Midland Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Howard has been invited to serve on the Advisory Board for the TEXAS Fellowship, a statewide initiative led by Texas Tech University, according to an April 6 announcement from the district.
The appointment highlights Midland ISD’s ongoing efforts to develop strong educational leaders and connect local initiatives with broader policy work across Texas.
The TEXAS Fellowship is a one-year program aimed at emerging and mid-career professionals in education, civic, and community sectors. The fellowship combines learning sessions, hands-on policy experiences, and group projects designed to address real challenges in the Texas education system. Fellows participate in monthly virtual sessions focused on current policy issues and also engage with organizations such as school districts, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and state agencies through applied experiences.
In-person meetings throughout the year allow fellows opportunities for legislative engagement and collaboration. Structured group work encourages peer learning and mentoring while strengthening leadership capacity among participants.
Dr. Howard said her new role will help provide strategic guidance for developing the fellowship: “Investing in leadership development is critical to the future of public education,” said Dr. Stephanie Howard. “Opportunities like the TEXAS Fellowship allow us to connect our local work to broader conversations across the state and ensure we are not only developing strong leaders but also contributing to meaningful progress in educational settings throughout Texas.”
This advisory board position aligns with Midland ISD’s focus on building its talent pipeline through partnerships with higher education institutions and leadership development programs within the district.