Celebrating DBU Education Alums All Over the Nation

The College of Education at Dallas Baptist University uniquely encourages its graduates to view their classroom as a mission field and intentionally live out their faith in their schools. DBU's rich, diverse, and Christ-centered learning environment empowers future educators to achieve excellence both in and outside of the classroom. With a top-rate educational degree program, members of the DBU family can be found all across the state and nation accomplishing great things both in the name of providing a quality education and in the name of the Lord they serve.

Since January of 2022, multiple Dallas Baptist University alums have stepped into leadership roles, received awards, and excelled in their school districts:

Dr. Elena Davis has been named the new Superintendent of Tarkington ISD in Cleveland, Texas. Dr. Davis obtained her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from Texas A&M University in Kingsville and later received her Doctor in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Davis is proud to be both the first female and first black Superintendent in Tarkington ISD history.

Dr. Cyndy Mika will soon move to Kodiak, Alaska, to become the Superintendent of Kodiak Island Borough School District. Dr. Mika has earned her Master of Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler and her Doctor of Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University.

Dr. Lori Rapp is excited to step into her role of Superintendent of Schools for Lewisville Independent School District in Lewisville, Texas. Dr. Rapp has a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Texas Tech University, a Master of Science in Mathematics from Texas Women's University, and obtained her Doctor in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University.

Dr. Andru Gilbert has recently been named the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Denison Independent School District in Denison, Texas. Dr. Gilbert received his Bachelor of Arts from Dallas Baptist University, his Master of Education from Texas A&M University, and his Doctor of Education from Dallas Baptist University last year. Previously an adjunct professor at DBU, the Patriot family is excited to see Dr. Gilbert step into his new role.

Dr. April Estrada was recently appointed to the Continuing Advisory Committee for Special Education by Governor Greg Abbott. In addition to her new position, Dr. Estrada currently serves as the Director of Special Populations for Region 10 ESC. Dr. Estrada obtained her Bachelor of Science from the University of North Texas and later received both her Master's and her Doctor in Education Leadership from Dallas Baptist University.

Michelle Dillard was awarded a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching by the White House on February 8th. The PAEMST is the highest honor the United States government bestows upon K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science teachers and is exclusively awarded to up to 108 teachers each year. Michelle Dillard graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master in Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Education from Fort Hays State University. Ms. Dillard currently teaches 5th grade at Dr. Justina Ford Elementary School in Centennial, Colorado.

Jamie Villanueva earned the title of Teacher of the Month by Brownwood Independent School District for the month of February. Ms. Villanueva obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English from Dallas Baptist University.

What began in the classrooms of DBU is now spreading throughout K-12 classrooms, board meetings, and workrooms across America. Glory be to God alone for the success, dedication, and zeal of these DBU alums and countless others who have boldly stepped into a world that desperately needs precisely what they have to give.

In addition to successes of DBU alumni this semester, we'd also like to recognize all Patriot alums currently serving in Superintendent, Head of Schools, and Assistant Superintendent roles:

Superintendents – Traditional Public Schools:
-Dr. Jason Cochran, Eastland ISD
-Dr. Terry Morawski, Fort Smith ISD (Arkansas)
-Dr. Robin Bullock, Allen ISD
-Dr. Joshua Garcia, Rockport ISD
-Mickie Jackson, Frost ISD
-Michelle Barrow, Newton ISD
-Edie Martin, Millsap ISD

Superintendents – Public Charter Schools
-Dr. Brent Wilson, Life School
-Dr. Andrea Chevalier, Denton Calvary Academy
-Jeff Thorman, Zion Lutheran Academy

Assistant Superintendents – Traditional Public Schools
-Dr. Jackie Gorena, Irving ISD
-Dr. Kevin Hood, Keller ISD
-Dr. Karen Kidd, Dripping Springs ISD
-Dr. Mark Ramirez, Dallas ISD
-Dr. Lacey Rainey, Denton ISD
-Dr. Jeff Russell, Denton ISD
-Dr. Pam Linton, Frisco ISD
-Dr. George Swize, Mansfield ISD
-Dr. Michelle Wooten, Decatur ISD
-Dr. David Averitt, Waxahachie ISD
-Dr. Kyle Penn, Prosper ISD
-Dr. Selenda Anderson, Plano ISD
-Dr. Stephanie Bonneau, Henderson ISD
-Dr. Michael Hill, Arlington ISD
-Dr. Courtney Carpenter, Carroll ISD
-Dr. Melissa Heller, Richardson ISD
-Dr. Winifred Goodman, DeSoto ISD
-Tabitha Branum, Richardson ISD
-Chris Daniel, Argyle ISD

Assistant Superintendents – Public Charter Schools
-Dr. Scott Fuller, Life School
-Dr. Troy Mooney, Life School