As SMU students settled in for their first round of exams, a new cohort of the Institute for Leadership Impact’s flagship program kicked off at the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. With the construction of SMU’s new Ford Hall for Research & Innovation as a backdrop, thirteen District Leadership Fellows from all over the northeast Texas region reflected on the most effective ways to approach their unique leadership roles.
Founded in 2016, the District Leadership Fellows program brings superintendents of rural Texas school districts together to build their leadership skills and collaborate on district improvements. With five Texas education regions represented, the 2019-2020 cohort represents an 150% increase in geographic reach from last year’s two regions.
The 2019-2020 Fellows include Mr. Shannon Baker (Mildred ISD), Mr. Andy Ball (Clifton ISD), Dr. David Belding (Aubrey ISD), Dr. Michelle Cline (Throckmorton ISD), Dr. Jon Hill (Dodd City ISD), Mr. Lee Joffre (Mabank ISD), Dr. Darin Jolly (North Hopkins ISD), Dr. John Kuhn (Mineral Wells ISD), Ms. Kelly Moore (Union Grove ISD), Dr. Chris Moran (Whitehouse ISD), Dr. Brian Nichols (New Summerfield ISD), Dr. Roosevelt Nivens (Community ISD), Dr. Lamont Smith (Elkhart ISD), Dr. Paul Uttley (Paradise ISD), and Mr. Kermit Ward (Clarksville ISD).
Dr. Jolly and Dr. Moran are entering their third year as Fellows; all others are new to the program.
Highlights from the Program Kick-Off
At the fellow’s first meeting, superintendents dug into case studies and focused on different domains of leadership strengths and creating impact. On the final day of the kick-off, superintendents worked together to develop change strategies for their own specific district projects ranging from improving school safety policies to preparing for district growth.
To learn more about the overall program, watch a video about the District Leadership Fellows program or visit the Institute’s education page.
Create Impact in Your Organization
The Institute for Leadership Impact serves schools and social impact organizations of all sizes. We offer an array of experiential, individual and team-based leadership experiences and simulations to strengthen your team and support your growth as a leader.
To learn more about our programs, visit our website, email us at leadershipimpact@smu.edu, and engage with us on Twitter.