DeSoto ISD’s Dr. Gene Morrow Selected for Prestigious SMU District Leadership Fellows Program
DeSoto Independent School District proudly announces that
Dr. Gene Morrow, Executive Director of Student Support Services/Operations, has
been selected to join the 2025–2026 cohort of the Southern Methodist University
(SMU) District Leadership Fellows program. This highly competitive,
year-long hybrid leadership training is hosted by the Institute for Leadership
Impact in SMU’s Simmons School of Education & Human Development in Dallas,
Texas.
The new cohort of school district leaders includes
representatives from across Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, and California, serving
districts ranging in size from 1,000 to 67,000 students. Through intensive
collaboration with peers and nationally recognized education experts, Fellows
will strengthen their leadership skills, address pressing challenges in K–12
education, and develop networks that will continue to impact student success
long after the program concludes.
“Being part of the SMU District Leadership Fellows program
is an honor and an opportunity to deepen my leadership practice while
connecting with other dedicated educators across the nation,” said Dr.
Morrow. “I look forward to bringing back innovative strategies that will
support our students, staff, and community in DeSoto ISD.”
Prior to joining DeSoto ISD, Dr. Morrow most recently served
as the Coordinator for the Texas Principal Residency Program with the Texas
Center for Educator Effectiveness in Austin, Texas, where he designed and
implemented systems of support for principals and created innovative principal
residency models. He also founded and led The Principal’s Advantage,
providing experiential leadership development for school and community leaders
to enhance organizational performance.
His career includes service as a principal in Lancaster ISD
and Grand Prairie ISD, as well as an academic coach at Lamar University. In his
current role as DeSoto ISD Executive Director of Student Support
Services/Operations, Dr. Morrow oversees critical operational and
student-centered departments, including Student & Staff Support
Services, Child Nutrition, and Fine Arts. He holds a Bachelor of Science
in Political Science, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, and a
Doctoral Degree.
“Dr. Morrow’s selection to the SMU District Leadership
Fellows program reflects both his leadership capacity and his commitment to
continuous professional growth,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Usamah Rodgers. “His participation will not only benefit him as a
leader but will also bring valuable insights and strategies to strengthen our
district’s operations and student support services.”
The SMU District Leadership Fellows program is
strengths-based, focusing on cultivating transformational leadership skills
uniquely tailored to the challenges of K–12 education. Fellows work together to
address complex problems, build leadership competencies, and create sustainable
improvement in their districts.