The legacy of a former Dallas Independent School District trailblazer will be honored with a new Credit Union of Texas scholarship for district educators
The William H. Cotton Scholarship will be awarded to one Dallas ISD educator or administrator pursuing an education-related post-baccalaureate degree or certification. The scholarship is named for Cotton, who served the community through Dallas ISD for 43 years, most notably as assistant superintendent for management services.
Applications may be obtained from the Credit Union of Texas. Completed applications must be postmarked and returned to the credit union by Feb. 26, 2016. Eligibility requirements must be met; a full listing of those requirements is included in the application packet. Winners will be selected by April 30, 2016.
William H. Cotton was integral in the history of Dallas ISD. An alum of Lincoln High School, “Mr. C” (as he was affectionately known) began his professional career as a teacher at the former Colonial Elementary School. He later served a principal at L.B. Lamar Elementary as well as Banneker and South Oak Cliff high schools. Cotton as the first African-American administrator assigned to what was a predominately Anglo school.
Later in his career, Cotton held many leadership positions including deputy assistant superintendent, special assistant to the general superintendent, and deputy associate superintendent. In 1974, he helped Dallas ISD break new ground by directing staff training following a court case aimed at eliminating institutional racism in the district.
