TEMPLE, Texas — The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) has named the 2026 recipients of its Johnny L. Veselka Scholarship, which the organization has awarded annually since 2014 to outstanding doctoral students pursuing careers in educational leadership, with particular emphasis on the superintendency.
Temple Independent School District Assistant Superintendent of Finance Brandy Stanford was named one of the two recipients. Mrs. Stanford is pursuing her doctorate in education from Baylor University.
The recipients were selected from a pool of applicants by the TASA Johnny L. Veselka Scholarship Committee, a group of Texas school superintendents and other public school district administrators.
“The role of superintendent represents the point where vision and systems meet,” Mrs. Stanford wrote in her application. “It requires someone who can see the big picture, address challenges at their root, and unite a community around a shared mission for students. I am drawn to this role because it provides the opportunity to lead with both head and heart – using financial and operational expertise to strengthen systems, while never losing sight of the individual students whose futures are at stake. Ultimately, I view the superintendency as a calling to serve at the highest level. It is a position that demands courage, compassion, and integrity, as well as the ability to inspire confidence and hope.”
Under Stanford’s leadership, the Temple ISD Finance Department has received international, national, and state recognition for financial integrity and transparency. Stanford will receive a $2,500 scholarship and will be recognized at the 2026 TASA Midwinter Conference, to be held in San Antonio January 25-28.
The award recognizes the leadership of the late Dr. Johnny L. Veselka, who dedicated nearly 44 years of service to the association, including 32 years as TASA’s executive director.