May 24, 2022—Dennis Watkins, director of student services, was named the new director at the Carlton Center on May 20. Watkins replaces Rhonda Turns, who will retire in June.

Watkins has 13 years of experience in education, all in CFISD. His career began as a LIFE Skills teacher at the Carlton Center in 2009. Watkins then moved to administration as a counselor at Arnold Middle School in 2012. He served in that position until becoming an assistant principal at Arnold in 2017. Watkins moved to Cypress Creek High School as assistant principal in 2017. He accepted his current position as director of student services in 2021.

Throughout all his various roles, Watkins continued to support the Carlton Center as an extended school year teacher and administrator.

Watkins earned his Bachelor of Science in Health and Sociology and Master of Educational Leadership and Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. He also holds Texas Educator Certificates in school principal, school counselor, special education and health.

“I am beyond excited and blessed to be the new director of the Carlton Center,” Watkins said. “I started my journey in education as a LIFE Skills teacher on that very campus. I look forward to partnering with the community, supporting the staff and bringing out the best in the amazing students we serve. Home is where the heart is!”