DELPS Alum Jerrel Wade Learned Valuable Lessons from COE - University of Houston
Skip to main content

DELPS Alum Jerrel Wade Learned Valuable Lessons from COE

Jerrel WadeAlumnus Jerrel Wade received an Ed.D. in Administration and Supervision from the UH College of Education (COE). He attributes COE for transforming him into the leader he is today. While at the college, Wade learned the value of relationships and connecting with others as well as how to balance policy and regulations when leading students, faculty and staff at an institution.

Wade is the Dean of Administration at San Jacinto College-North where he must ensure the campus is within guidelines while still providing a valuable and enriching experience. When asked how COE prepared him for current role, Wade explained “We are viewed as the people that make up all these policies, rules, new ideas to implement, etc. We tell people ‘no’ all the time, and people usually don’t like that. But at the end of the day, am I viewed as a necessary evil? Am I fair in my dealings, and thus respected by my peers? Is my role to the college valuable and appreciated, in spite of the ‘evil’ I may cause? I would say understanding that balance was the greatest lesson learned at UH, to prepare me for my role.”        

Being able to recognize, embrace, and apply opposing ideas in any situation is a skill Wade developed in his time at the college. In his academic pursuits, Wade attributes Drs. Lyle McKinney and Alex Schilt with influencing his work today. “Dr. McKinney really opened my eyes to the value of research, and how to make research useful and valuable for practical application. Dr. Schilt helped me understand the value of building relationships and understanding how to connect with people. There are lessons I have taken from their classes that I pass on to my students.”

COE is proud to have an alumnus focused on the positive impact they have on their campus and surrounding community. Wade strives to bring excellence to his role and serve as a valuable resource to his students, faculty and staff.