University of Houston-Clear Lake alumna and local business owner Sandy Johnson offered her support to UH-Clear Lake with the creation of the Sandy Johnson/Barrios Technology, Ltd. Endowed Professorship. The endowment will allow faculty members in educational leadership to concentrate on research and/or improve instruction needed to develop future educational leaders. Pictured (seated, l to r) during the signing are Sandy Johnson, UH-Clear Lake President William A. Staples, (standing, l to r) Program Chair and Professor of Educational Leadership Larry Kajs, Associate Dean of the School of Education James Sherrill, Senior Vice President and Provost Carl A. Stockton, Barrios Technology Chief Operating Officer Midge Davis and School of Education Dean Dennis W. Spuck.   .

Community leader creates UH-Clear Lake professorship

University of Houston-Clear Lake doctoral students will reap the benefits of scholastic and research improvements because of support from the Sandy Johnson/Barrios Technology, Ltd. Endowed Professorship. Faculty members in the university’s School of Education Doctor of Educational Leadership program are eligible for the professorship created by university alumna and Barrios Technology owner and President Sandy Johnson.

“Education is key to any career path,” explains Johnson, who received her Master of Business Administration from UH-Clear Lake in 1982. “If you don’t reach students in K-12 they are less likely to want to continue learning. They need great teachers and very effective leadership at the administrative level.”

Johnson’s strong belief in education propelled her to start the endowment that will allow educational leadership professors to concentrate on research and/or the improvement of instruction that is needed to develop future educational leaders. The endowment, created with an initial gift of $30,000 and a commitment of four more similar gifts before 2012, will be completely funded at $150,000 and when matched by the university will total $375,000.

“We are so grateful for the vision of alumni like Sandy Johnson” said School of Education Dean Dennis Spuck. “Sandy has a strong commitment to public education, and this endowment in support of our educational leadership faculty provides us the opportunity to conduct essential research and develop innovative programs that will lead to the improvement of our local schools.”

As owner and president of Barrios Technology, Ltd., Johnson relies on the local school districts, community colleges and universities, especially UH-Clear Lake, to build a strong employment team. Johnson has not only created the professorship but has long supported UH-Clear Lake by contributing to other endowments as well as participating in numerous UH-Clear Lake activities. In 1996, she was recognized as a UH-Clear Lake Distinguished Alumna.

“This endowment will work to significantly increase opportunities for faculty research and professional development,” said Program Chair and Professor of Educational Leadership Lawrence Kajs. “We commend local business leaders and alumni like Sandy Johnson who understand and appreciate the importance of sound leadership in our schools and in the community at large.”

Nominations for faculty members to receive the three-year award will be based on their research activities, instructional or teaching effectiveness, outreach to pre-Kindergarten – 12th and leadership characteristics.

For information about the professorship or other endowments at the university, call the Office of University Advancement, 281-283-2021. To find out more about the educational leadership program, call the School of Education, 281-283-3615, or e-mail education@uhcl.edu