UT Tyler Online Programs Spotlight

March 24, 2026

Dr. Ptomey’s Path to Purpose-Driven Leadership

Dr. Tish Ptomey began her career in Information Technology. Despite warnings against a “financially unstable” career, she chose to follow her calling into education. Working with children led her to overseeing teachers which developed into supporting campuses and districts. Dr. Ptomey doesn’t regret any of it and states how her career has been deeply rewarding.  

What Dr. Ptomey appreciated most about the Doctor of Education in School Improvement Program (Ed.D.) at The University of Texas at Tyler is the professor's involvement and support by walking with her through each step of the journey. The one-on-one coaching and office hours were great assets to her success.

Dr. Ptomey took an adult learning course that has helped in her current regional leadership role. This course changed the approach of how she delivers professional development. She learned the importance of giving continuous support to school leaders. In Dr. Ptomey’s role, she identifies gaps in the systems of two districts in the region. Dr. Ptomey finds and solves barriers the campuses are facing.  

She completed her dissertation on the teacher's perception of the implementation of a curriculum that measured student outcomes. As she went through her dissertation, Dr. Ptomey shared and used some of the data that was collected to help address barriers she found at Region 12. She was able to immediately apply what she had learned in the program to real life situations with the fundamental goal of improving student outcomes. 

If Dr. Ptomey could give advice to a potential Ed.D. candidate, it would be establishing a strong support system both at home and in the cohort. Choosing the Ed.D. program at UT Tyler will be a beneficial, rewarding experience to anyone committed to serving their educational leadership community.