Howdy from Texas! I am elated to join Advance CTE in the role of Senior Advisor, Member Engagement and Professional Learning. I am a native of Odessa, Texas. I moved to Central Texas in 2009 and have called Austin my home since 2015. I recently worked at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in the Workforce Education division. I specifically was the fiscal and operational lead for the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) grant distributed to the 54 community, state and technical colleges across Texas. Previous to this work, I was employed for community colleges in Texas for 15 years with roles in student enrollment services, including directing an Adult Education and Literacy program. My favorite role was academic advisor, where I was able to coach students through achieving their dreams via academic pursuits!

In 2021, I received my Doctor of Education from Abilene Christian University in Organizational Leadership- Higher Education. My dissertation was a narrative study that highlighted the academic pathways and success of first-generation college students. As a first-gen student myself, this body of work was very rewarding and eye-opening. I received my Master of Education from Angelo State University in Student Development and Leadership- Higher Education and have a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Central Texas.

I am excited to join Advance CTE and continue to be an advocate of career and technical education. I look forward to working with the organization’s membership and engaging with all of you in this work. Some of the things I love: reading, traveling, spending time with family, cooking, and spoiling my three kitties Abbie, Colbie and Stormie!

Stephanie Perkins, Senior Advisor, Member Engagement and Professional Learning