My greatest satisfaction is to see a teacher, who may not have previously seen themselves in a leadership role, realize their own potential to lead.
Elsa Villarreal, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Principal Certification Coordinator
- Faculty
Elsa Villarreal, previously served as a program coordinator for a master's program and school enhancement program within a multi-million dollar research Supporting Effective Educator Development grant awarded to Texas A&M University from the U.S. Department of Education. This project supports a cohort of 110 aspiring principals over four years.
In addition, Villarreal dedicated 15 years in Lamar CISD with seven years as a teacher and eight years as an administrator. She taught Spanish in a Title I high school and partnered with the local YMCA to provide leadership experiences for at-risk students in The Leadership High School Program. As a high school assistant principal, she coordinated the English as a Second Language, Career and Technology Education, Special Education, and English Language Arts programs. As head principal, Villarreal implemented the first district-wide night school program. She collaborated with the city mayor and city council to make home visits and communicated with Spanish-speaking parents of students who were at risk of dropping out of high school. These night school students consisted of teenage parents, former gang members and homeless students.
A Conversation with Dr. Villarreal
What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?
A&M-Commerce provides a unique opportunity to earn a top-quality education with a personal touch. Students attending larger university campuses may feel isolated or ignored. At A&M-Commerce, we establish authentic relationships with our students and maintain a solid alumni network.
What motivates you in your role as an assistant professor?
As an assistant professor, I am motivated to work with teachers who aspire to become leaders as principals. My greatest satisfaction is to see a teacher, who may not have previously seen themselves in a leadership role, realize their own potential to lead. In turn, these future leaders will impact the success of our K-12 students.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Educational Administration, Texas A&M University-College Station, 2021
- M.Ed., Educational Administration, University of Houston-Victoria, 2003
- B.A., Spanish, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 1999
Research Interests
- Principal Preparation Programs
- Latina Principals
- Leading Campuses with English Learners
Awards and Honors
- Distinguished Honor Graduate, Texas A&M University Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development, College Station, TX, 2021
- T.M. Stinnett Fellowship Award, Texas A&M University Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development, College Station, TX, 2019
- Dr. Paul L. Stevens ’42 Endowed Memorial Scholarship, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 2016-2017
- Barbara Jackson Scholar, University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA), Charlottesville, VA, 2015-2017
- Mary Frances and Mance L. Park Endowed Fellowship, Texas A&M Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development, College Station, TX, 2015-2016
- Strategic Scholarship Award, Texas A&M University College of Education and Human Development, College Station, TX, 2015-2016
- Emerging Scholar Scholarship, Texas A&M University College of Education and Human Development, College Station, TX, 2014-2015