UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler Educational Leadership Professor Recognized for Research

September 30, 2014

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

September 30, 2014



Dr. Vance Vaughn has been named ‘Researcher of the Year’ by the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Leadership, Dr. Wesley Hickey, College of Education and Psychology interim dean, announced.

A UT Tyler alumnus, Vaughn serves as an associate professor of educational leadership within the university’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, where he teaches in the principal and superintendent programs. He was recognized during a council ceremony on Sept. 26 in Dallas.

“Dr. Vaughn is a recognized scholar within The University of Texas at Tyler, and he has proven himself to be a strong researcher in educational leadership,” Hickey said. “His research provides insights into the theoretical and practical nature of educational leadership, as well as creates a strong foundation for his service on the TCPEA Executive Board, Innovation Academy Charter School Board and as a professional service provider for local districts.”

Vaughn’s professional and research interests include public school finance, bond elections and mathematics leadership. His scholarly contributions include nearly 20 published peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, one textbook and 15 state and national presentations. During the past year, Vaughn has published five journal articles, one book chapter and one book.

“His inclusion in the TCPEA book, Texas Public School Organization and Administration: 2014 with a chapter on facilities, titled The Superintendent and District Facilities, is indicative of peer recognition of his strength as a writer and researcher,” Hickey added.

Vaughn was also a contributing author of the book, Taking the Mystery Out of Texas Public School Finance, 2nd ed., which was published by National Council of Professors of Educational Administration. The book has been recognized as one of the organization’s best sellers.

He also co-authored three journal articles: “A Narrative of Resiliency and Cultural Acceptance: Social Justice, Competition, and Quality Viewed through the Gendered Lens,” which was published by the Journal of Texas Women School Executives, “Beginning Teacher Induction Programs: Connections in Retaining Teachers, Maintaining Continuity and Sustaining Student Achievement,” which was published in Texas Study of Secondary Education and “Finding a Superintendent’s Position: Challenges for African-American Women in Texas,” which was published in the Journal of Texas Women School Executives.

In addition, Vaughn was sole author for the School Leadership Review article, “View from the Field: How NCLB’s Good Intentions of Accountability Damage our Educational Leaders.” The Our Schools and Community Works Journal also published “Jim’s Reign: A Commitment to Longevity, Excellence and Resilience.”

Serving UT Tyler since 2006, Vaughn holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University, a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from UT Tyler and a bachelor of business administration from Baylor University.

Aside from being a Texas Education Agency professional service provider, he also is a registered TEA provider of continuing education. Vaughn also holds business, mathematics, principal and superintendent certifications from UT Tyler.

Before serving UT Tyler, Vaughn served as a mathematics teacher, assistant principal, principal and superintendent in East Texas.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,000 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.