Ivins honored as Texas Education Theatre Association Educator of the Year

San Jacinto College theatre artistic director Dr. Jerry Ivins was named the 2023 Higher Education Educator of the Year by the Texas Education Theatre Association.

"I am deeply honored by the award," said Ivins. "Seeing the past recipients, I am humbled to be included with these theatre educational giants."

This prestigious recognition honors theatre educators who have made meaningful contributions to their field. 

"Dr. Ivins' dedication and passion for teaching have not only informed and inspired his colleagues but have also nurtured the creativity and talent of countless students, setting the stage for the cultivation of the next generation of outstanding theatre artists and educators," said Travis Springfield, Texas Education Theatre Association president.

Ivins has taught at San Jac for 28 years. He is not only the artistic director for the College's Central Campus theatre program but he is also heavily involved in the University Interscholastic League one-act play competition as a judge, an adjudicator, and a licensed contest manager. He runs two area and two regional contests and the state one-act play contest each year for 4A, 5A, and 6A schools. He has served the Texas Educational Theatre Association since 2006 as Convention Director for thirteen years and served on the Board of Directors for five years.

"My colleague at the University of Houston once said, 'If something is happening in theatre education in Texas, Ivins either knows about it or is running it,'" he said. "I can't help it — it's my passion."

He received his associate degree from Paris Junior College, bachelor and master’s degrees from the University of Houston, and his doctorate from Texas Tech University. Besides being an accomplished actor and stage director, Ivins has directed and cast over 400 films, commercials, and plays.

Ivins was honored at an awards ceremony Sept. 29 at the Moody Gardens Convention Center in Galveston.