture, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey Campus Estado de México

Through the Educational Leadership Doctorate program, my goals are to grow as a transformational leader and cement my commitment to erasing barriers for entry, promote retention and advancement in the Design professions for the Latinx populations in North Texas. I see myself as a bridge between secondary Career & Technical Education and Higher Education, an instrument in service of those that like me, immigrated to the US in the pursuit of the American dream to build a legacy.

Principal, Carrollton- Farmers Branch Independent School District 
B.S. Corrections, Langston University
M.A. Political Science, Oklahoma State University 
M.S. Counseling Psychology, Northeastern State University 

Assistant Principal, Bussey Middle School, Garland ISD
M.S. Sports Administration, University of Cincinnati
M.Ed. Administration and Supervision, University of Houston-Victoria
B.S. Fitness and Sports, Texas A&M International University

Secondary Science Coordinator, Birdville ISD
M.Ed, Southern Methodist University
B.S. Aeronautical Studies, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Director of Operations, Research in Mathematics Education at SMU
M.S. Leadership of Learning, Abilene Christian University
B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies, Texas A&M University at Commerce

Staying connected to K-12 public education is so important to me. I believe it critically important that professional development equip central office leaders with the project management skills they need to effectively implement systems that truly support campus leadership. When these leaders understand the importance of their role in system rollout, they can ensure that initiatives are not only well-executed but also impactful at the campus level. I am looking forward to diving into this belief even more during this program.  

Chief of School Leadership, Dallas Independent School District
B.S. Biology, Paul Quinn College 
M.A. Interdisciplinary Science University of Texas at Arlington

My desire to join this program stems from my unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Throughout my career, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact of effective leadership on students, teachers, and entire communities. This program offers a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of educational leadership while refining the skills necessary to drive meaningful change. I personally believe that every student deserves access to high-quality education that empowers them to reach their full potential. Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This quote encapsulates my philosophy and commitment to using my education and experiences to make a positive difference in the lives of students and educators.

Leadership Development Director, SustainED Leaders
M.Ed. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, University of Texas at Arlington
B.A. Anthropology, University of Florida

I believe that the heart of leadership lies in the ability to foster and nurture relationships.  Education consists not only of the transfer of knowledge and skills, but includes the building of community where every individual–student, staff member, and parent–feels valued, supported, and empowered.  Through authentic connection and relationships, we can inspire and guide others to unlock their fullest potential.

Senior Dean of Instructional Preparation Programs, IDEA Public Schools
M.Ed. Literacy, Southern Methodist University
B.A. Philosophy, University of California Los Angeles

All students deserve an education that gives them the knowledge and skills necessary to transform their world. As educators we create the conditions for this high-quality educational experience through rigorous curriculum, joyful pedagogy, and social-emotional safety. As I pursue my doctorate in educational leadership, I want to strengthen our collective understanding on how leaders create adult learning experiences aligned to high-quality educational experiences that have a huge impact on student learning.

Principal, Farmers Branch Elementary, Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD
M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Texas Woman's University
B.S. Family Studies and Early Childhood Education, Louisiana Tech University

Principal, Boone Elementary, Highland Park ISD
M.S. Dallas Baptist University, Education Leadership   
B.S. The University of Texas at Arlington, Interdisciplinary Studies

My journey into SMU EdD program stems from my commitment to fostering transformative education experiences and a belief in the power of the individual to drive change. My personal philosophy centers on the idea that true learning goes beyond mere knowledge acquisition; it is about fostering resilience, critical thinking, and a sense of purpose in every student. As an educator for more than two decades, I find that young people need find the joy in learning and understand that they are contributors of society.  As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said, “What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” This quote resonates deeply with my belief that nurturing the inner potential of each learner is key to unlocking their full capabilities and shaping a brighter future. Through this program, I aspire to further develop my ability to inspire and empower others, ensuring that education remains a profound and transformative journey for all.

Coordinator, Dallas ISD
Master of Social Work, University of Texas in Arlington
BA in Sociology, Texas Christian University

“I used to pray that God would feed the hungry, or do this or that, but now I pray that he will guide me to do whatever I’m supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I’m praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us and we change things.” – Mother Teresa

Executive Director, Office of School Leadership, Dallas Independent School Leadership
Master of Education, Educational Administration, Prairie View A&M University

As an educator with over twenty five years of service, I believe every child deserves a high quality education regardless of their race, background or zip code. One of the joys of my life’s work has been transforming failing schools and cultures into beacons of hope and opportunity where students and staff thrive. Obtaining my doctoral degree from SMU will allow me to learn from my cohort, grow as a servant leader and further my plight of championing equity and access for children in marginalized communities. “As long as poverty, injustice, and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.”-Nelson Mandela