Kathy Lott receives Excellence in Education Award

Fort Worth, TX

5/22/2007

Kathy Lott, ‘75, ‘96, was selected as 2007 recipient of the Excellence in Education Award given by the TCU School of Education Alumni Association. The 14th annual award program was held in April 2007 at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center on the TCU campus.

“I am so grateful for this award. I give the credit to my professors who provided this opportunity. The education professors have been such a great help,” said Lott. “They helped me prepare to be a teacher. They also instilled a desire to be a teacher and to try new things. The professors continue to help me and I appreciate being able to contact them when I have questions or ideas.”

Lott first attended TCU as an undergraduate in education. She was originally from Alexandria, Louisiana and her parents subscribed to the TCU Daily Skiff to stay informed about the campus’ activities while Lott was away.

Lott had chosen TCU out of three other schools. “TCU had the nicest atmosphere and I was impressed with the sense of community and how friendly everyone was. They also did a good job taking care of me since I was out of town,” noted Lott.

After graduation, she went on to teaching. She got married and moved away from Fort Worth. Her family was living in Houston when they had the opportunity to return to Fort Worth for her husband’s job in the airline industry.

“I really wanted to come back to Fort Worth. I really like it here,” Lott said.

When she returned to Fort Worth, she also decided to continue her education. At the time, she had a young daughter in fourth grade, whom she brought to class from time to time.

“The School of Education was so accommodating,” remembered Lott. “I was able to bring her to some classes and the dean at the time suggested she get some college credit. They were so helpful and interested in what she was doing and learning.”

Lott finished her master’s degree in education administration and after serving as the principal of Our Lady of Victory Catholic School for five years, she went on to be director of financial aid at Fort Worth Country Day School where she currently works.

“Kathy is without question an outstanding TCU alumna,” said Evan D. Peterson, head of school at Fort Worth Country Day School. “She is an outstanding teacher. I have been working in this business for more than 30 years and I must say Kathy is one of the best teachers, mentor, and friend with whom I’ve had the privilege to work.”

Giving back is something that Lott enjoys doing. She volunteers with the School of Education’s Board of Visitors and has personal interest in Starpoint and KinderFrogs Schools. She also keeps up with the School of Education’s new Education Complex.

“There is such a connection there. I remember when it was just the Bailey Building, there wasn’t an elevator and I had classes on the third floor,” recalled Lott. “The School has really grown. With so many other universities putting their education departments on the wayside, I am proud that TCU is making education such a priority.”

At the Awards Dinner, family members and admiring faculty surrounded Lott. “I was so honored. It really made my day and I’m so grateful,” said Lott.