June 9, 2026
Region 4 Education Service Center welcomed superintendents, district leaders, business partners, and sponsors to the 2026 Superintendents’ Recognition Ceremony on June 2 at Hotel ZaZa.
The annual event celebrated superintendent retirees, welcomed those new to the role, and honored those who have earned state and national leadership distinctions.
In his opening remarks, Region 4 Executive Director Dr. Rodney Watson thanked superintendents for their leadership during a time of increasing complexity in public education.
“Today is not about metrics, mandates, or accountability systems,” Watson said. “Today is about honoring you.”
Watson also reaffirmed Region 4’s commitment to serving as a trusted partner to school districts across the region, supporting leaders through professional learning, instructional services, school improvement, and innovation.
Recognizing Leadership Excellence
The ceremony recognized several superintendents for distinguished leadership accomplishments and service to the profession:
- Dr. Roosevelt Nivens, Region 4 and National Superintendent of the Year and 2026–2027 TASA President
- Dr. Walter Jackson, 2026–2027 TASA Vice President and AASA Governing Board Member
- Danny Massey, 2026–2027 Vice President, South Central States for the Urban Superintendents Association of America
- Dr. Paula Patterson, 2026–2027 TASA Executive Committee Member and TACS Executive Committee Member
These recognitions reflect the leadership and expertise represented throughout Region 4 and the impact local educational leaders continue to have at the state and national levels.
The Power of Community
The event’s keynote speaker, retired Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Superintendent Dr. Mark Henry, reflected on more than four decades in public education and shared lessons learned from both his career and retirement.
Henry encouraged attendees to celebrate life’s meaningful moments, value the relationships built throughout their careers, and keep something to look forward to on the horizon.
“I found that all of the best things in my life and the best times in my life revolved around other people,” Henry said. “It was never things that happened to just me. It was things that I could enjoy with others.”
His message resonated with those in attendance and echoed a common theme throughout the event: educational leadership is strengthened through relationships, mentorship, and community.
Honoring Years of Service
A special portion of the program recognized retiring superintendents whose leadership has left a lasting impact on their districts and communities:
- Ms. Carol Nelson, Alvin ISD
- Mr. Phillip Edwards, Angleton ISD
- Mr. Jim Connor, Columbus ISD
During their remarks, Nelson and Edwards reflected on the support they received from Region 4, fellow superintendents, and their local educational communities throughout their careers. Both emphasized the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and the professional relationships that helped guide them through the challenges of district leadership.
Region 4 extends its gratitude to each of these leaders for their years of service and dedication to public education.
Welcoming New Superintendents
The ceremony also welcomed four new superintendents who have joined the region since the last recognition ceremony:
- Dr. Rhonda Mason, Alvin ISD
- Dr. Alicia Press, Angleton ISD
- Dr. Chris Carpenter, Columbus ISD
- Dr. Adam Stephens, Stafford MSD
As these leaders begin their new roles, they join a strong network of superintendents committed to advancing student success and supporting public education across the region.
Region 4 remains proud to support the leaders who serve students, educators, families, and communities every day.
