TCU and the College of Education were recently granted full membership to University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA). The organization is a consortium of higher education institutions dedicated to advancing the preparation of educational leaders for the benefit of schools and children.
“TCU brings a strong tradition of community, scholarship and service which will enrich UCEA for years,” said Mónica Byrne-Jimenez, executive director at UCEA.
UCEA fulfills its mission by disseminating and supporting research on essential problems
of schooling and leadership practice, improving professional development for educational
leaders, and positively influencing local, state and national educational policy.
Miriam Ezzani, associate professor of educational leadership, spearheaded the extensive application process to qualify for membership. She compiled materials to show how the university, college and educational leadership program fulfill UCEA’s 11 criterion, which was followed by a two-day site visit with multiple interviews.
Ezzani explained that the strength of the consortium is beholden to the caliber of
the institutions who are a part of it.
“They want to make sure there’s quality in institutions that will be full members
– it drives the work nationally,” she said. “I believe in the work of the organization,
and felt it was important for us to be a part of that movement.”
Ashley Tull, chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education, said full membership in UCEA is important to the department, as well as the college and the university.
“It signifies that our graduate programs in educational leadership meet a standard of excellence recognized by UCEA,” he said.
Promotion from associate to full membership within UCEA also gives members the ability to vote within the organization, giving TCU a voice in decisions that influence educational policy and other issues.
“It’s always great to have a seat at the table in a national conversation,” said Ezzani.
Byrne-Jimenez said that the organization will continue working with the College of Education’s faculty and dean to improve educational leadership within and without UCEA.
“The future of UCEA relies on the local commitments and relationships of our members – with the wonderful work happening at TCU, our future is bright,” she said.
