Extracurricular activities such as sports, academics, and band significantly shape young students early in their lives. These activities did just that for Corpus Christi ISD Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez. As the 2024-2025 school year approaches, Dr. Hernandez is poised to make an even more significant impact on Texas students by serving as Chief of the UIL Legislative Council, helping to shape “The Texas Way” in UIL regulations.
A Dream Come True
Dr. Roland Hernandez was excited and honored to be named Chief of the UIL Legislative Council. “It means a lot,” Hernandez said, reflecting on the opportunity. As Chief, Hernandez will play a key role in overseeing the organization’s eligibility rules and policy changes, including potential new initiatives like implementing a basketball shot clock. “It just involves doing it for our students, coaches, teachers, and district,” he said. “It’s really a high-profile position that everyone around the state is paying attention to, so it’s just an honor to do that.”
Breaking Barriers and Honoring Heritage
Adding to the prestige of his role, Dr. Roland Hernandez becomes only the second Hispanic leader to chair the UIL organization in its 83-year history. The first was Johnny Pineda, who held the position from 2016 to 2017. “To be only the second Hispanic to hold the chair position, it’s just kind of breathtaking. I hadn’t thought about it before,” Hernandez admitted. This recognition speaks to his perseverance and the representation of Hispanic leadership in Texas schools.
A Passion for Sports
Dr. Hernandez’s passion for leadership and sports began early in his life. As a 1986 graduate of Woodsboro High School, he excelled in athletics, particularly basketball, where he remains the all-time leading scorer for the Eagles. During his senior year, Hernandez averaged 20 points and 14 rebounds per game, earning multiple accolades, including All-District and All-Regional honors.
“I knew then that I did not ever want to lose touch with sports, so I became a coach and teacher,” Hernandez said, reflecting on his early aspirations. He later earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Texas State, a master’s degree from the University of Houston and a Ph.D. in Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
From Coach to Superintendent
Dr. Hernandez’s career in education began as a coach at Angleton ISD, where he coached multiple sports before moving into administration. His journey eventually led him to Waco ISD, where he joined the UIL Legislative Council for the first time. 2010, he returned to Coastal Bend to serve as Chief Administrative Officer for Corpus Christi ISD, eventually becoming Superintendent in 2014. Today, his son, Leyton, follows in his footsteps as a Veterans Memorial High School coach.
“Many of my former athletes across the state still call me Coach Hernandez,” he said proudly. “As an athlete, your coaches and teachers remain with you, shaping who you become.”
Shaping Texas Education Policy
Dr. Hernandez’s role in the UIL Legislative Council allows him to influence major policy decisions for Texas schools. The Council, comprised of 32 public school administrators, reviews and votes on amendments related to student eligibility and UIL policies. Decisions made by the Council require further approval from the Texas Commissioner of Education before implementation.
As the leader of this vital body, Dr. Hernandez continues to advocate for opportunities in sports, band, cheer, and other extracurricular activities, ensuring Texas students have the support they need to thrive.