From classroom to boardroom: UHCL alum Dr. Chad Stevens’ journey to CEO
From a passionate teacher to a dynamic CEO, Dr. Chad Stevens’ journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship. Recently appointed as CEO of TinkRworks, a company revolutionizing K-8 STEAM education with innovative projects and curriculum, Stevens credits his success to his foundational experiences at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL).
From a young age, Stevens aspired to be a teacher. Early in his career, mentors encouraged him to think bigger about the impact he could have on students. This drive led him to pursue a Master of Science in Educational Management at UH-Clear Lake, attracted by the university’s reputation, work-life balance, and affordability.
“UHCL was convenient and affordable,” said Stevens. “I had just finished my first year of teaching at Ed White Elementary in Clear Creek Independent School District (ISD),” he continued. “My principal, Glenna Shields, strongly encouraged me to enroll and pursue a career in administration. The ability to take classes after work, close to home, was a significant advantage early on.”
Stevens recalled his classmates and professors being influential during his time at the university. Many of his peers were also teachers, who later pursued administrative roles in area school districts.
“During that time, Clear Creek ISD was one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas, offering many opportunities for UHCL students,” said Stevens. “Dr. Lawrence Kajs was one of the first people to talk to me about getting my Ph.D., which seemed so out of reach when we first discussed it,” he explained. “He continued to mentor me as I went through the doctoral program later at Texas A&M.”
After earning his Ph.D., Stevens returned to UHCL and taught School Finance as an adjunct professor alongside some of his former professors. He described UHCL as the place where he first stretched himself academically and began appreciating different viewpoints on educational issues.
“At the time, I was the principal at Falcon Pass Elementary, which was just across the street,” he said. “Being able to listen to and appreciate diverse perspectives has helped me throughout my career and life. I think that started at UHCL.”
UHCL elevated Stevens' desire to impact education. Professors helped him realize his potential, instilling the confidence to “bet on himself” in both public and private sectors.
“I’m not sure if that is a skill, but it was crucial given my career path,” said Stevens. “As a teacher, you have a tremendous impact, and I am still in touch with several students I taught or served as an administrator. It is great to see them excel in their careers, and know you had some impact on their trajectory.”
In his private sector career, Stevens has made significant contributions. At CDW-G, he was part of the team that partnered with Google for Education to introduce Chromebooks in schools, a move considered “risky” in 2013. He also helped build the most successful e-Rate program in the U.S. at CDW-G, helping millions of students access better digital learning technologies.
During his time at Amazon Web Services, supporting the ‘Hour of Code’ initiative brought coding to millions of students in 180 countries. At ParentSquare, Stevens and his team grew from serving 2 million to 25 million families on the family engagement platform in three years.
“Knowing the importance of family engagement in schools on student success, that type of growth and impact is overwhelming," said Stevens. “Making an impact inspires me, and I know we can have that kind of opportunity at TinkRworks.”
Transitioning from a teacher to a CEO was surreal for Stevens. When employers began reaching out to him four years ago to potentially lead their companies, he knew his success stemmed from the culmination of having many great mentors and performing well in preceding roles.
“I am not sure anyone really sets out to be a CEO early in their career,” said Stevens. “As my career progressed, becoming a CEO is something I aspired to, but the right job must come to you to be truly successful.”
Stevens’ advice to college students is to follow their passion. The advice has never steered him wrong and he shares it with many students and colleagues he mentors.
“Many people in high school and college told me not to go into education, but it was something I was very passionate about,” said Stevens. “When I transitioned into a technology role within Clear Creek ISD, I became passionate about education technology,” he continued. “Sharing that passion on a larger scale and helping the school district was exciting. In each of my private sector roles, a passion for helping more students, sharing what I knew, and increasing impact drove me.”
Stevens and his team at TinkRworks are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage in STEAM Project-based learning and envision themselves as future STEAM leaders.
For more information about UHCL’s Educational Management program, visit www.uhcl.edu/education/departments/educational-leadership-policy-analysis/educational-management/.
