Melissa M. Chavez, Ph.D., PK-12 Schools Executive Director
Dr. Chavez brings over two decades of experience as an educational leader to her roles as Executive Director of The University of Texas Charter School System and UT High School Special Purpose District. Since joining The University of Texas at Austin 21 years ago, she has dedicated her career to leading innovative PK-12 schools, fostering equitable student outcomes, and supporting educators in their professional growth.
As an Associate Professor of Practice in the Educational Leadership and Policy program at UT Austin’s College of Education, Dr. Chavez mentors future educational leaders, emphasizing organizational theory, strategic planning, and impactful leadership practices. Her work bridges research and practice, inspiring systems-level changes that advance learning for diverse communities. Dr. Chavez serves on the board of director for Communities in Schools of Central Texas, where she supports efforts to provide integrated student support services that empower students to stay in school and achieve their goals. Her leadership helps strengthen partnerships between schools and community resources to improve student success.
Dr. Chavez is known for her expertise in developing and operationalizing strategic initiatives, including board training, strategic planning, school improvement efforts, innovative virtual learning models, and inclusive programs for special education and gifted students. She also provides strategic PK-12 leadership mentoring and coaching, guiding emerging and experienced leaders in navigating complex educational landscapes, fostering organizational change, and implementing data-driven decision-making. Driven by a commitment to excellence, her vision focuses on creating high-quality educational experiences that empower students, educators, and families to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Nicole Whetstone, Ph.D., UT Charter School System Superintendent
Dr. Whetstone currently serves as the Superintendent of The University of Texas–University Charter School System that includes The University of Texas Charter School District and the Univerisity of Texas Elementary School District. Her professional background includes experience as a special education teacher, special education director, and campus principal. Her research interests focus on culturally responsive behavior interventions, special education administration, juvenile justice, and trauma-informed classrooms.
Dr. Whetstone earned a Ph.D. in Special Education from The University of Texas at Austin and holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University. During her time teaching secondary special education in the Austin Independent School District, she also facilitated professional development workshops for teachers and educational leaders.
Autumn Leal-Shopp, Ed.D., UT Charter School System Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Autumn Leal-Shopp serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Operations and has been with the University of Texas at Austin since 2003.
Over the past 27 years, Dr. Leal-Shopp has served the Central Texas community as an educational consultant, School Psychologist, Special Education Director, Principal, and Educational Leader, beginning her career in Austin ISD as a school secretary in 1998. She leads district operations and business development with new school partnerships. Dr. Leal-Shopp is passionate about teacher recruitment/retention, coaching and developing campus principals, creating safe and supportive schools, and driving innovation for student success.
She empowers students to achieve high academic excellence through systematic support of the whole child using trauma/grief informed practices and the neurosequential model of education. Dr. Leal-Shopp received the University of Texas-University Charter School Staff of the Year Award and is a liaison with the Southwest Texas Fusion Center. She regularly collaborates with police departments, first responders, and the Department of Public Safety across the State of Texas and directs all aspects of school safety and security to ensure safe schools. The Commissioner of Education appointed her to serve on the Special Education Allotment Advisory Committee with Texas Education Agency.
Dr. Leal-Shopp earned a doctorate degree in Leadership in Educational Administration from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and a master’s degree in School Psychology from Texas State University.
Lara Wilder, Ed.D., UT Elementary Executive Principal
Dr. Lara Wilder currently serves as the Executive Principal of The University of Texas Elementary School. With over 20 years of experience in public education, she has served as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, academic dean, and associate principal. Her work focuses on building strong instructional systems and supporting whole-child development.
Principal Wilder earned her bachelor’s degree in Applied Sociology and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Texas State University. She completed her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration at Texas A&M University–Commerce, where her dissertation focused on trauma-informed instructional practices. She also holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University.
She is passionate about creating safe, relationship-centered learning environments and integrating social-emotional learning into public schools.