CWU alum elected president of Tacoma Public Schools Board of Directors

Central Washington University alumnus Korey Strozier was recently elected as president of Tacoma Public Schools after serving on the board of directors since 2020. His election marks a milestone not only for the district, but also for a leader whose career has always been grounded in supporting others.

From 2008 to 2017, Strozier held a wide range of roles within Tacoma Public Schools, including being an education support specialist, case manager, graduation specialist, athletic director, and coach.

Each role added to his experience and reinforced his commitment to helping students thrive.

“Each step in my career has been rooted in service—helping students and young adults build stronger futures, both in and out of the classroom,” he said. "I'm a proud father, community advocate, and passionate leader in public education. My journey has taken me from coaching student-athletes to managing impactful youth programs, and now to serving as president of the Tacoma School Board."

Among the roles he has held, Strozier (’14) also led an Open Doors Youth Reengagement program to support students through academic success programming. The program provides education and services to 16- to 21-year-olds who have dropped out of school or are not expected to graduate by age 21.

Looking back, Strozier says his sense of purpose was first sparked at Central.

“CWU laid the foundation for my work ethic and sense of purpose,” he said. “It’s where I saw the power of mentorship and representation firsthand. I learned how to lead with empathy, communicate across differences, and stay grounded in my values—skills I lean on every day in my leadership journey.”

While he has many memories of his time in college, one of Strozier’s most vivid memories came just before graduation.

“On May 16, 2014—just two months before graduation—my first daughter was born, and that moment shifted everything,” he said. “It gave me a deeper purpose and a reason to pursue success not only for myself, but for her future. Holding my baby girl on Father’s Day 2014, in my CWU regalia, is definitely a core memory.”

Since his time at Central, Strozier has worked hard to build a career that has a positive impact on the community that raised him. Embracing various roles, including hourly, classified, and certified positions, his experiences have given him a robust outlook on different layers within the school district that he was once a student in.

He credits his Tacoma upbringing for fueling his ongoing commitment to the district’s youth.

“Tacoma raised me, so this work is personal. Every student I serve reminds me of who I was—full of potential but needing access to opportunity and support,” he said. “In the role of board president, I lead with equity and a belief that every student deserves the chance to dream big and thrive in school, in community, and in life.”

Outside of his work on the school board, Strozier is also a founding coach with Success Cohorts, a program that helps early-career professionals build leadership skills and a strong foundation for success.

This program combines his passion for mentoring and community building while helping individuals become successful in their careers.

“Mentorship provides something every emerging leader needs—perspective,” Strozier said. “It helps you avoid unnecessary mistakes, learn from others’ experiences, and build confidence in your voice. Community building, on the other hand, creates a space where you can grow alongside people who believe in you.”

He encourages his fellow CWU alumni, especially those early in their careers, to consider looking into this resource that reinforces the idea that early career professionals excel when they are supported, challenged, and surrounded by people who want to see them win.

Another key message Strozier seeks to deliver to current CWU students and recent grads is simple yet powerful.

“Start where you are,” he said. “You don’t need a title to create impact. It starts in how you show up—listening, building relationships, and staying consistent. Let your purpose guide your decisions and know that even small acts of service can make a big difference.”