Governor Abbott Appoints Three To Texas Early Learning Council

September 17, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Press Release | Appointment

Governor Greg Abbott appointed Jan Lacina, Ph.D., Jennifer Vincent, and Jennifer Warren, Ed.D. to the Texas Early Learning Council for terms set to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The Texas Early Learning Council serves as Texas’ State Advisory Council as required by the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007. The Council utilizes its breadth of stakeholder representation to increase coordination and collaboration across state agencies and local program and service providers in order to improve the quality of and access to early childhood services across Texas.

Jan Lacina, Ph.D. of Fort Worth is the Bezos Family Foundation endowed chair for Early Childhood Education and a professor at Texas Christian University (TCU). She serves as the interim executive director for TCU’s Lab Schools—Starpoint and KinderFrogs Schools. She is the associate editor for the Early Childhood Education Journal, international ambassador and journal board member for the United Kingdom Literacy Association, and a member of the International Literacy Association and the American Educational Research Association. Lacina received a Bachelor of Science in Education and Interdisciplinary Studies from Baylor University, a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Texas Woman’s University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Kansas.

Jennifer Vincent of Port Neches is a director of field for daycare operations at Texas Health and Human Services Commission. She is a volunteer with YoungLife. Vincent received a Bachelor and Master of Science in Family & Consumer Sciences from Lamar University.

Jennifer Warren, Ed.D. of Bryan is the executive director of special programs at Bryan Independent School District. She is a member of the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Council of Educator Prep Advisory Council and the Texas Workforce Commission Early Learning Advisory Committee and a board member and former chair for the Texas Council of Administrators for Special Education. Additionally, she volunteers with TAMU Student Council of Exceptional Children, the Brazos Valley Food Bank, and Still Creek Ranch. Warren received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from TAMU, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.