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UT Austin News - The University of Texas at Austin

Celebrating 50 Years of Leadership and Service

In 2026, the College of Education’s Cooperative Superintendency Program celebrates 50 years of preparing visionary leaders to serve Texas public school systems.

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Image of a group of people who were part of the Cooperative Superintendency Program at the TASA Midwinter Conference

Housed in the College of Education, the top-ranked Cooperative Superintendency Program (CSP) is like no other program in the country. Since 1976, aspiring superintendents already leading within the state’s schools and districts have chosen to come here to elevate their leadership in service to public school districts across Texas. This year, we proudly celebrate 50 years of lasting impact, marked by our graduates who have strengthened schools and supported families and communities.

Before CSP was established, there was an urgent need in Texas to prepare visionary leaders to serve the public school system in key leadership roles. The program was created to answer that call, rooted in a deep commitment to public service, a rigorous curriculum and the resources needed to develop resilient leaders.

Since its first graduating class in 1977, more than 500 alumni are serving or have served in leadership roles in public education around the state and across the country – a true testament to the program’s strong foundation and enduring values, as leaders and advocates for public school children.

For five decades, CSP has cultivated exceptional educational leadership – both past and present – and will continue to do so for generations to come.

“Moving forward, we want to ensure that the Cooperative Superintendency Program is affordable and continues to attract the best applicants and that the alumni network grows stronger to sustain the next 50 years and beyond,” said David DeMatthews, current director of the program and professor.

Read more about CSP’s leadership, innovative curriculum and its future on the College of Education website.