Dr. Wilks (on the right) accepts the award from TETL Chair Dr. Leslie Garakani. (Photo courtesy of Ector County ISD)
Ector County ISD’s Dr. Kellie Wilks wins statewide ‘Outstanding CTO’ award
The Texas Education Technology Leaders recently announced Dr. Kellie Wilks, the chief technology officer for the Ector County ISD, as the recipient of the Grace Hopper Outstanding CTO of the Year Award.
This award is given annually in honor of Grace Hopper, a pioneer of computer programming and leader as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, according to Ector County ISD.
Dr. Wilks is credited for a number of initiatives that help bridge the digital divide, including through the formation of a taskforce of education and government officials aiming to make broadband available to Ector County. She also worked with the Digital Inclusion Team at the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas in their Community Initiative: Advancing Digital Inclusion, the school district reported. She was also recongized for leading strategies to integrate digital learning tools across the district, and for being instrumental in securing partnerships and funding to bring internet access across Ector County.
“She worked collaboratively with stakeholders and was a part of the core team that brought SpaceX to very rural areas of Ector County,” the district added.
Dr. Wilks has been featured in numerous publications for her efforts, including Texas Monthly.
ECISD Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri said Dr. Wilks “exemplifies our school district’s commitment to leading in our community and in our industry.”
“She is passionate that technology is critical to support and enhance high-quality teaching, and she is determined to ensure all of our students and staff members have those tools they need to be successful. We are very proud of the work she has done, and is doing, for ECISD and Ector County.”
