VLK proudly announces the addition of Dr. Robby McGowen as an Educational Planner to VLK | EDGE®, the firm’s educational planning team. Dr. McGowen brings over three decades of leadership experience in Texas public education and education planning, reinforcing VLK’s commitment to helping public school districts translate their educational goals into well-planned, high-performing learning environments that best support their communities.
“Dr. McGowen brings the kind of perspective that defines VLK | EDGE®,” said Sloan Harris, CEO of VLK. “His experience across classrooms, district leadership, and educational planning strengthens our ability to support school districts with design that is grounded in real educational practice and informed by research and experience.”
Dr. McGowen joins VLK after two years of educational planning across Texas, working closely with school districts on bond planning and long-term facilities initiatives. His work focused on helping districts build understanding and alignment with their communities while strengthening leadership and governance practices throughout the planning process.
“Joining VLK represents the ability to continue my career-long passion for supporting public education,” said Dr. McGowen. “I’m thrilled to be a part of a thriving, innovative firm like VLK.”
Dr. McGowen has supported school districts statewide through executive coaching and governance training with the Region 4 Education Service Center, following more than a decade in senior leadership roles overseeing district support services and board development. His district-level experience includes serving as Superintendent of Alvin ISD and in Assistant Superintendent roles with Goose Creek Consolidated ISD and Friendswood ISD. Dr. McGowen began his career in public schools and later earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration, focusing his research on how school facilities influence student outcomes and staff retention, an area of study that directly informs his work as an educational planner.
“We are thrilled to welcome another lifetime educator to our VLK | EDGE® team,” said Dr. Dalane Bouillion, Chief Development Officer at VLK. “Dr McGowen’s experience and brilliant insights will be an incredible resource for VLK and our clients.”