Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora Named a Texas A&M University-Kingsville Distinguished Alumni

KINGSVILLE, Texas - Tomball ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora was recently named a 2022 Texas A&M University-Kingsville Distinguished Alumni Honoree.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated long-time and successful commitment to their careers and communities and have brought special honor to the university because of their accomplishments.

Dr. Salazar-Zamora joins Sarah R. Saldaña, retired Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Josefina Villamil Tinajero, current professor of Bilingual Education at the University of Texas at El Paso, as this year’s recipients. 

“Javelina alumni and faculty make amazing things happen in the world. Their accomplishments significantly benefit both society and our campus, by inspiring others and providing insight and creativity,” said the Javelina Alumni Association. “Their actions communicate the dynamic excellence of being a Javelina and the importance of service as a component of our philosophy. To celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni and faculty, the Javelina Alumni Association sponsors awards for distinguished alumni, research and teaching.” 

Dr. Salazar-Zamora earned her Doctorate degree from Texas A&M University, her two Master's degrees, one in Educational Administration and the other in Special Education from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, as well as her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville).

Dr. Salazar-Zamora brings over 35 years of experience in education and has served the TISD community as Superintendent of Schools since 2017. She previously served three years as the TISD Chief Academic Officer. She is a trailblazer and is the first female Superintendent of TISD and the first Hispanic Superintendent of Tomball ISD. 

Tomball ISD continues to set the bar high with innovative ideas, led by Salazar-Zamora’s creative and strategic thinking. She also leads a fast-growth district, an ‘A’ rated school district, ranking among the highest in the Region, all while maintaining strong financial management practices. 

Salazar-Zamora wrapped up the last of several major Bond 2017 projects which included the opening of the district’s state-of-the-art football stadium and Grand Lakes Junior High. She led Tomball ISD in the purchasing of the former headquarters of BJ Services and quickly turned it into Tomball ISD Innovation Center, which will provide a location for Tomball Star Academy, a new elementary school and the future home of new and innovative CTE programs to name a few. 

Also under Salazar-Zamora’s leadership, Tomball ISD was successful in passing $494.5 million across two propositions in the Bond 2021 package, presented during the November election. 

Over the course of her professional career, she has been afforded many opportunities to connect, collaborate and advocate with fellow colleagues through local, regional, state and national organizations. 

• Vice President - Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) 
• Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner’s Cabinet
• Texas Representative - American Association of School Administrators (AASA)  
• Vice President for Region 4 - The Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE)
• Vice President - State Fast Growth School Coalition (FGSC)
• Past President and Founding Member - Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS)
• Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Tomball Board of Trustees
• Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 20,500 students at 22 campuses.