Dr. Sonya Smith-Watson

Dr. Sonya Smith-Watson is a distinguished retired Executive Director with over 30 years of experience as an educator and educational leader. From an early age, she was inspired by her mother, a successful school principal, who demonstrated the profound impact that strong, visionary leadership can have on students, teachers, and communities. This early influence ignited Dr. Smith-Watson’s passion for education and shaped her commitment to fostering academic excellence, equity, and innovation within schools. Over the course of her career, she has held a variety of leadership positions including Principal, Curriculum Coordinator, and Mathematics Specialist where she worked closely with schools to develop strategic plans, implement effective systems, coach leadership teams, and cultivate partnerships that enhance organizational performance and student outcomes. A lifelong advocate for professional development, Dr. Smith-Watson earned her degrees from Alabama A&M University and Prairie View A&M University, and completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration at Liberty University. Her dedication to advancing leadership in education is reflected in her accomplishments, including promoting educators into leadership positions and serving as a transformational leader through her published work, Don’t Confuse Authority with Leadership, which guides educational leaders on the art of influence building and effective teams to improve performance indicators. She has also contributed to the broader educational community through her involvement in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and as Vice President of the Houston Alumni Chapter of Alabama A&M University, leveraging these roles to mentor emerging leaders and support initiatives that provide scholarships for college bound students, enrich academic and community environments, and foster increased civic engagement. Beyond her professional pursuits, Dr. Smith-Watson is deeply committed to her family and community. She cherishes being a mother and enjoys sharing her love of music through karaoke, particularly Motown and ’90s R&B. Growing up as a military dependent instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for travel and cultural exploration, and she dreams of touring the Holy Land to connect with historical and spiritual landmarks. She is also dedicated to volunteerism, working with youth and the elderly to make a meaningful impact outside the classroom. Dr. Smith-Watson’s career and personal endeavors reflect a steadfast dedication to leadership, service, and the empowerment of others, making her a respected figure in the field of education and beyond.

• Principal Certification

• Alabama A&M University
• Liberty University - EdD
• Prairie View A&M University - MEd

• Principal of the Year, 2019
• Women of Excellence Award, 2017
• Who's Who in Educational Leadership 2008, 2022
• Proclamation from Fort Bend County Sheriff, 2023