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Kansas education commissioner Dr. Randy Watson is known for his self-deprecating humor and visionary leadership in advancing the education of Kansas children.  

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education, educators and others who have been impacted by Watson’s 45-year career gathered in Topeka Wednesday afternoon to celebrate his service and the lasting contributions he has made to public education in Kansas. 

Cathy Hopkins, chair of the State Board, said she’s seen first-hand how much superintendents and the commissioner work to foster the success of every Kansas student. 

“And I’ve been thrilled to be a part of it,” she said of Watson’s tenure as commissioner. “We know he’s going to go on and do great things from here.” 

Jim Porter, the longest serving member of the current board, said there are two types of leaders: managers and visionary leaders. 

“I’m honored to have served these last 12 years with a real visionary leader,” he said. 

Dr. Frank Harwood, KSDE deputy commissioner for fiscal and administrative services, said Dr. Watson will be remembered for his “moonshot” approach to moving Kansas public education into a new phase. Watson traversed the state during his 2015 “Kansans Can” tour shortly after becoming commissioner and listened to business leaders, parents, students and educators about what Kansas wanted from its education system and what a successful high school graduate would look like.

“He heard loud and clear from Kansans that  being successful is more than a test score,” Harwood said, adding that student success during Watson’s tenure includes the 90.5% record-breaking 2025 high school graduation rate.  

“I should also mention that graduation rates for students living in poverty, learning English as a Second Language, and having a disability increased at an even higher rate than that of all students,” Harwood added. “Those are results that demonstrate Randy's legacy for student success in Kansas.” 

Disappointed Wednesday’s event wasn’t a roast of Watson, Cindy Couchman, 2009 Kansas Teacher of the Year and current Buhler USD 313 superintendent, said Watson hired her 36 years ago to teach math in Concordia USD 333, shaping her professional life. 

“He’s had this uncanny ability to push you just out of your comfort zone, while still supporting you,” she said. “He’s walked in our shoes. That’s the secret sauce. Everyone feels seen. His legacy will be measured in people.” 

Kansas state Sen. Brenda Dietrich, of Topeka, presented Watson with a framed tribute from herself, Sen. Mike Argabright and Sen. Brad Starnes, all of whom, like Watson, are former superintendents, for his “tireless dedication,” “visible presence,” and for being a “Steady Eddie.” 

Since he began in 2015, Watson has led numerous impactful educational initiatives, including  the State Board’s literacy and school improvement initiatives, Sunflower Summer and the creation of a leadership program for superintendents.  

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in history from Kansas State University in 1981, Watson’s career began in Twin Valley USD 240 as a teacher and coach. Later while earning his Master of Science in educational administration and his doctorate of education, also from K-State, Watson served as an educator and administrator in Andover USD 385, Concordia 333 and McPherson USD 418 as an assistant superintendent and then superintendent.  

He said the progression of his career was supported by his family, especially his wife, Debbie, a former teacher and administrator, retiring as principal of Sunset Elementary, Newton USD 373, in 2022. He also thanked Dr. Andy Tompkins, Kansas education commissioner from 1996 to 2005, for encouraging him to apply for the commissioner’s position in 2014. Watson said incoming commissioner, Dr. Jake Steel, a Garden City native, will be “great for this state.” 

“Just give him the same grace you've given me,” Watson said. “He's a lot smarter. He's a lot younger. He's got a lot more energy.” 

He told the crowd gathered to honor his decades of public service that the impact he and most educators want to have is as simple as skipping rocks, recalling how as a child in Coffeyville, he would ride his bike to Shadow Lake - which is actually a pond, he noted. 

“What we know about skipping rocks is there’s some ripple effect,” Watson said. “I just want to thank all of you because the work that we've been doing over the last decade is a tribute to your work.”