In one of the most diverse cities in the country, Houston’s educational system represents a cultural fabric that creates future leaders and a battleground for systemic inequities. With Black students making up a significant portion of Houston’s student population, the leadership of notable Black educators and administrators is indispensable. Following these leaders isn’t just about recognizing their contributions — it’s about understanding how they are addressing critical issues to propel more students forward. And that matters.
Representation matters as well. Students need to see themselves in the classroom, in leadership and in the policies that affect them. Houston’s Black leaders in education are making strides in creating pathways for students to thrive.
Here are seven leaders whose experiences and cultural understanding could pave the way for bigger things in 2025.
Superintendent LaTonya Goffney, Aldine ISD
Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney has served as Aldine superintendent since 2018 and is leading 57,966 students this school year. Approximately 84.5% of the student population is considered “at-risk,” and 91.19% are economically disadvantaged.
Under Goffney’s leadership, Aldine ISD received a “superior” rating for the 20th consecutive year under Texas’ School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) accountability rating system. The rating highlights the efficiency of the district’s financial management and reporting system.
Within a year of Goffney’s appointment, Aldine ISD jumped from a ‘C-rated’ school district to a ‘B’ based on the State of Texas 2018-2019 academic accountability ratings. In 2020, it made the College Board’s AP Honor Roll for the first time. She was the first African American to serve as superintendent in the three districts she has led.
Education Dean LaTanya Love, UTHealth Houston
Dr. LaTanya Love, M.D., is the executive vice president of student and university affairs at UTHealth Houston. As part of her leadership role, she oversees student life and human resources. Love aims to foster a thriving campus culture by collaborating with stakeholders to implement policies and programs and partnering with all seven schools at UTHealth to promote wellness among employees and students.
Love completed her residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the same institution in 2004 and a chief residency in 2005. She served on the faculty as an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UTHealth’s McGovern Medical School and was the medical director of Student Health Services. Love later joined the leadership team in Admissions and Students Affairs and currently serves as the dean of education at the medical school.
Superintendent Anthony Mays, Alief ISD
Dr. Anthony Mays is the superintendent of Alief ISD, a school district with a 60.3% Hispanic/Latino and 25.3% Black or African American student population. He has more than two decades of experience in education and has served as a teacher, principal, and administrator in Dallas, Fort Worth and Pflugerville ISDs.
Before joining Alief ISD, he served as the Interim Superintendent and Chief of Schools at Austin ISD. Under his leadership in Austin ISD, the district’s accountability rating increased, along with industry-based certifications and associate degree attainments. The ISD also passed a $2.44 billion bond.
Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Houston Community College
Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher is the chancellor of Houston Community College. She was the founding president of HCC Online College from 2018 until 2023. Under her leadership, the course established more than 60 fully online degrees and 70 hybrid programs, leading to a 62,000-plus enrollment.
She also served as the president of HCC Northeast College for two decades, leading the development of STEM energy and biotechnology programs, securing federal and state grants and other financial support, and increasing student enrollment to 14,000.
Her other leadership roles include interim vice chancellor of Instruction, associate vice chancellor of Academics, dean of Instruction, division chair of Arts and Humanities and English chair and professor.
She has authored more than 50 publications and four books.
Superintendent Marc Smith, Fort Bend ISD
Marc Smith is the superintendent of Fort Bend ISD, a role he has held for about a year. Prior to joining the district, which has a 27.8% Black student population, he was the superintendent of Duncanville ISD and Marshall ISD for 12 years.
Smith’s three decades in public education are studded with honors, including the Region 10 Superintendent of the Year in 2020. The Duncanville ISD Board of Trustees named the Teaching and Learning Center in his honor. In 2023, the City of Duncanville honored him with a local proclamation — Sept. 13 is now “Dr. Marc Smith Day.”
President James Crawford III, Texas Southern University
James Crawford III is Texas Southern University’s 14th president and assumed his leadership role in June 2024. He previously served as president of Felician University in New Jersey, overseeing the completion of the Wellness and Recreation Center and a STEM Center. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at Belmont Abbey College, his alma mater.
Crawford served in the United States Navy for over 30 years and won several accolades under six presidents.
TSU’s enrollment has grown to more than 8,400 undergraduate and graduate students from across the world. Although initially established to educate African Americans, the university has become one of the most diverse institutions in Texas.
President Tomikia LeGrande, Prairie View A&M University
Tomikia P. LeGrande is the president of Prairie View A&M University. She previously served as the vice president for strategy, enrollment management, and student success at Virginia Commonwealth University, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at the University of Houston-Downtown, and associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at Winston Salem State University.
Throughout her career, LeGrande has focused on advancing equity, accessibility, and affordability in higher education. She works to create and sustain engaging and supportive cultures for faculty, staff, and students, resulting in positive institutional outcomes.
PVAMU is the second oldest public institution in Texas and has a student enrollment of 9893 in 2024.
