UT Tyler, Kilgore ISD Partner to Enrich District Educational Opportunities
TYLER, Texas (May 27, 2026) – The University of Texas at Tyler has partnered with Kilgore Independent School District to provide discounted tuition rates for district employees wishing to pursue advanced degrees at UT Tyler.
The university remains focused on teacher education and how its School of Education can help address the teacher shortage in East Texas and across the state.
“We’re excited to welcome Kilgore ISD as the newest member of our education partnership network,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting educators and building a stronger future for East Texas.”
The partnership also strengthens the district by making educational opportunities more affordable and accessible for its administrators and teachers.
“Kilgore ISD is proud to partner with UT Tyler to create new opportunities for our educators to grow professionally while continuing to serve our students and community,” Kilgore ISD Superintendent Dr. Andy Baker said. “By expanding access to high-quality graduate programs and leadership pathways at a reduced cost, we are investing directly in the future of education in KISD. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to developing strong educators and leaders who will continue to make a positive impact on Bulldog students for years to come.”
UT Tyler will work with the district to offer an accelerated master’s degree in educational leadership with principal certification, as well as special opportunities for other graduate degrees. These programs are offered 100% online to accommodate working professionals. For additional information, visit uttyler.edu.
Kilgore Independent School District prepares today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities through quality instruction and academic excellence. Located in the piney woods of Northeast Texas between Dallas and Shreveport, Kilgore ISD covers 106 square miles in Gregg and Rusk counties. The district employs more than 500 staff members who serve more than 4,000 students across five campuses.
With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 11,500 students. Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.