DeSoto ISD Women's History Month Spotlight: Dr. Usamah Rodgers
As we continue to honor remarkable women during Women’s History Month, we shine a light on Dr. Usamah Rodgers, the superintendent of schools for the DeSoto Independent School District (ISD). With more than three decades of leadership and educational excellence, Dr. Rodgers has made a significant impact in the world of education, advocating for equity, innovation, and academic success.
Dr. Rodgers’ journey to success began at Missouri State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in education, followed by a master’s degree and Doctor of Education in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. With a career spanning more than 20 years, she has served in various roles, from teacher to assistant principal to principal, touching countless lives along the way. Her leadership and dedication have always centered on creating better opportunities for all students to succeed.
Before her appointment as superintendent of DeSoto ISD in May 2022, Dr. Rodgers made notable strides as the deputy chief of strategic initiatives in Dallas ISD. In that role, she was instrumental in developing one of the nation's largest Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) programs. This initiative empowered thousands of students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree, creating pathways to brighter futures.
Under Dr. Rodgers’ leadership, DeSoto ISD has experienced transformative changes, reintroduction of choice, expansion of STEM and CTE with introduction of PTECH and improvement and stabilization of district financial operations and oversight.
She has reintroduced and expanded academic offerings such as the Woodridge Fine Arts Elementary Academy, DeSoto West Male Leadership Academy, Amber Terrace Early Childhood Learning Center, and the Best Southwest’s only Talented and Gifted Academy.
Additionally, the district has enhanced its safety measures, boosting security training and adopting more robust communication strategies to connect with the community.
In recognition of her exceptional achievements, Dr. Rodgers has been honored multiple times. She was named the best K-12 education leader by The Edvocate in both 2020 and 2022, an accolade that highlights her dedication to educational equity and reform. Furthermore, she received the 2023 Texas Black Legislative Caucus Outstanding Texan Award, representing District 111, and was recently honored with the 2024 Bear of Excellence Award from Missouri State University, celebrating her remarkable contributions to education and her alma mater.
A particularly special recognition came on Jan. 16, 2025, when Dr. Rodgers was honored at Superintendent Recognition Day, hosted by Legacy Toyota of Dallas. The event, held at the dealership on Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, attracted a large crowd of educators, community members, and local officials, all gathered to celebrate Dr. Rodgers' leadership and dedication to DeSoto ISD. The festive atmosphere, complete with a catered spread, reflected the community’s high regard for Dr. Rodgers.
Dr. Rodgers’ impact on DeSoto ISD is evident through her leadership of initiatives such as the Triple A Experience, aimed at improving student outcomes and fostering greater community engagement by offering deeper student engagement and wider choice options in academics, the arts, and athletics. Her efforts have empowered students to thrive both academically and personally, creating a dynamic educational environment.
Dr. Rodgers’ leadership has also earned her the trust of the DeSoto ISD Board of Trustees, who unanimously approved a contract extension for her in January 2025, reinforcing their confidence in her direction for the district.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Rodgers is deeply involved in community service. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she continues to exemplify the principles of sisterhood, service, and scholarship. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, as she strives to create environments that foster growth, equity, and success for all students.
Her leadership has not only shaped the landscape of education within DeSoto ISD but has also earned her national recognition as a thought leader, innovator, and disruptor in the field of education. Dr. Rodgers has spoken at numerous national, state, and local conferences, advocating for access, equity, and excellence in education.
As we celebrate Dr. Usamah Rodgers this Women’s History Month, we honor her transformative influence on education. Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of students, her leadership within DeSoto ISD, and her many accolades reflect a career dedicated to building a brighter future for generations to come. Dr. Rodgers continues to inspire and uplift those around her, exemplifying the power of resilience, vision, and service.