The University Interscholastic League (UIL) proudly announces that Dr. Jamey Harrison will become the organization’s eighth Executive Director, officially stepping into the role on April 1, 2025. Harrison will ensure a smooth transition as current Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt prepares for his retirement on August 31.
Dr. Harrison has served as Deputy Executive Director of UIL since 2011, where he has played a pivotal role in advancing UIL’s mission to offer high-quality, educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests across Texas. He is widely recognized for his leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to serving Texas students and schools.
“I am deeply honored to step into this role and continue serving Texas students and schools through the UIL,” said Dr. Harrison. “The opportunities UIL provides go beyond competition—they shape character, unite communities, and create lifelong memories. I look forward to building on this legacy while preserving what makes UIL great.”
From Bridge City to State Leadership
Dr. Harrison’s roots in education run deep. Before joining UIL, he served as one of the youngest and most respected superintendents in Texas at Bridge City ISD, a position he held with distinction beginning at age 32. During his time there, he led the district through Hurricane Ike in 2008, reopening schools in just two weeks after devastating flooding and damage. Through bold leadership and resourcefulness, Harrison secured portable classrooms during the storm and maintained student enrollment by organizing buses across the region.
“He kept the district together during one of the toughest times in our history,” said longtime Bridge City ISD board member Becky Rutledge. “He was always thinking outside the box, had a solution for every problem, and did all of it with heart.”
Dr. Harrison also spearheaded the consolidation and rebuilding of the district’s elementary schools without issuing bonds or raising taxes, utilizing insurance funds and grants. “It changed the way we taught,” Rutledge noted. “His vision really improved how we prepared our students academically.”
Transformational Leadership at UIL
Since joining UIL, Dr. Harrison has led groundbreaking initiatives, including:
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The creation of Conference 6A and the implementation of Division I and II playoff brackets across team sports to promote competitive equity
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Oversight of all UIL departments, including legislative advocacy, rulemaking, and adjudication
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The development of advanced technology and mapping software to improve the reclassification and alignment process
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Leadership in UIL’s crisis response, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic and various weather-related disasters
“He’s a great politician—which you need in this role,” said Mark Anderson, a Bridge City ISD board member. “He knows how to work with the legislature and advocates for what’s best for students.”
Dr. Harrison, a graduate of Hardin-Jefferson High School, earned both his undergraduate and Master of Education degrees from Lamar University and later completed his Doctorate in Education from the University of Texas while teaching and commuting on nights and weekends.
With a background that includes experience as a coach, assistant principal, high school principal, deputy superintendent, and now executive leadership at UIL, Dr. Harrison brings unmatched insight and passion to the role.
“He’s just brilliant—very smart, energetic, and a great family man,” Anderson added. “UIL is in good hands. They got a good one.”
