Texarkana, TX – Texarkana Independent School District (TISD) will honor Allen Nance as their 2019 inductee into the TISD Hall of Fame during its annual Texas Public Schools Week Community Breakfast.
The event will be held on Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00 a.m. in the Dan Haskins Student Center at Texas High School, 2112 Kennedy Lane. The public is welcome to attend. Reservations are requested. Contact Tina Veal-Gooch at 903.794.3651 ext. 1013 or tvg@txkisd.net.
The TISD Hall of Fame award is given to a retired employee who has made a significant impact on the district and the Texarkana community. The award preserves the history of great educators who have made TISD what it is today and ensures their names and contributions are here for others to see for many years to come.
Nance was born in Trees, Louisiana and grew up during the Depression on a farm in Lewisville, Arkansas. Upon finishing high school, he was drafted into the United States Army serving for 13 months as a Forward Observer in the 105th Artillery Division during the Korean War.
Following his service to country, Nance realized, along with the encouragement of his Aunt Cora, the importance of a college degree. He enrolled at Henderson State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Science and Physical Education. Nance furthered his learning by completing his Master of Education and Mid-Management Certification from East Texas State University – Commerce (now Texas A&M University – Commerce).
His career in education started as a Science teacher and Coach (football, basketball and track) for Gurdon Junior High School. In 1962, Nance moved to Texarkana, Arkansas to begin work with the Texarkana Arkansas School District at their junior high school.
During this time, he met Pat Cole, a 1960 graduate from Texas High School, and love led them down the marriage aisle.
Nance went on to teaching and coaching at Arkansas High School beginning in 1965. He served as Assistant Principal of the high school from 1969-1973 and was named Principal in Spring of 1973.
Texas High School came calling shortly before the fall of 1973 and offered Nance a job as one of two Assistant Principals. From there, a 21-year career as a Tiger unfolded. During his time at Texas High School, Nance was involved as a Student Council sponsor and Key Club sponsor along with many other extra-curricular activities.
“I enjoyed working with everyone – teachers and students,” said Nance. “When I got up each morning, I didn’t feel like I was going to work. I never saw it as a job. I always knew that something good was going to happen and that every day was a great day…to be a Tiger. In my mind, I never went past the age of 18 so having fun at school with students and staff was always key for me.”
The Nance family includes their daughter, Melanie, who is married to Greg Cockerell; grandsons, Dr. John Allen Cockerell who is a Family Practice Physician in Little Rock, Arkansas and his wife Dr. Kaitlin Cockerell, who is a Pediatrician and Nick Cockerell who is attending Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Benjamin and Ella.
