The Region 4 Education Service Center announced Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens as the 2025 Region 4 Superintendent of the Year. Following a surprise announcement during the Lamar CISD June 17 School Board Meeting, Dr. Nivens will now advance as the Region 4 nominee for Texas Superintendent of the Year, to be announced on September 12 by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) at txEDCON25 in San Antonio, Texas. 
“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,” Dr. Nivens said. “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.” 

Appointed in 2021, Dr. Nivens has led Lamar CISD during a period of historic growth and academic success. With more than 50 campuses and 47,000 students, Lamar CISD is the fastest-growing district of its size in Texas. Under his leadership, the district passed a record-setting $1.5 billion bond in 2022 to expand facilities and meet student needs during an ongoing period of hypergrowth. 

During his time as superintendent, Dr. Nivens has introduced initiatives such as Lamar CISD’s “Innovative School Day,” which provides teachers with dedicated time for collaboration, professional learning, and data-driven instruction while students benefit from valuable enrichment learning. He has expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and led the planning of a state-of-the-art Lamar CISD CTE Center, opening in 2026. 

According to a release from Region 4 announcing his selection, Dr. Nivens was also singled out for his leadership in strengthening Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), increasing teacher retention, and helping position Lamar CISD students ahead of their peers statewide 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,” Lamar CISD Board of Trustees President Jacci Hotzel said. “He leads with integrity, passion, and a collaborative spirit that excites others about the future of Lamar CISD and our amazing students.” 

Lamar CISD Board Trustee and Past President Zach Lambert helped lead the nomination process, and emphasized Dr. Nivens’ strength in building a culture of teamwork and common purpose. 

“Dr. Nivens has cultivated a leadership style rooted in responsiveness and relationship-building,” Lambert said. “Through his leadership, governance practices have been strengthened, trust has been fortified, and our collective focus on student achievement has never wavered.” 

Before joining Lamar CISD, Dr. Nivens served as Superintendent of Community ISD, a rapidly growing district in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Earlier in his career, he held roles as an assistant superintendent, principal, teacher, and coach, developing a track record of improving student outcomes and building collaborative teams. 

His honors include Region 10 Superintendent of the Year and being named National Superintendent of the Year by the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE). He was also named the 2022 Latino Serving Superintendent of the Year by the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS). In 2024, he was elected Vice President of the Texas Association of School Administrators. 

“Dr. Roosevelt Nivens is a visionary leader whose student-centered approach is evident in Lamar CISD,” Region 4 Executive Director Dr. Rodney Watson said in a statement announcing the win. “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.” 

About the Texas Association of School Administrators and Texas Association of School Boards Superintendent of the Year Program 

The Superintendent of the Year program, established in 1984, recognizes exceptional administrators who have demonstrated achievement and excellence in public school administration. This prestigious award celebrates school leaders who exhibit exemplary and visionary leadership in their efforts to enhance student performance. 

Superintendents chosen for this recognition possess strong leadership skills, a deep commitment to improving the quality of education within their districts, and a dedication to fostering public support and involvement in education. These individuals are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field of education and for their tireless efforts to create positive learning environments for students. 

The award program serves as a platform to inspire continued professional growth and acknowledge the exceptional work of these administrators, highlighting their accomplishments and the positive impact they have made on their districts. The Superintendent of the Year program has been instrumental in honoring and showcasing the achievements of exemplary administrators who exhibit outstanding leadership, dedication, and a commitment to improving student performance and the quality of education in their districts. Superintendents from the state’s more than 1,000 independent school districts are eligible for nomination by their school boards.