Departing Educate Texas leader Chris Coxon wins praise from RGV leaders

HARLINGEN, TEXAS – Education leaders across the Rio Grande Valley have said thank you and farewell to Chris Coxon, managing director of programs Educate Texas.

Educate Texas is a part of the Communities Foundation of Texas (CDF). Coxon announced last week he is moving on from the Austin-based nonprofit after almost 18 years with the group. 

Coxon is perhaps best known in the Valley for helping launch and support RGV Focus as a collective impact project that has worked to align community resources to strengthen educational pathways since 2012. It has strived to improve college readiness, access, and success. 

Educate Texas published an in-depth feature on the work of RGV Focus in May, 2023. It was titled, “RGV Focus: A Decade of Change, a Future of Progress.” Click here to read the story. 

“You have become family over the last few years, and I consider myself a better professional and advocate because of your guidance and leadership,” said Rebeca Lopez, director of RGV Focus, in response to Coxon’s retirement from Educate Texas.

“Your impact will continue to have ripple effects as myself and others build upon the foundation you have laid in Texas and especially in the Valley. I’m so proud of the work we have done together, and I know our paths will cross again in the RGV.”

Coxon posted news of his departure from Educate Texas on LinkedIn. In a posting headlined “Farewell and Thank You,” Coxon wrote:

“After almost 18 years at Educate Texas, I will be moving on. I joined EdTX in May of 2007 as a contractor and then as a full-time employee in December of that same year. I have seen the evolution of our work from the Texas High School Project to Educate Texas. I have seen many people come and go over the years, each one adding something to benefit our students and educational systems across the state. I know that I have been one piece of that important work along with each of you. It has been a remarkable journey filled with transformative experiences and valuable partnerships, and I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the highlights.

“I am proud to have contributed to the launch and scaling of multiple programs and innovations. Collaborating with school districts and superintendents across our state has been a privilege. I have gotten to know so many incredible educational leaders. Together, we have stood up collective impact initiatives in El Paso, the Permian Basin, East Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley. I am thankful for having known the many dedicated public servants at TEA, THECB, and the TWC. Thanks for the selfless work that they do every day.

“Additionally, it has been an honor to partner with higher education presidents and their teams, strengthening P16 partnerships and representing our work across the United States and internationally in Colombia, and Singapore. Throughout these incredible initiatives, the most cherished aspect of my work has been the opportunity to collaborate with passionate educators across our state and with each of you. You have all taught me so much, and I am profoundly grateful for our shared commitment to fostering educational excellence. Thank you for your long-standing commitment to Texas and to partnering with EdTX. You are making such a difference for the future of our state. 

“As I prepare to embark on my next opportunity, I look forward to staying connected. Please feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn.

“In the spirit of this new chapter, I leave you with a quote by Paulo Coelho: ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ It is time for me to take my next step.

“Thank you for the memories, the learning, and the impact we’ve created together.”

Dr. Rodney H. Rodriguez, vice president of South Texas College, said:

“Mil Gracias, Chris.

“On behalf of South Texas College, our 30,000 students, and over 3,000 dedicated employees, we want to say Mil Gracias for nearly two decades of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to advancing education across Texas—especially here in the Rio Grande Valley.

“As you close this remarkable chapter with Educate Texas, we reflect with gratitude on the transformative work you’ve helped lead—from launching and scaling groundbreaking initiatives to strengthening P-16 partnerships across the state and beyond. Your efforts have opened doors for countless students, including our own, and created lasting change that will benefit generations to come.

“It’s been a true honor to collaborate with you, Chris. You’ve not only been a champion for innovation in education—you’ve also been a true amigo to STC.

“As you take that next step in your journey, know that your legacy here is deeply appreciated and will always be part of our story.

“Gracias, Amigo. Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter.”

Ana D. Gonzalez, managing director at Teach for America-RGV, said: 

“Felicidades, Chris! I celebrate you, your leadership, and your next step. Adelante.”

John Fitzpatrick, founder of Educate Texas and president of Ferry Partners, LLC, wrote on LinkedIn:

“Chris, what an honor and a privilege to be your teammate for most of your tenure at Educate Texas/CFT. I loved watching you operate in the field interacting with leaders from K12, higher Ed leaders, philanthropy, nonprofits and state agencies. You always led with a student first philosophy and never pulled your punches about the right thing for kids. I know you will be successful in your next career chapter and I treasure our friendship.”

Robert Carreon, vice president of public affairs for Teach For America-RGV, said:

“Salud, Chris! You’ve worked so hard to improve leaders, and schools for kids across Texas. Can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Sofia Peña, program manager for Hidalgo County Precinct 2, said: “Wishing you the best in your new endeavor Chris.”

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