Outreach Coordinator
Jose L. Parra is an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce. He holds an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Columbia University, and both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Texas-San Antonio. In addition, he has completed administrative coursework in Educational Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.
Possessing a successful 28-year background in public education administration, he served over 10 years as superintendent of schools in both a large urban/suburban school district of 35,000 students and a mid-sized rural district of 5,000 students. Both tenures were marked by significant positive change, student growth, and organizational improvement. During his administrative career in five different school districts, he also served as an assistant superintendent, a district director/coordinator, a principal, and as an assistant principal.
His research interests include Hispanic superintendent career paths and placements, the development of Hispanic leadership in higher education, organizational leadership and systemic change, college completion for disadvantaged students, and online principal and superintendent preparation programs.
Parra’s work as an assistant professor at A&M-Commerce incorporates his extensive experience and knowledge into preparing future educational leaders and scholar-practitioners. He is driven by personal experiences and his passion for providing the best educational experience possible for educators so they are prepared to transform the lives of their students and staff members.