Dr. Forrest Kaiser, assistant professor of educational leadership at The University of Texas at Tyler, has been named Advocate of the Year by the Texas Council of Professors in Educational Administration. The annual award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding service to the profession of educational leadership development and preparation along with service to the organization itself.

Nominees must be active members of TCPEA, which serves a membership of about 60 institutions statewide.

“We congratulate Dr. Kaiser for being recognized by the TCPEA. This award is a great honor and represents a recognition of the work we do at UT Tyler to prepare future school leaders while supporting those already in the field,” said Dr. Pradeep “Max” Dass, dean of the UT Tyler College of Education and Psychology.

During the past year, Kaiser has worked to encourage collaborative research with others across the state, develop professional development sessions to support the growth of junior faculty, and share resources and time with local districts to enhance and support school leadership. His professional and research interests include campus leadership, teacher professional growth and reflective leadership development.

“I greatly enjoy my work at UT Tyler serving educators in the state and community, and I look forward to helping further establish the university as an essential resource in the field,” said Kaiser, a UT Tyler alum. “This award is a welcome encouragement to continue the work ahead.”

Kaiser joined the UT Tyler School of Education faculty in 2020. He has more than 20 years of experience in education serving in the classroom, instructional technology, campus administration and higher education. He currently serves as an executive board member of TCPEA and representative on the University Council for Educational Administration. Kaiser also serves as an adviser for the School Leadership Review.

He holds a Master of Education in educational leadership from UT Tyler and a Doctor of Education in education administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

TCPEA is an affiliate of the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership, which is committed to the practice and study of educational administration. The council is committed to serving the interests and needs of professors of educational administration and practicing school leaders. For more information visit tcpea.org.