Distinguished Alumni
LaTonya Goffney
Awarded 2019
LaTonya Goffney is a stellar example of how education can change lives for the better. Although she was raised by her grandparents and grew up in poverty, she did not allow her circumstances to define her. LaTonya worked her way through college as a prison guard in order to achieve a remarkable career as a highly respected educator.
LaTonya holds three degrees from Sam Houston State University. A bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s in educational administration and a doctorate in educational leadership. In 2013, she was named Distinguished Administrator of the Year by SHSU College of Education.
LaTonya started her teaching career in her hometown of Coldspring, Texas, where she quickly moved up to assistant principal, principal and superintendent. In 2008, she was selected as the superintendent of Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD, where she served for five years. In Lufkin Independent School District, she served five years as superintendent before being appointed to lead one of the state’s largest school districts, Aldine ISD.
Since taking the helm of superintendent of Aldine ISD in 2018, she has championed for high-quality schools and learning experiences for nearly 67,000 students and more than 9,000 employees. Through LaTonya’s leadership, Aldine ISD recently launched a new districtwide strategic plan to ensure all students have access to high-quality schools and learning experiences that prepare them for their future.
In 2017, LaTonya was named Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards. That same year, the Texas Association of School Administrators selected her to be the Texas nominee for the American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent of the Year award.
Her passion for education and stewardship is evident in her career and family. Her husband, Joseph, is also an educator and serves as a church pastor. They are the parents of two children, Joslyn, and the late Joseph Jr.
She is involved in a number of organizations including the Texas School Alliance, Texas Urban Council, the University Interscholastic League Legislative Committee, Texas Association of Black School Educators, Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Texas Council of Women School Executives and the TASA Executive Committee. She is also a Life Member of the SHSU Alumni Association. She advocates for her community as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the City of Houston Mayor’s Advisory Council and the Aldine Education Foundation.
LaTonya believes in maximizing relationships, developing leaders and providing opportunities for all. She continues to inspire fellow educators to always strive to make a difference in every student they serve.