By: Dr. Norma Martinez, Director of Communications

Congratulations to Dr. Randal O’Brien, Superintendent of Schools for Goose Creek CISD, for being honored as a 2024 Sam Houston State University (SHSU) Distinguished Educator of the Year. The Distinguished Educator of the Year award recognizes and honors alumni educators who have made a significant contribution to the field of education. Nominees must be an alumnus of SHSU's College of Education and have demonstrated expertise or outstanding service in the classroom, school, district, and/or community.

Dr. O’Brien has served as superintendent of Goose Creek CISD for the past nine years. He was named the acting superintendent during the August 7, 2014 Board meeting and was confirmed superintendent later that year; becoming the 15th superintendent in the 100-year history of the district.

Dr. O’Brien holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from East Texas Baptist University, where he played basketball and tennis on scholarship; a master’s of education in administration from Sam Houston State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Lamar University. His experience includes more than 30 years in education; serving as a CTE teacher/coordinator, assistant principal, campus principal, district administrator, and, for more than a dozen years; superintendent of schools.

Dr. O’Brien will be honored at this year’s ceremony on March 2 at the Lowman Student Center White Ballroom in Huntsville, Texas.