Kristina Collins honored with NAGC Early Leader Award

Kristina Collins, associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and Lyndon B. Johnson Institute Faculty Research Fellow at Texas State University, has been named the 2021 National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Early Leader Award recipient.

Each year, the NAGC recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions in leadership and service to the field of gifted education and who is in the first 10 years of their career after completion of his or her last earned degree.

Collins boasts 30 years of teaching and leadership experience in various educational settings. Her research interests include social, emotional and cultural contexts of gifted and talent development; STEM identity development in underrepresented students; and culturally responsive mentoring. Collins completed her term on the NAGC board of directors in September of this year and is the current President of Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG).

"NAGC has a long history of dedicated members who have worked tirelessly to advance the field of gifted education and support our gifted students," said Lauri Kirsch, NAGC Board President. "I congratulate Dr. Collins and look forward to recognizing her achievements during the Celebration of Excellence during the NAGC Annual Convention in November."

About the National Association for Gifted Children
NAGC represents approximately 3,000 educators, parents and advocates who work to help all gifted and talented children as they strive to achieve their personal best and contribute to their communities. NAGC's mission is to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building and research.