In Brief: Texas State faculty's nomination results in national education award

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
August 18, 2014

Kelly K. Crook

(Right to left) Michael P. O’Malley, Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education and School Psychology chair; Kelly K. Crook, Del Valle ISD superintendent; Ann Heuberger, vice-president, Del Valle ISD school board

Del Valle ISD Superintendent Kelly K. Crook was awarded the national Excellence in Educational Leadership Award by the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) after being nominated for the award by the Texas State University Education and Community Leadership faculty.

This national award was presented to Crook by Texas State's Michael O’Malley, chair of the Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education and School Psychology, and Barry Aidman, advisor to the superintendent preparation program.

The UCEA is a consortium of 98 research oriented higher education institutions committed to advancing the preparation and practice of educational leaders for the benefit of schools and children. The Excellence in Educational Leadership Award recognizes practicing school administrators who have made significant contributions to the improvement of administrator preparation.

As Del Valle ISD superintendent, Crook has worked with the community to develop a strategic plan for the district and has led district staff in using innovative practices, such as an on-site master’s program for aspiring school administrators from among the Del Valle ISD faculty, a quality student teaching initiative with Texas State, a commitment to parent and community outreach initiatives, and a leadership vision that integrates theory, research and practice.