from a long line of writers and journalists.Her mother, Nancy Dugan, was a high school journalism teacher and the first public information officer at Mansfield ISD. Julie started her professional career as a journalist for daily newspapers in the north Texas area, primarily writing about business topics. After 15 years, she transitioned to her school public relations career at Hays CISD in 2000. Her district responsibilities have increased over the years. She now is the Assistant Superintendent of Information, Communications and Student Services.
Since becoming a TSPRA member in September 2000 Julie has chaired committees and served as Area Vice President for the Central Texas Region before becoming President-Elect in 2008. The February 2010 Conference in Austin will be her opportunity to plan the majority of events. Working with the various Conference Committees and the TSPRA office staff, Julie and her team will design concurrent strands, secure keynote speakers and workshop presenters and plan activities for conference attendees.
The theme for her year is Education: It’s Heart Work. Encompassing this theme are second chances, a remarkable characteristic of school people noted by Julie. Teachers and other educational professionals really understand that students and adults learn most from their mistakes. Julie encourages everyone to remember the gift of a second chance. That is what education is all about.
