Gov. Perry Honors Dr. Shirley Neeley as a 2006 Inductee to the Texas Women's Hall of Fame

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today named Education Commissioner Dr. Shirley Neeley as a 2006 inductee into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame. This biennial awards event was created by the Governor's Commission for Women in 1984 to honor Texas women who have made significant contributions in such areas as the arts, athletics, business, education, health and leadership. The Texas Women's Hall of Fame was permanently established in 2003 at the Texas Woman's University campus in Denton. The exhibit, located in Hubbard Hall, contains 122 inductees which include first ladies, teachers, astronauts and athletes, and features biographies and photographs of the recipients.

Dr. Shirley Neeley, the Texas commissioner of education, is being honored for her work in education; a category that recognizes outstanding contributions in the fields of math, science or technology education. Neeley began a career in education 35 years ago as an elementary school teacher. She went on to serve as an assistant principal and principal, as well as superintendent of Galena Park Independent School District for approximately 10 years. Under her leadership, Galena Park became Texas' largest exemplary district from 2002-2004. In 2004, Neeley was named as Texas Commissioner of Education by Gov. Perry. As commissioner, she serves as the head of the Texas Education Agency, which oversees 1,037 school districts and 200 charter schools. In this position, she ensured that approximately 50,000 new students would find a school ready to provide shelter and education after the disasters of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.