Lamar CISD’s Dr. Roosevelt Nivens Named 2025 Region 4 Superintendent of the Year
In a moment that spotlighted both personal and district-wide achievements, Dr. Roosevelt Nivens, Superintendent of Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (Lamar CISD), was named the 2025 Region 4 Superintendent of the Year by the Region 4 Education Service Center. The honor, announced in a surprise presentation at the district’s June 17 school board meeting, now positions Dr. Nivens as the Region 4 nominee for the Texas Association of School Boards’ (TASB) prestigious Superintendent of the Year award, to be unveiled at txEDCON25 this September in San Antonio.
“I’m extraordinarily honored and humbled to be named Region 4 Superintendent of the Year, and I’m excited to show all the amazing things happening in Lamar CISD,” said Dr. Nivens. “While this means so much to me personally, it also reflects the tremendous work of our Board of Trustees, our staff and district administrators, our committed parents and guardians, and all the people in our community who care so much about this district and pour their hearts into it and into serving students.”
A Transformative Leader Amid Rapid Growth
Since stepping into the role in 2021, Dr. Nivens has guided Lamar CISD through a period of explosive growth and innovation. Now the fastest-growing school district of its size in Texas, Lamar CISD serves over 47,000 students across more than 50 campuses. In response to this growth, Dr. Nivens championed a historic $1.5 billion bond in 2022, enabling the district to expand infrastructure and accommodate increasing enrollment.
But it’s not just the numbers that define his tenure—it’s the people and the programs. One of his signature initiatives, the “Innovative School Day,” reflects a focus on both student enrichment and teacher development by giving educators dedicated time for collaboration and data-driven instruction. The district also saw a significant expansion in Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings, with a new, state-of-the-art Lamar CISD CTE Center scheduled to open in 2026.
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Recognized for Visionary Leadership
According to Region 4, Dr. Nivens earned the distinction not just for managing growth, but for elevating educational quality and collaboration. He’s strengthened Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), increased teacher retention rates, and helped Lamar CISD students surpass state averages in college, career, and military readiness.
“Dr. Nivens is a true servant-leader, with a heart dedicated to ensuring our students are successful, along with the fortitude and courage to advocate for what’s best for them and our schools,” said Board President Jacci Hotzel. “He leads with integrity, passion, and a collaborative spirit that excites others about the future of Lamar CISD and our amazing students.”
Trustee and past board president Zach Lambert, who spearheaded the nomination, praised Nivens for fostering a culture of unity and transparency.
“Dr. Nivens has cultivated a leadership style rooted in responsiveness and relationship-building,” Lambert noted. “Through his leadership, governance practices have been strengthened, trust has been fortified, and our collective focus on student achievement has never wavered.”
A Career Defined by Service and Excellence
Before joining Lamar CISD, Dr. Nivens served as superintendent of Community ISD in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and held earlier roles as a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant superintendent. Across every position, his efforts have been defined by an unwavering focus on equity, collaboration, and results.
His accolades reflect his impact: Region 10 Superintendent of the Year, National Superintendent of the Year from the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), and 2022 Latino Serving Superintendent of the Year from the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS). In 2024, he was elected Vice President of the Texas Association of School Administrators, underscoring his statewide influence.
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“Dr. Roosevelt Nivens is a visionary leader whose student-centered approach is evident in Lamar CISD,” said Region 4 Executive Director Dr. Rodney Watson. “His ability to inspire trust, lead with integrity, and build strong connections across his community is a testament to his outstanding leadership. We are proud to recognize his commitment to excellence and his impact on public education.”
Honoring Excellence in Educational Leadership Across Texas
The Texas Superintendent of the Year program, jointly led by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and TASB, was established in 1984 to recognize exemplary district leaders who demonstrate innovation, commitment, and excellence in education. Superintendents from over 1,000 Texas public school districts are eligible to be nominated by their boards.
Nominees are selected for their visionary leadership, dedication to student performance, and ability to foster public trust and support. The program not only celebrates outstanding school leaders but also aims to inspire continued professional growth and highlight best practices across Texas school systems.
Looking Ahead
As Dr. Nivens advances to the statewide stage at txEDCON25 in San Antonio on September 12, the Lamar CISD community will be watching with pride. Whether or not he takes home the statewide title, his selection as Region 4 Superintendent of the Year has already placed a spotlight on a district—and a leader—driven by heart, vision, and a deep belief in the power of public education.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for continued Lamar Consolidated ISD updates and other stories impacting families and schools across Fort Bend County and beyond.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
