HAWKINS, TX — From the classroom to the pulpit, Dr. Dexter Q. Floyd has devoted his life to leading, inspiring, and transforming communities through education and faith. A proud alumnus of Jarvis Christian University, Dr. Floyd currently serves as the Principal of Alvin V. Anderson RISE Academy High School in Tyler, Texas—a role that has allowed him to leave a lasting impact on countless students and families in East Texas.
With a career in education spanning more than 20 years, Dr. Floyd’s journey is one of purpose, passion, and perseverance. A native of Tyler, Texas, he began laying the foundation for his life’s work at Jarvis Christian University, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, majoring in Marketing and Accounting, in 2000. From his earliest days as a student, Dr. Floyd exhibited a strong drive to lead and serve—qualities that would shape his professional and spiritual path.
He later earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2007, a pivotal step that positioned him for leadership in K-12 education. In 2021, he completed his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Baylor University, cementing his reputation as a scholar-practitioner committed to excellence, equity, and innovation in education.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Floyd has held numerous positions that reflect his deep understanding of school leadership and organizational development. For 17 years, he served as a National Staff Developer with AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), specializing in leadership training for middle and high school administrators across the country. Through this work, Dr. Floyd helped shape school cultures and build leadership capacity nationwide, bringing evidence-based strategies into schools and districts striving for transformational change.
In 2016, Dr. Floyd was named Principal of Alvin V. Anderson RISE Academy High School in the Tyler Independent School District, a role that continues to define his commitment to student success. Under his leadership, RISE Academy has become known for its innovative approach to education, focusing on personalized learning, academic rigor, and social-emotional growth. Dr. Floyd has worked diligently to create a culture of belonging, responsibility, and empowerment for students who are often navigating complex life challenges.
Beyond his contributions in education, Dr. Floyd is also a dedicated man of faith. He currently serves as Pastor of Designed for Worship Church of God in Christ, where he leads his congregation with the same compassion, wisdom, and integrity that define his work as an educator. His dual callings—to teach and to minister—demonstrate his belief in nurturing both the minds and souls of those he serves.
As a committed alumnus of Jarvis Christian University, Dr. Floyd continues to inspire current and future students to lead with purpose and integrity. His career serves as a powerful example of how education, faith, and community leadership can intersect to bring about lasting change.
Jarvis Christian University proudly honors Dr. Dexter Q. Floyd for his exceptional contributions to education, his community, and the ongoing legacy of excellence shaped by Jarvis graduates across the nation.
