Dr. Lawrence Scott

Link to Story: https://news.tamusa.edu/2026/04/AM-San-Antonio-Hosts-Best-of-Both-Worlds-Symposium-on-Taking-a-Holistic-Approach-to-Student-Success.html

Positive Difference Makers,

There are not enough words in any language that can adequately express our gratitude for your participation in our Texas A&M University-San Antonio Educational Leadership and Preparation College of Education and Human Development Best of Both Worlds Panel Beyond Academics: A Holistic Approach to Student Support and Success. Our entire community of educators were impacted by your guidance and practical steps to ensure optimal levels of addressing every students' need through relationship building and leadership.

We appreciate the insightful contributions of our distinguished panel of experts that engaged our students in solution-focused discussions:

Best of Both Worlds Panelists:
K-12 School Leaders

Derrick Brown - Principal, Young Men's Leadership Academy, San Antonio ISD

Priscilla Alfaro - Principal, Young Women's Leadership Academy Primary, SAISD

Policy and Governmental Support:

Representative Elizabeth Campos, TX House of Representatives, District. 119

Commissioner Tommy Calvert, Bexar County Commissioner, Pct. 4


Community Support Leaders

Andrea Vocab Sanderson - Community Engagement Coordinator, Carver Center

Jessica Knudsen - CEO/President Clarity Child Guidance Center

Coordinating such an event is challenging but made easier thanks to an amazing team. Thank you President Hector Ochoa for your continued support, our welcome, and your leadership that allows for these types of community-based, solution-focused discussions. Thank you to my co-moderator, Dr. Elisabeth Krimbill, and colleague Dr. Sean Kearney for Planning and Implementation. Thank you Dr. Danelle Flores for helping us understand how theory can inform practice as it relates to student school counseling services. Thank you Ms. Iris Castillo and Ms. Cynthia Alejos for facilitating President Ochoa's participation.

Thank you to all the members of the College of Education and Human Development for their instrumental roles in the event such as Dean Emma Savage-Davis (for your guidance and Sponsorship), Dr. Esther Garza (Chair-ELP) and (Welcome and Participation), Darleen Davila (Printouts and setup), Dr. Elisabeth Krimbill, Dr. Juan Jasso, Dr. Richard Alvarado and for your attendance, bringing your students, and your Support, and April Lott (Setup, Name Tags, Swag Bags, and Refreshments).

Thank you to Sam Boykin and Dee Garcia (Marketing and Communications-Press Release/Photography), Hoyt Garner (Facilities), and Kevin Mendoza and Moises Calos from Information Technology Services and setup, Cheron Kuykendall and Nickolas Carter (Parking and Transportation), the facilities team and everyone who played a role in making sure our students and the community can transmute our discussions into a Call to Action replete with viable solutions to address today's challenges in our schools.

Again, we want to thank you for helping us transmute theoretical frameworks to practical application.

Addendum: Best of Both Worlds was founded as an opportunity for our Education students (Teachers, Principal, School counselor, Superintendent Preparatory students, etc) an opportunity to 1). synthesize the theoretical frameworks learned in class while 2). interfacing with current school and community leaders on critical topics they will face as educators and community leaders.

Thank you News 4 San Antonio and KABB FOX 29 News, San Antonio for allowing myself and former Community For Life Foundation recipient, and soon to be alumna of The University of Texas at Austin, Alexia Barrera to discuss how the Community For Life Foundation is helping Today's Learners Become Tomorrow's Leaders.

During her time at UT-Austin, she performed in the marching band (Sugar Bowl), secured victories in her mock trial competitions, worked at a law firm, and even founded and served as the President of the UT Lawtina Organization.

Alexia recounted: "The scholarship helped me in my first year... to take care of some of those costs that a lot of college students unfortunately have to go through," Barrera said. "Anything from books to tuition fees to even parking fees... helping alleviate some of that pain so that way I could go and enjoy my time and make something of myself."

Keep up the great work Alexia! Definitely a rising star in our community.

