Leading Educators

Superintendent Represents Texas on National Stage

When Dr. Nicole Poenitzsch ‘13 reflects on being named Texas Superintendent of the Year and nominated for National Superintendent of the Year, one word comes to mind: unreal. “It has been a journey. This honor is not a reflection of me but of the collective effort of our team, mentors and community,” she said.

A graduate of our Ed.D. in Educational Administration program, Poenitzsch has reshaped Bellville ISD over the past six years through innovative programs that prioritize support for educators and relevant, hands-on learning for students. She has also worked to create an environment where both students and teachers thrive, guided by the belief that students learn best through experience.

One of Poenitzsch’s proudest accomplishments is Bellville ISD’s local accountability plan, which balances state-assessed grades and standardized tests with values important to parents, students, staff and beyond. “We wanted something that truly reflects what our community values,” she explained. “It’s measuring what matters.”

Another key initiative under Poenitzsch’s leadership is Brahmas on the Square, a student-run learning center that offers career and technical education programs where students apply their knowledge and gain real-world experience in business, culinary arts, and entrepreneurship. She also played a key role in securing grants and partnerships to develop a comprehensive system that tracks each student’s growth from pre-K through 12th grade.

Poenitzsch’s leadership goes beyond academic initiatives, focusing on fostering a culture of collaboration. She believes the district’s success depends on the growth and development of its staff and encourages them to visit schools across Texas to observe and adapt successful strategies to fit the needs of the Bellville ISD community.

Poenitzsch emphasized how the structure of our Educational Administration program, including meaningful in-person connections and on-site opportunities, was crucial to her growth as a leader. “Sitting in a class, having heated discussions, being forced to justify our stance, and being challenged by both peers and professors—that’s where I walked away with a depth of understanding that changed my approach and perception of educational leadership,” she shared.

As Poenitzsch prepares to represent Texas on the national stage, she is driven by the belief that when students are given the opportunity to take ownership of their learning, it sparks a sense of initiative and pride that leads to meaningful growth. “The most rewarding part is when you see all the pieces of what you’re trying to do come together,” she said. “When you see students ignited and demonstrating a level of initiative and ownership because they find value in what they’re doing—that’s everything we try to accomplish as educators.”

To learn about our Ed.D. in Educational Administration program, visit tx.ag/EDDEA.

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.