Outstanding Alumni – Tim Letzring (EdD 1994)

Betz Kerley

While acquiring a degree in higher education, we all know it’s wise to map out a career plan. We hope to factor in our interests, where we will succeed and what will give us the most satisfaction. But, even the best-laid plans can change, and the next thing we know, we’re on a different path.

Take Dr. Tim Letzring for example. While obtaining a law degree Letzring became very interested in education law. He was advised that a doctorate in higher education would help to market himself as a university attorney. That advice led him to the IHE where he obtained his Ed.D. Then the market changed and, as a result, so did Tim.

Learning that there were higher education programs looking for law specialists as faculty, Tim charted a new career plan for himself when he became an assistant professor of education law at the University of South Carolina College of Education. That path eventually led him to the University of Mississippi. In 2004, Letzring was named chair and professor of the Leadership and Counselor Education Department.

“Our department houses three programs—Educational Leadership (preparing K-12 administrators—assistant principals, principals, & superintendents); Counseling (prepares school and community counselors and faculty for other counseling programs); and Higher Education, which is similar to the Institute (IHE) offering a master’s and doctoral degrees,” explains Letzring.

Being responsible for so many areas at work means Letzring is the master of multitasking. Every day can bring a new challenge. “I still teach, do research, and serve at various levels, plus administrative duties as chair. My biggest challenge is managing across three program areas. Connected with the challenge of balance are the reporting requirements associated with many of the programs. Responding to the many levels of accountability, especially for programs connected to K-12 schools, remains a challenge.”

When asked if his studies at the IHE continue to help him in his present position, Letzring responded, “I still use many of the concepts from finance and organization courses. And having now served as an administrator for several years, many of those concepts have become more important as I now apply them instead of just teaching about them. In fact, working as an administrator has improved my teaching in higher education with real world examples.”

We all need a well thought-out career path that helps us to know where we are and where we want to be. Paying attention to the signs along the way can lead to a career that may not have been part of the original plan, but the end result can be very rewarding.