Texas Southern University has proudly rolled out its inaugural Education Leadership Fellowship Program, a groundbreaking initiative to nurture the next generation of educational leaders. Established under the leadership of Board of Regents Chairman Brandon L. Simmons, this program seeks to empower recent graduates by immersing them in crucial policy development and innovative projects that will shape the future of TSU and beyond.
Appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Chairman Simmons has advocated for educational reform and progress since taking office as the 23rd Chairman in October 2023.
“Our Board of Regents is laser-focused on delivering education that meets the needs of students and employers so that our graduates may flourish in the thriving Texas economy,” Simmons stated. “In establishing this program, we are seeking to hire recent degree recipients who share our passion for an outcomes-based approach to higher education. For graduates interested in careers in education law and policy in an era of innovation and reform, we hope this program will provide the invaluable experience gained while assisting the university with key initiatives that benefit student outcomes.”
The Inaugural Fellowship Scholars
The inaugural cohort of the Education Leadership Fellowship Program features two individuals: Joseph Johnson and Ayana McLemore.
Joseph Johnson is a proud graduate of TSU’s Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs in 2021. At TSU, he served as the 2020-21 Student Regent and was Chairman of the Undergraduate Student Advisory Council. His professional background spans business development, legal administration, and marketing, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit as a business co-founder.
Ayana McLemore, a 2023 Prairie View A&M University graduate, graduated with dual Political Science and Communications degrees. She demonstrated her leadership capabilities and commitment to her peers as Senior Class President. She has a background in education and legal administration background.
Throughout their year-long term, the fellows will engage in four core functions: collaboration with stakeholders, program development and evaluation, board meeting preparation, and data collection and reporting.
In addition to these responsibilities, the fellows will contribute to special projects and conduct in-depth research on current trends and emerging issues in education policy.
Applications for the second cohort of the Education Leadership Fellowship Program will open on Jan. 6, 2025, and close on March 7, 2025. This opportunity is not limited to TSU graduates; non-TSU alums are encouraged to apply.