ELRC Advisory Board
Dr. Julia Warren Ballenger
Regents Professor, Doctoral Program Coordinator, Educational Leadership, Texas A&M University-Commerce
Dr. Julia Warren Ballenger, with over forty years of educational experience, serves as Regents Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Her teaching spans Qualitative Research Methodology and Doctoral Professional Writing. Dr. Ballenger’s research is centered on social justice in education, principal preparation, and mentoring female administrators. She holds editorial roles including co-editor of the Research on Women and Education Book Series and associate editor for the Advancing Women in Leadership Journal. Dr. Ballenger also leads in faculty governance and has published extensively in educational leadership.
Ms. Ginger Carrabine
Superintendent of Bryan ISD
Ms. Ginger Carrabine is the Superintendent of Schools, overseeing 16,000 students and 3,000 employees. With a background from classroom teaching to high-level administrative roles, she has been pivotal in advancing Bryan ISD, including spearheading $187 million in bond elections for district improvements. Her leadership extends to various community boards and initiatives, emphasizing family and community engagement. Ms. Carrabine’s efforts have led to significant community projects, such as the first home built for a family in need in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Houston and a bachelor’s degree from Lamar University.
Dr. Gracie Guerrero
Associate Superintendent of Learning and Leading, Fort Worth ISD
Dr. Gracie Guerrero is an experienced education executive and Associate Superintendent at Fort Worth ISD. She specializes in multilingual education, curriculum development, and educational administration. Dr. Guerrero is currently leading a shift from traditional letter grades to a standards-based grading system in Fort Worth ISD, aiming to enhance assessment clarity and address specific learning gaps. This transition started in pre-K classes and is expected to expand to all elementary grades by the 2025-26 school year.
Dr. Tim Harkrider
Superintendent, College Station ISD
Dr. Tim Harkrider took on the role of Superintendent at College Station ISD in July 2023, after a decade at Willis ISD where he was recognized as the Region 6 Superintendent of the Year in 2018 and was a finalist at the state level. His tenure at Willis ISD was marked by academic improvements and significant growth, facilitated by the successful passage of substantial bond packages. Dr. Harkrider has a strong background in educational leadership, beginning his career as a teacher and baseball coach. He holds degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University, the University of Texas at Arlington, and Sam Houston State University.
Dr. Adrian Johnson
Superintendent, Hearne ISD
Dr. Adrian Johnson serves as the Superintendent of Hearne ISD in Texas, a district known for its rural landscape and economic challenges. Beginning his career as an ESL/Migrant teacher, Dr. Johnson emphasizes equitable access to education. He spearheaded “Hearne Online,” a remote learning program that supports students, especially during transitions back to school. His dedication to enhancing connectivity between families and educators, as well as bolstering support for teachers and students, marks his leadership. Dr. Johnson’s approaches to tackling educational challenges in rural settings are highly regarded for their practicality and innovation, significantly empowering diverse student populations.
Dr. Wowek Sean Kearney
Professor of Educational Leadership, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Dr. Wowek Sean Kearney is a Professor of Educational Leadership at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, where he trains aspiring school administrators. His previous roles include assistant principal at Judson ISD and administrative specialist at Region 20 Education Service Center. Dr. Kearney’s research explores principal influence, special education leadership, and the nexus of administration, ethics, and emotionally intelligent leadership.
Mr. F. Mike Miles
Superintendent, Houston ISD
Mike Miles has a rich career spanning military service, diplomacy, and education. He founded Third Future Schools, emphasizing innovative educational practices for future workforce preparation. Previously, he significantly enhanced student achievement as Superintendent of both Dallas Independent School District and Harrison School District in Colorado Springs. His earlier roles included serving as an officer in the Army’s Ranger Battalion and as a U.S. diplomat in Poland and Russia during the Cold War. Miles holds degrees from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the University of California at Berkeley, and Columbia University, blending diverse experiences to lead educational transformations effectively.
Dr. Stu Musick
Superintendent, Navasota ISD
Dr. Stu Musick brings over three decades of experience in education, having served as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master’s in Kinesiology from Sam Houston State University. Dr. Musick completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Lamar University. Known for his leadership in various Texas school districts, Dr. Musick has notably contributed to sports coaching and educational administration. He currently leads Navasota ISD, emphasizing comprehensive educational excellence and community engagement.
Dr. Christine Nganga
Associate Professor, Educational Administration, George Washington University
Dr. Christine Nganga is an Associate Professor at the Graduate College of Education and Human Development at George Washington University. Her expertise lies in educational leadership, focusing on narrative inquiry, inclusive practices, and social justice. She earned both her Master’s and Doctorate from The University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Prior to her role at GW, she was an Assistant Professor at South Dakota State University and also taught at secondary schools in Kenya. Dr. Nganga has been recognized with the 2016 Distinguished Research in Teacher Education Award by the Association of Teacher Educators.
Dr. Miguel Perez
Texas Strategic Leadership (TSL) Executive Leadership Coach, Region 4
Dr. Miguel Perez serves as a Texas Strategic Leadership Executive Coach at Region 4 Education Service Center, where he provides executive coaching and strategic development for superintendents and their teams. Through the Texas Strategic Leadership program, he employs best practices to help districts improve the student experience and achieve alignment across campus and district levels. Dr. Perez’s expertise ensures that strategic plans are effectively implemented, supporting leaders in managing complex educational environments.
Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora
Superintendent, Tomball ISD
Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, celebrated as the 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year, leads Tomball ISD with a focus on significant academic achievements and infrastructural growth. As Superintendent, she has successfully introduced innovative educational programs, including an early college high school and a two-way dual language academy, which have greatly enhanced educational opportunities for students. Under her guidance, the district also emphasizes strong financial management and deep community engagement. Dr. Salazar-Zamora’s exceptional leadership has advanced local education and earned her recognition as the 2024 AAUW Outstanding Woman in Education in North Harris County.
Dr. Karen Sanzo
Professor of Educational Leadership, Old Dominion University
Dr. Karen Sanzo serves as a Professor of Educational Leadership at Old Dominion University, where she directs the Institute for Design Thinking and Leadership Development and the ODU Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab. Her expertise includes school leadership development, formative assessment, and data-based decision-making, with a special focus on women leaders. Dr. Sanzo is recognized for her work in educational innovation, design thinking, and improvement science. She holds an EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration.
Dr. Jingping Sun
Professor of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies, University of Alabama
Dr. Jingping Sun is a faculty member in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies at the University of Alabama. Her academic focus includes educational leadership and policy analysis, with particular interest in technology integration in educational settings. Dr. Sun’s research explores the impact of technology on educational outcomes and policy implementation. She is an active contributor to her field, presenting her findings at various academic conferences and publishing extensively in peer-reviewed journals.