Teachers shape students’ lives. Principals expand that impact across a school. Superintendents influence entire school districts—sometimes hundreds of schools and thousands of students.
Landing a superintendent role is tough. The positions are competitive, and you need certification to even be considered. But once you earn that credential, doors open.
UT Permian Basin’s online Superintendent Certification program graduates are advancing their careers in impressive ways. Here’s where some of them are now—and how the program helped them get there.
Here’s how certification opened doors for these UTPB alumni:
When we last spoke to Dr. Heather Vlach, she was director of academic and strategic leadership at the American School of Doha, Qatar. But she won’t be for much longer.
“I’ve accepted a deputy head (equivalent to assistant superintendent) position beginning the 2026-27 school year at the International Community School of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia,” Vlach said. “I’m super excited about this next forward step!”
Did UTPB’s program play a part in Vlach’s career advancement?
“100%, yes!” she said. “I was targeting deputy head/assistant superintendent positions. While I feel very confident the UTPB program prepared me to lead at [the superintendent] level, it felt important to me to engage in deeper learning through practical application under a strong leader already in a superintendent/head of school role.”
The program gave her practical skills she uses daily:
“Overall, the UTPB program strengthened my confidence, clarity, and capacity to lead with purpose and adaptability,” Vlach said.
Former middle school principal Grady Welborn now serves as a superintendent.
“As I moved into executive leadership roles … I’ve found that the emphasis UTPB’s program placed on practical application, continuous improvement, and collaborative leadership translated directly into my day-to-day responsibilities,” Welborn said.
“[The program] helped prepare me not only to manage complex operational demands but also to lead with a clearer vision for instructional growth and long-term organizational change in a rural district context.”
Valerie Sisk completed UTPB’s program before passing the certification exam on her first attempt. She was promoted from executive director of secondary administration to assistant superintendent for secondary schools in January 2026.
“The Superintendent Certification program absolutely played a role in my professional growth and transition,” Sisk explained. “It helped me move from a campus-centered leadership mindset to a district-wide lens focused on alignment, sustainability, and long-term impact. I’m excited about the work and the journey of overseeing 22 campuses.”
With a wider leadership scope, she now drives district‑level strategy, accountability, and coaching.
“Reflecting on my UTPB experience, I’d say the greatest value was the intentional focus on real-world application,” Sisk said. “Dr. Uzat was absolutely amazing in this role, bringing both depth of knowledge and practical insight that made the learning meaningful and relevant.”
Sisk credited several program aspects with preparing her for district‑level leadership, including:
“The program pushed me to think strategically about improvement planning, community engagement, and organizational culture at scale,” she added.
Current high school principal Kristen Joslin will begin an assistant superintendent role next year.
“Our current assistant superintendent was retiring, and I knew if I wanted a shot, I’d have to pass my test,” Joslin explained. “So on the hunt for a program I went. After I visited with Dr. Uzat on Zoom, I knew this was the one for me. I wanted the collaboration with other like-minded people. I enjoyed meeting people from all over the United States to compare policies, procedures, and situations. Ultimately, I completed the program and got the job!”
After finishing UTPB’s program, Shawn Thurman earned his superintendent certification. He also shifted from director of special education at one school district to director of special programs at another.
His new role includes major responsibilities, including:
While not currently serving as a superintendent, Thurman says UTPB’s certification program helped him grow professionally and transition to district leadership.
“The coursework strengthened my understanding of district-wide leadership, governance, finance, and strategic decision-making, all of which I apply daily in my current position,” he said.
“[UTPB’s program] was particularly valuable in preparing me to think beyond a single department and lead at a systems level,” Thurman noted. “The emphasis on real-world problem-solving, policy, and executive leadership helped me develop the skills and confidence to step into expanded district leadership responsibilities.”
Former school principal Richard Halle is now an assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.
“While advancing my career wasn’t initially on my radar, a fortuitous conversation with Dr. Uzat changed that trajectory instantly,” Halle said.
“He outlined the structure of UTPB’s program, and I immediately knew it was the perfect fit for my professional goals. [It] was profoundly challenging, offering the unique opportunity to learn from and collaborate with colleagues across the country. Today, I find myself applying those lessons more often than not in my current role.”
Andi Sosa continues to serve as executive director of elementary administration, a role she took just before starting UTPB’s program. She earned her superintendent certification soon after finishing.
Her superintendent certification program ultimately led her to a doctoral program. “UTPB served as a springboard for my decision to continue my studies,” Sosa said. “I was able to transfer my UTPB credits into my doctoral program.”
What’s next for Sosa? Her plan is to:
Sosa is already seeing results from her UTPB credential. The program gave her a strong foundation in district-level operations and connected her with educational leaders across Texas and other states.
“Engaging with peers from varied contexts challenged me to examine and refine current practices within my district,” Sosa said. “[This] contributed significantly to my growth as a student and educational leader.”
Former curriculum and instruction and special programs director Jennifer Ruiz now serves as assistant superintendent of curriculum/instruction and federal programs.
“The online class meetings were thoughtfully designed to foster rich professional dialogue while still maintaining a personal and supportive environment,” Ruiz said of UTPB’s program. “I was able to build strong relationships with professors and fellow students, many of whom have become trusted colleagues and friends. Those connections continue to serve as an important professional network for collaboration, guidance, and shared leadership experiences.”
UTPB’s multi-accredited online Superintendent Certification program can start preparing you for district leadership in as little as two semesters. You’ll get the guidance you need to successfully pass the Texas certification exam through online courses, at your own pace.
Live outside Texas? Contact Dr. Rod Uzat to confirm your state’s certification requirements before applying.
Put district leadership opportunities within reach. Learn more about our program here.
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