Foundation Staff

Betsy Mijares, Ed.D.

Program Officer, Education & Economic Mobility

Email: betsymijares@tlltemple.foundation

Betsy Mijares serves as program officer, for education and economic mobility. With 19 years of professional education experience, she brings a wealth of expertise to her position. Her academic journey began with graduating from Lufkin High School in 2001, followed by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with minors in English and Spanish from Sam Houston State University.

Afterwards, Betsy pursued her teaching certification through the Post Baccalaureate Initial Certification program at Stephen F. Austin State University. She furthered her education at SFA, earning a master’s degree in secondary education and principal certification in 2009. Later, in 2017, she achieved her doctorate in educational leadership, along with superintendent certification.

Her career in education commenced as an 8th grade reading/language arts teacher at Lufkin Middle School in 2005, where she dedicated seven years to nurturing young minds. Following this, Betsy took on leadership roles, serving as an assistant principal at Burley Primary and later as principal for seven years. Subsequently, she served as the Director of Bilingual and ESL Programs at Lufkin ISD for approximately three years.

In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Mijares has also contributed as an adjunct professor for the Educational Leadership Department at Sam Houston State University. Beyond academia, she actively engages in community organizations, serving as a board member for Communities Cinco de Mayo, East Texas Cancer Alliance of Hope, Angelina Thrive, and Boys and Girls Club of Deep East Texas.

Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Dr. Mijares was honored as a Hispanic Community Leader in the “40 under 40” awards in 2023. Through her dedication to education and community service, she continues to positively impact the lives of students and families in Deep East Texas and beyond.

In her personal life, Dr. Mijares finds joy and fulfillment with her family and friends. She and her husband, Andres, are proud parents to two wonderful children.