With almost a Million dollars in scholarships to more than 450 students in the greater San Antonio area, since 2001, the Community for Life Foundation is here to help Today's Learners Become Tomorrow's Leaders.

This Could Be YOU! Applications open April 1, 2026. For more information on our Foundation, or to apply, please visit www.cflfoundation.org.

Link to Article: https://news4sanantonio.com/news/instagram/how-one-san-antonio-foundation-is-turning-1-million-into-local-legacies-community-for-life-college-scholarships-texas-lawrence-scott-alexia-barrera-students

https://youtu.be/wl0mgA9nbGo?si=bfQdrhq1OyBnAU6K

How one San Antonio foundation is turning $1 million into local legacies The Community for Life Foundation is marking its 25th anniversary by continuing its mission to ease the financial burden of higher education.

Leaders of Leaders,

We are excited to announce the launch of the first doctoral program at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Our new Texas A&M-San Antonio Educational Leadership Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.This program is designed for aspiring and current educational leaders who are committed to making a difference by transmuting theory into meaningful IMPACT for schools, organization, and communities.

If you are interested in advancing your leadership skills, deepening your knowledge, and preparing for the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply.

You can learn more about the program and submit your application using the link below:

https://www.tamusa.edu/academics/College-of-Education-and-Human-Development/Educator-Leadership-Preparation/Educational-Leadership-Program/EdD-educational-leadership.html

Note: The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program at Texas A&M University-San Antoni is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

We look forward to supporting you on your journey toward earning your doctoral degree.

Save the Date – April 8, 2026
Best of Both Worlds Symposium

As a former teacher, school counselor, and administrator, I understand how critical it is to take a holistic approach to serving ALL students, their families, and their communities. Therefore, our Texas A&M University–San Antonio College of Education and Human Development will host its next Best of Both Worlds Panel titled “Beyond Academics: A Holistic Approach to Student Support and Success” on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 PM in the Central Academic Building (CAB), Vista Room (4th Floor).

This panel will explore ways educators, community leaders, and policymakers can support students both inside and outside the classroom. The discussion will focus on improving student well-being by serving the “whole student.” Panelists will address topics such as accessing mental health resources, strengthening student and teacher self-efficacy, and building strong partnerships among schools, families, and community organizations to promote student success.

This event is free and open to the public.

Confirmed Panel of Experts (6:30–8:00 PM)

K–12 School Leaders
Derrick Brown – Principal, Young Men’s Leadership Academy, San Antonio ISD
Priscilla Alfaro – Principal, Young Women’s Leadership Academy, San Antonio ISD

Policy and Governmental Leaders
Representative Elizabeth Campos – Texas House of Representatives, District 119
Commissioner Tommy Calvert – Bexar County Commissioner, Precinct 4

Community Support Leaders
Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson – Community Engagement Coordinator, Carver Community Cultural Center
Jessica Knudsen – President & CEO, Clarity Child Guidance Center

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:00 PM
Location: Texas A&M University–San Antonio
Central Academic Building (CAB), Vista Room – 4th Floor
One University Way, San Antonio, TX 78224

Topic: Beyond Academics: A Holistic Approach to Student Support and Success

Attendees: Community members are welcome to join Texas A&M–San Antonio students and faculty from teacher preparation, educational leadership (principal and superintendent preparation), counseling programs, and other community stakeholders.

About the Best of Both Worlds Series

The Best of Both Worlds initiative was created to provide education students—including future teachers, principals, school counselors, and superintendents—with opportunities to connect theory with practice. The series allows students to synthesize the theoretical frameworks learned in the classroom while engaging directly with current school, policy, and community leaders on the critical issues they will face as educators and community leaders.

Excited to join the Halfway Human Podcast with James Chandler to discuss our new book, Advocating for Educational Change: Reimagining Student Discipline Through Restorative Practices with Dr. Jessica Moreno.

📅 Episode drops March 19.
More details coming soon!

