News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education commemorates a monumental achievement with the 50th anniversary of its Cooperative Superintendency Program (CSP). This program has been pivotal in cultivating visionary leaders for Texas public schools, focusing on leadership excellence and community development. The CSP continues to enhance educational leadership standards, reflecting UT Austin’s commitment to public service and academic rigor. With over 500 alumni making significant contributions to education, the program’s legacy is evident in leadership roles throughout Texas and the nation.
Houston, TX — The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education is marking a significant milestone in 2026, celebrating 50 years of its Cooperative Superintendency Program (CSP). This half-century of dedicated service underscores UT Austin’s unwavering commitment to developing astute leaders who shape the future of public education across Texas and beyond. The program’s enduring legacy highlights how academic rigor, disciplined leadership, and a focus on personal responsibility can profoundly impact communities and foster institutional excellence within the state’s vibrant higher education landscape.
This golden anniversary is more than a commemoration of time; it is a recognition of the consistent production of visionary educators who have navigated the complexities of public school systems. The CSP stands as a testament to the power of education in building strong leadership, directly contributing to the advancement of K-12 schooling and, by extension, the economic and social fabric of Texas. It reflects UT Austin’s role in equipping individuals with the skills and foresight necessary to lead with impact and integrity.
The College of Education, consistently ranked among the nation’s best, prides itself on programs that bridge cutting-edge research with practical application, preparing professionals to address pressing challenges in education. The Cooperative Superintendency Program exemplifies this mission, fostering an environment where aspiring leaders are molded into resilient, ethical superintendents ready to uphold the values of academic freedom and responsible governance within Texas public schools. Its continued success reinforces the university’s vital role in cultivating human capital for the benefit of the entire state.
A Legacy of Leadership: The Cooperative Superintendency Program
Established in 1976, the Cooperative Superintendency Program (CSP) was created to address a critical need in Texas: preparing visionary leaders to serve key roles within the public school system. Housed within the highly-ranked College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin, the CSP offers a practitioner-focused doctoral degree, specifically an Ed.D., designed for aspiring superintendents already demonstrating leadership within the state’s schools and districts. The program’s foundation rests on a deep commitment to public service, a rigorous curriculum, and resources aimed at developing resilient leaders. Its enduring legacy began with its founder and director, Lawrence Haskew. The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy, which hosts the CSP, develops thought leaders and administrators for various educational settings, emphasizing an equity and social justice lens.
Cultivating Visionary Educators for Texas
The CSP is distinctive in its approach to leadership development, admitting accomplished full-time education leaders with master’s degrees who then graduate with a doctorate. Students emerge from the program as executive leaders, equipped with essential skills in areas such as administration, financial management, policy, and strategy, empowering them to lead public school systems effectively. A unique aspect of the program is its organization of students into intentionally small cohorts, typically comprising 12 to 15 individuals. This model facilitates intensive, hands-on field experience and clinical training alongside distinguished faculty and researchers. Participants also engage with urban, suburban, and rural superintendents to refine their leadership and executive skills. Since its first graduating class in 1977, more than 500 alumni have served, or are currently serving, in leadership roles in public education throughout the state and across the nation, demonstrating the program’s strong foundation and lasting impact.
Academic Excellence and National Recognition
The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education has consistently earned national acclaim for its commitment to excellence. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Education Schools assessment, the College of Education was ranked #6 overall and #4 among public institutions nationally. This achievement positions it as one of the highest-ranked graduate schools at UT Austin. Within the college, the Educational Administration and Supervision program, where the CSP is situated, has achieved a #3 national ranking. Other programs within the College of Education also demonstrate strong national standing, including Special Education at #6, Curriculum & Instruction at #10, and Educational Psychology at #8. These rankings highlight the college’s dedication to bridging research with practice and preparing educators, researchers, and leaders to address critical issues in education and health.
Innovation in Curriculum and Community Impact
The CSP’s curriculum is not static; it is continuously revised and updated based on current faculty research and feedback from a network of alumni and award-winning superintendents. This responsive approach ensures that coursework addresses persistent challenges faced in the field, such as teacher shortages, budget constraints, and evolving school board dynamics. Beyond the CSP, the College of Education houses other impactful initiatives like the Texas Education Leadership Lab (TELL), which focuses on rigorous research to improve Texas schools. TELL actively studies the principal and teacher workforce, inclusive leadership for students with disabilities, school finance, and the impact of state and local policies on district and school leaders. The college also operates the Center for Research to Community Impact (CRCI), dedicated to advancing equitable access to education and health services and expanding opportunities for historically underserved communities and individuals across Texas and the nation.
Investing in the Future of Educational Leadership
As the Cooperative Superintendency Program looks toward its next 50 years, a key focus is on ensuring its accessibility and ability to attract the most qualified applicants. To this end, the program is establishing an endowment to support a student support fund. This initiative aims to ensure the continued strength and future of this program and the leaders it develops. Alumni are encouraged to contribute, recognizing that an investment in the Cooperative Superintendency Program is seen as an investment in the state of Texas and a better world. The program’s leadership is committed to strengthening the alumni network to sustain its vital mission for generations to come, emphasizing collaborative learning and real-world application within its flexible curriculum.
The celebration of the Cooperative Superintendency Program’s 50th anniversary at The University of Texas at Austin underscores a half-century of commitment to educational excellence and leadership development for Texas public schools. The program’s steadfast dedication to academic rigor, the cultivation of personal responsibility, and the development of innovative leaders has yielded a remarkable cadre of professionals who continue to serve communities statewide. Readers are encouraged to learn more about the diverse programs offered by the UT Austin College of Education and stay updated on the ongoing contributions of Houston’s and Texas’s vibrant college communities.
Keywords: UT Austin College of Education, Texas higher education, educational leadership, Houston TX college news, public school systems Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cooperative Superintendency Program (CSP)?
The Cooperative Superintendency Program (CSP) is a doctoral degree (Ed.D.) program at The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education that prepares visionary leaders to serve Texas public school systems.
When is the Cooperative Superintendency Program celebrating its 50th anniversary?
The Cooperative Superintendency Program is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Alumni and faculty celebrated this milestone at the 2026 TASA Midwinter Conference.
How many alumni has the CSP produced?
Since its first graduating class in 1977, the Cooperative Superintendency Program has produced more than 500 alumni who have served in leadership roles in public education around the state and across the country.
What is the national ranking of UT Austin’s College of Education?
In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Education Schools assessment, The University of Texas at Austin’s College of Education was ranked #6 overall and #4 among public institutions nationally.
Summary of UT Austin College of Education and CSP Highlights
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| CSP Founding Year | 1976 | State-level |
| CSP 50th Anniversary Year | 2026 | State-level |
| CSP Degree Offered | Doctoral Degree (Ed.D.) | State-level |
| CSP Alumni (since 1977) | Over 500 | State-level/Nationwide |
| UT Austin College of Education Overall Ranking (2025 U.S. News & World Report) | #6 Nationally | Nationwide |
| UT Austin College of Education Public Institutions Ranking (2025 U.S. News & World Report) | #4 Nationally | Nationwide |
| Educational Administration and Supervision Program Ranking (2025 U.S. News & World Report) | #3 Nationally | Nationwide |
| College of Education Departments | 5 | Nationwide |
| College of Education Research Centers & Institutes | 12 | Nationwide |
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