By Selene Corcino
Special from UTPB
UT Permian Basin alum Mark Lopez was recently awarded the 2024 Rhosine Fleming Campus Administrator of the Year by the Texas School Counselor Association. Lopez earned his Superintendent Certification from UTPB. He’s currently a Middle School Principal in San Antonio.
“I am so fortunate to work with such a high-quality counseling and administrative team. We always work and lead with a kids first mentality. This is what educators do daily. When we are recognized for our efforts it’s just the icing on the cake,” said Lopez.
Lopez shared he enjoyed the flexibility of the Superintendent Certification Program. The online program allowed him to complete his work at his own pace while also working a full-time job.
“This was my first time taking an online college course. It was convenient to take classes after work and work at the pace I needed.”
During his time at UTPB, Lopez alongside Dr. Rod Uzat (Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Program Coordinator for the Superintendent Certification Program) presented research called “Choosing Social Interaction Over Social Media During the School Day.”
This research centered on significant changes and how many schools are adapting the use of technology since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lopez encourages prospective students to choose UTPB for many reasons, but the quality of education UTPB provides is top of the list.
“You can’t beat the high-level learning experience plus the convenient schedule!”
The Superintendent Certification Program at UTPB is a 16-credit program designed for principals and assistant principals who want to strengthen their skills as school leaders in their district. This certification can be earned in two semesters and is one of the only four-course programs in the state that maintains a practicum component throughout.