Link to Book: https://cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-0364-6413-4/?fbclid=Iwb21leAQXILF leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR7SxT2U8vwu1EzG6jgzX7uh6wqnuR096ZjS2yu_o5gaWErfVeCZ11XPgrrjuQ_aem_jNrn54sIZU6CMpfi-11Omg

This Could Be YOU! 🎓 In honor of our Community For Life Foundation Scholarship 25th Anniversary, we’re looking back at our 2022 ceremony where we awarded over $70,000 to Greater San Antonio students. To date, we’ve given nearly $1M to 450+ recipients.

Applications open April 1st! This Could Be You! Let’s help Today’s Learners Become Tomorrow’s Leaders.
Apply at: www.cflfoundation.org

Great interview of Amir Samandi from CEO and Founder of Students of Service - SOS. If there was ever a group who can articulate and live out why becoming a Global Citizen is critical in these times, it is the Mission of SOS. They are certainly Getting in Alignment with their Assignment.

Looking forward to this interview on the Afrrican The African American Network - TAAN about our new book:

Advocating for Educational Change: Reimagining Student Discipline Through Restorative Practices

Link to Book: https://cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-0364-6413-4/

We NEED to look at school discipline differently! This is an exploration of supporting teachers and administrators as they work with students using more restorative practices in place of punitive or exclusionary discipline practices. This is a culmination of over 25 years of service to students and schools in varying communities around greater San Antonio. Thank you Dr. Jessica Moreno and Director John Jacobs for this conversation and collaboration. Thank you Laura Thompson and the African American Network for the platform. Let's disrupt the pipeline to prison for our students.

Get in Alignment with your Alignment:

I've learned a long time ago that this life isn't mine... It belongs to God. Everything that we own on this side of Heaven will not last...One thing that does last is... Legacy. As I mentioned, I pray my Legacy will be that I lived a Life that expressed the Love of Christ here on earth (Luke 4:18-19) 🙏🏾. That my actions (not just my words), are in "Alignment with my Assignment."

Thank you SA Monthly Magazine team and Mr. DM Rodriguez for amplifying the voice of our mission. As a professor leading the next generation of school and community leaders at Texas A&M University-San Antonio or as the executive director of Community For Life Foundation celebrating our 25th anniversary and over a million dollars given in Scholarships, we pray our IMPACT last for generations to come and He gets the Glory.

Impact isn't created in isolation. I praise God for my Texas A&M-San Antonio family, San Antonio ISD family, Now Word Covenant Church family, Community for Life Foundation Family, who nurtured this assignment and showed me what selfless Love looks like through see ice to others.

Thank you to my family, friends, and community who remind me in these critical times....STAY FOCUSED. This too shall pass and to continue Healing our most vulnerable communities.

Thank you to my wife Melissa who God has used to help me become a better husband, father, son, and community leader. Many see the outcomes, but miss the outtakes of our lives. You see it all and still choose me daily. Thank you for your Patience and Love. I Love you ❤️

The full interview pages on 56-61: https://issuu.com/samonthlymag/docs/sa_monthly_bhm_val_issue_2026_?fr=sYjkyYTkwNjU4Njk&fbclid=Iwb21leAP_-RxjbGNrA__5GWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHmfsBsac_chezdSemMmDh1yTec3NRfYeRfu_dP-Mf2NMh1L3zbbcS22RL56o_aem_HVYSYAOIvLXr9jTIl0knag

New Book Published: Dr. Jessica Moreno and I have just released a new academic book with Cambridge Scholars Publishing entitled:

Advocating for Educational Change: Reimagining Student Discipline Through Restorative Practices

Link to Book: https://cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-0364-6413-4/

We NEED to look at school discipline differently! This is an exploration of supporting teachers and administrators as they work with students using more restorative practices in place of punitive or exclusionary discipline practices. This is a culmination of over 25 years of service to students and schools in varying communities around greater San Antonio. Let's disrupt the pipeline to prison for our students. Dr. Moreno, Thank you for allowing me to join you in this most needed research initiative.