Lynn Freeman, left, stands with Grace Lin, UHV professor of human development and curriculum & instruction in the College of Education & Health Professions, right, in front of Freeman High School.

On Aug. 14, the Katy Independent School District opened the doors to welcome their first class of students through the halls of Freeman High School.

The high school, which now serves as the 10th district high school, was named after the Freeman Family, family members of Lynn Freeman, who served as a faculty member at the University of Houston-Victoria for a decade.

“I was honored, amazed; I have a lot of students who are principals and teachers, who were my students and a lot of them wrote and spoke on behalf of my family,” Freeman said. “I am very honored to have so many people write letters and talk to the school board who were my students. It was an honor.”

The Freeman family has played an integral role in Katy’s history, dating back to 1898 when the family arrived from Iowa and became one of the founding families of the town, Freeman said. The family played a significant role in Katy’s agricultural development, serving as prominent rice growers, cattle ranchers and active members of the local school district and community, she said.

Upon arriving in Texas in the 19^th century, W.E. and Mae Belle Freeman, the great grandparents of Freeman’s husband, instilled the value of education in their children. This emphasis on education was not always common at the time, but it laid the foundation for the Freeman family’s enduring legacy in Katy’s schools. Today, five generations of Freemans have graduated from Katy ISD, with a sixth generation currently enrolled.

Grace Lin

“I am so excited because the Freeman family was one of the pioneers who came to the Katy area and has made a big impact with Katy ISD,” said Grace Lin, UHV professor of human development and curriculum & instruction in the College of Education & Health Professions. “This is a very deserved recognition for the family, and we were so lucky to have her come to our school.”

Following in the footsteps of the Freeman family, Freeman began her own educational career in Katy, where she taught science for five years before pursing her advanced degrees. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Tulane University before going on to earn a master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University. She then went on to receive her doctorate degree in education from the University of Houston, all while helping out on the family ranch.

“I was told I was a good teacher when I was a teaching assistant, I enjoyed teaching,” Freeman said. “And for agriculture, it’s the perfect job because the agriculture calendar and the education calendar are the same because you have the summers off to harvest and you have spring break to water rice and plant – it was just the perfect occupation for a farmer’s wife.”

In 2005, Freeman joined the faculty at UHV where she played a key role in establishing the Victoria Online Initial Certification for Educators, or VOICE program. Prior to her years at UHV, Freeman served on the faculty of the College of Education at UH for 12 years. There, she was instrumental in the development of the Pedagogy for Urban and Multicultural Action program. Now retired, she still continues to serve on numerous education and community boards in addition to being a representative for Freeman High School.

“I am so grateful and flattered from all of the support,” Freeman said. “It has been an honor.”