Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Selects ETAMU Alum Texas High School Principal of the Year

East Texas A&M University alum Dr. Winston McCowan, Jr. ('01, '08) has been named the 2024-2025 Texas High School Principal of the Year by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP). The honor—bestowed annually upon a principal and assistant principal at the high school and middle school levels—recognizes exemplary campus-level administrators in Texas.

Dr. Winston McCowan poses for a headshot against a vignette background wearing a dark suit, purple-toned tie and a gold cross necklace.
A&M-Commerce alum Dr. Winston McCowan.

McCowan qualified for the award after his selection as the Region 11 education service center’s Outstanding Principal of the Year.

According to the announcement from Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD, McCowan has overseen remarkable growth in academic achievement and student engagement since taking the helm at Chisholm Trail High School in 2020. He believes in fostering a culture of excellence by empowering students, teachers and the community.

“This recognition is a direct result of the collective commitment and hard work of our entire Chisholm Trail High School community,” McCowan said. “It reflects a shared vision where every stakeholder—students, teachers, staff and parents—works together to create an environment focused on excellence, equity, and opportunity.”

McCowan earned his bachelor's in psychology from East Texas A&M in 2001, and returned to complete his master's in secondary education in 2008.