Michael McFarland (BBA '93, EdD '05)
- Rev. Robert Gilbert Distinguished Achievement Award Honoree
Dr. Michael McFarland has devoted his career to transforming public education and creating opportunities for students to succeed. As Superintendent of Crowley Independent School District, he leads one of North Texas' fastest-improving school systems, serving more than 17,000 students across 26 campuses with a vision centered on academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement.
Since joining Crowley ISD in 2017, Dr. McFarland has guided the district through a period of remarkable growth and achievement. Under his leadership, students have demonstrated significant academic gains across every grade level and subject area, and for the first time in nine years, every campus met or exceeded state performance standards. The district's dramatic improvement has positioned Crowley ISD among the region's leading diverse school districts and strengthened its reputation as a destination for families seeking exceptional educational opportunities.
Dr. McFarland's leadership has also resulted in substantial growth beyond the classroom. Enrollment has increased by more than 2,000 students, grant funding has expanded from $2 million to more than $17 million, and in 2023, Crowley ISD voters approved a historic $1.04 billion bond package to support the district's continued growth and future success.
Before joining Crowley ISD, Dr. McFarland served as superintendent of Lancaster Independent School District from 2010 to 2017. During his tenure, the district earned numerous state and national honors, including the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award, the National Alliance of Black School Educators' School Board of the Year Award, the Urban School Board Excellence Award, and the Texas Outstanding School Board Award from the Texas Association of School Administrators.
A respected leader in education, Dr. McFarland has also served as National President of the National Alliance of Black School Educators, where he championed educational equity, leadership development, and student achievement on a national scale. He is also a founding member of the McFarland/Beatty Family Foundation, reflecting his commitment to investing in communities beyond the classroom.
Dr. McFarland and his wife, Cynthia, are the proud parents of four children: Kharis, Michiah, Tyler, and Jarrett. Their eldest daughter, Kharis, graduated from Baylor University in 2023.
