Alief Independent School District is proud to announce that Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays has been selected as one of only 19 education leaders across the country to join the 2025–2026 Fellowship Cohort, a national program focused on transforming public education through innovative leadership and evidence-based management practices.
This prestigious opportunity represents a significant milestone in Dr. Mays’ professional journey and a powerful affirmation of Alief ISD’s growing influence in the national education landscape.
The fellowship, offered by one of the nation’s leading educational leadership institutions, brings together a select group of superintendents and senior school system executives from across the United States. Over the course of the program, fellows will deepen their leadership capacity, explore cutting-edge research in public sector management, and apply those insights directly to the complex challenges facing school systems today.
Dr. Mays’ selection reflects his exceptional track record as an educational leader and his commitment to driving equitable, student-centered innovation in Alief ISD. Since joining the district, he has prioritized academic excellence, strong systems thinking, and meaningful community engagement. Under his leadership, Alief ISD has embraced forward-thinking approaches to instruction, talent development, and whole-child support—earning statewide recognition for both innovation and impact.
Participation in the 2025–2026 Fellowship Cohort will allow Dr. Mays to collaborate with fellow superintendents from across the country, share best practices, and learn directly from experts in organizational leadership, strategy, and systems design. The fellowship is designed to help school system leaders think beyond the traditional boundaries of K–12 education and to build sustainable, high-performing organizations that serve all students well.
For Alief ISD, Dr. Mays’ selection presents an extraordinary opportunity. The insights and tools he will gain through this fellowship will strengthen the district’s capacity to address complex challenges, improve outcomes, and remain agile in a rapidly changing educational landscape. It also sends a strong signal that Alief ISD continues to be a district on the rise—committed to excellence, equity, and leadership at every level.
As he embarks on this national fellowship, Dr. Mays brings with him not only the wisdom and experience of a seasoned educator but also the heart of a servant leader. His work has always centered on students, families, and educators, and this new chapter will only deepen his ability to lead with vision, courage, and compassion.
Alief ISD congratulates Dr. Anthony Mays on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to the continued impact of his leadership locally and nationwide.