UT Tyler University Academy

At University Academy, we teach using the PBL process and our staff and students study the Leader in Me program. Both encourage growth of leadership traits.
One of our campus Directors loves Simon Sinek, and shares this quote summing up leadership:
"Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge. Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and when we lead with a grateful heart, we inspire others to do the same."

Have you considered University Academy for your child? For a bright future, enroll today! Campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine.

There was just so much to report this year! Did you know the UA‑Tyler campus had four students participate in the UIL Cross Examination (CX) State Championships this spring?
These students did a fantastic job representing our school and showed incredible resilience in this challenging debate format. While two students did not advance to finals, they shared that they are eager to apply what they learned to improve their performance next year.

Of the other two students, one was awarded the Bronze Gavel in Speaker Awards, and both earned third place overall in our VERY FIRST year competing in this event!

Congratulations as well to UA‑Tyler teacher Mr. Chong for leading, challenging, and encouraging our students every step of the way.

UA is proud to be a Leader in Me school, where both students and staff learn and live out the 7 Habits of Successful Student Leaders. Today we are highlighting Habit 6: Synergize.

We’ve all experienced group work that left us feeling frustrated or unheard. At UA, our PBL approach and the Leader in Me framework teach students how to thrive in collaborative environments. Working well with others isn’t automatic — it takes curiosity, intellectual humility, and the ability to see challenges through different perspectives.

When students learn to value each other’s strengths, respect differing viewpoints, and approach problems as a team, they build skills that last a lifetime. That’s the power of synergy at UA.

It is our distinct pleasure to announce the 25-26 UTTUA District Teacher of the Year selection, and the honor this year goes to Jessica Rhudy! Mrs. Rhudy was initially chosen as the Longview Campus Teacher of the Year. She teaches 3-5 Art and 7th Texas History for the Longview Campus this year and wears numerous other hats around the campus.

Each year the Campus Teachers of the Year complete an application that is sent to a committee within the UT Tyler School of Education. The committee then reviews and selects the District Teacher of the Year. The committee noted that all three campus teachers of the year are well-deserving, and it was a tough choice.

UA-Palestine Lighthouse students had a field trip to the Tyler Rose Garden for all their hard work this year.

At our Leader in Me school, students don’t just learn about leadership — they live it. Our Student Lighthouse Team is made up of scholars who step up to help shape our school’s culture in meaningful ways.

Here’s what our student leaders do:

Student Voice — They share ideas, give feedback, and help make decisions that impact our whole school community.
Leadership in Action — They plan events, welcome visitors, lead assemblies, and model the 7 Habits for their peers.
Building Community — They create ways for students to feel connected, included, and proud of who they are.

Our Student Lighthouse Team shows us every day that leadership isn’t about age — it’s about heart, responsibility, and the courage to make a difference. We’re so proud of these young leaders and the example they set for all scholars. 💛✨

As we look forward to celebrating our Class of 2026 at this year’s commencement, we’re also cheering on our alumni who are now graduating from college.

Rashid, a UA‑Palestine alum, graduated from UT Tyler this spring and was honored to be part of the UT Tyler Honors College throughout his years there.

Congratulations to all our graduates — from high school and from college. We’re so proud of you! 🎓✨

At UA, each campus selects a Teacher of the Year, and these winners go on to compete for District Teacher of the Year, selected by a committee of UT Tyler School of Education professors. UA–Longview is excited to announce our Longview Teacher of the Year: Jessica Rhudy, Art and SS teacher! 🎉👏

From Ms. P. Davis, UA-Longview Assistant Director,
"Mrs. Rhudy is the kind of teacher you picture in a Hallmark movie — warm, kind-hearted, and always putting others before herself. Her gentle nature extends far beyond the classroom, positively impacting not only her students, but the teachers and staff around her as well. Her presence creates a welcoming environment that makes students feel valued, inspired, and loved, and simply having her on campus brings a smile to everyone’s face."

UA-Palestine Lighthouse students had a field trip to the Tyler Rose Garden for all their hard work this year.

At our Leader in Me school, students don’t just learn about leadership — they live it. Our Student Lighthouse Team is made up of scholars who step up to help shape our school’s culture in meaningful ways.

Here’s what our student leaders do:

1️⃣ Student Voice — They share ideas, give feedback, and help make decisions that impact our whole school community.
2️⃣ Leadership in Action — They plan events, welcome visitors, lead assemblies, and model the 7 Habits for their peers.
3️⃣ Building Community — They create ways for students to feel connected, included, and proud of who they are.

Our Student Lighthouse Team shows us every day that leadership isn’t about age — it’s about heart, responsibility, and the courage to make a difference. We’re so proud of these young leaders and the example they set for all scholars. 💛✨