Welcome to the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (ELPS)

   
We are committed to preparing transformational leaders who champion excellence, innovation, and meaningful impact in education. In ELPS, you will find a community that values collaboration and fosters strong connections with schools, colleges, and community partners. Together, we engage in community-centered problem-solving to address real-world challenges in education, creating systems that are responsive to the needs of all learners and dedicated to building a stronger and more effective society.
Alonzo Flowers, Ph.D.

Contact

Alonzo M. Flowers III, Ph.D.

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department Chair, Professor

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

alonzo.flowers@utsa.edu

professor speaking with two students

Why Study in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies?

  • 87% of graduates work in academia, higher education student affairs, or are in school and district educational administration
  • Students receive a variety of fellowships like the UCEA Jackson Scholars
  • Graduated more than 180 doctoral students since 2004
Close up of bookshelf in a library

Programs

We offer two master's degrees, a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, and a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration. We also prepare students for principal and superintendent certification.

Dr. Alonzo Flowers provides opening remarks at the State of Rural Education Summit

June 24, 2026

Rural Education Summit Focuses on Expanding Opportunities for Texas Students

Published by UT San Antonio COEHD

Education leaders from across Texas gathered at UT San Antonio to discuss strengthening educational pathways, addressing workforce challenges, and building partnerships that support rural communities.

South Texas College and the University of Texas at San Antonio held a signing ceremony establishing a new online cohort pathway for a Master of Higher Education Administration degree program

May 26, 2026

South Texas College, UT San Antonio Partner on Online Leadership Master’s Program

Published by Texas Border Business

South Texas College is expanding opportunities for faculty and staff seeking leadership roles in higher education through a new partnership with UT San Antonio. STC and UT San Antonio officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a new online cohort pathway for a Master of Higher Education Administration degree program.

2026 Education Scholars Training Program cohort

February 16, 2026

Faculty member selected for 2026 Education Scholars Training Program

Published by UT San Antonio COEHD

Claudia García-Louis, PhD, was selected for the prestigious 2026 Education Scholars Training Program, joining a national cohort committed to reshaping education policy through research and public engagement.

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Faculty

Alonzo Flowers, Ph.D.

Alonzo M. Flowers III, Ph.D.

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department Chair, Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Sofia Bahena, Ph.D.

Sofia Bahena, Ed.D.

Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

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Curtis Brewer, Ph.D.

Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Abraham DeLeon, Ph.D.

Abraham DeLeon, Ph.D.

Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Michael Denton Headshot

J. Michael Denton, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Claudia García-Louis, Ph.D.

Claudia García-Louis, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Dr. Guadalupe Gorordo

Guadalupe Gorordo, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Practice, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Victoria Kim, Ph.D.

Victoria Kim, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Katie McCance, Ph.D.

Katie McCance, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Betty Merchant, Ph.D.

Betty Merchant, Ph.D.

Henrietta Frances Zezula Lowak Endowed Distinguished Professorship in COEHD, Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Juan Manuel Niño, Ph.D.

Juan Manuel Niño, Ph.D.

Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Jessica Rivera

Jessica Rivera, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Mariela Rodriguez Headshot

Mariela Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Vanessa Sansone, Ed.D

Vanessa A. Sansone, Ed.D.

Assistant Department Chair, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Dolores Sendejo Headshot

Dolores Sendejo, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Practice, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Janet Solis Rodriguez Headshot

Janet Solis Rodriguez, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

David Thompson, Ph.D.

David Thompson, Ph.D.

Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Tammy Wyatt, Ph.D.

Tammy Wyatt, Ph.D.

Senior Vice Provost for Student Success & Provost Fellow, Jeff & Loretta Clarke Endowed Mental Health Chair, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Have an inquiry about our program?

We are here to help! Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions about our department, programs, or the admissions process.