Royce West first became a Texas Senator in 1992, and he’s served in the Texas Senate for more than 30 years. Throughout his political journey, he’s always viewed public education as a priority for his legislation.
“Education is important, and education is powerful. If indeed you want to succeed, you’ve got to get an education,” West said.
West’s belief in the power of education comes from his own experiences.
He can still recall many of the teachers who had a major impact on his life. From his 7th grade government teacher, Gloria White, who influenced him to run for student government, to B.T. Williams, who taught him his periodic table, West holds a deep appreciation for the educators who molded him into a successful attorney and politician.
However, West’s educational journey wasn’t without its share of adversity. West was bussed into Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas, Texas during integration, which was predominantly Anglo, and he experienced “issues” due to the color of his skin.
On one such occasion, West was called to the Superintendent Robertson’s office and confronted. West was serving as the President of the student body and Robertson had “caught wind” that there was going to be a “big fight” between the black students and white students. Robertson told West that West would be held responsible if anything were to happen. But West stood his ground and told Robertson that he should hold himself responsible, “because you’re allowing people to come from off this campus in order to fight us . . . you’re not protecting us.”
West’s educational path was greatly bolstered by his high school math teacher Shirley Fisher. Fisher remembers a young West as being “very studious” and “very intense.”
Fisher was a integral part of West’s journey because she, along with her husband Charles, guaranteed his student loan to go to college. She remembers when West approached her and asked for her help as his family couldn’t financially support his dream to attend college.
Fisher knew it was a risk because if West couldn’t pay the loan, it would be up to her and Charles to repay it.
“All I can say is that it was a good investment,” said Fisher. “We didn’t have to pay back one penny. He went on to school and got his law degree. We were so proud of him.”
To this day, Fisher and West maintain a strong friendship. “He never forgets my anniversary or my birthday,” Fisher said.
West feels gratitude for the many public educators who have helped guide the youth of Texas.
West says that these experiences influenced his determination as a Texas Senator to pass legislation related to improving public education and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). According to the Association of Texas Professional Educator’s Teach the Vote website, “West is a longtime advocate for increasing funding for public education.” His voting record reflects consistent efforts to improve the retirement for educators including voting for the cost-of-living adjustment that retirees received in 2023.
“I want to say to the retirees, thank you. Thank you for all that you’ve done for your country, your state, and your school district,” West said. “Thank you for providing me the tools to be a state senator.”
In 2024, West was honored by the Dallas Independent School District by having a school named after him. The Royce West Leadership Academy was named for “the senator’s contributions to education in Dallas and his lifelong commitment to uplifting communities.”
West hopes that he’s remembered by future generations as a dedicated public servant who championed education.
“I want them to remember that I have labored in the vineyard of education. For some 32 years, that I’ve been a public-school advocate.”
