Fifteen Leander ISD employees will receive advanced degrees from Concordia University Texas during the Dec. 7 commencement at Concordia's Northwest Austin campus.

In addition to Jim Rose, Running Brushy Middle School principal, and Sarah Martinez, LISD director for research and program evaluation, both of whom will be receiving doctorate degrees, 13 LISD employees will receive master’s degrees in Educational Administration with Principal Certification.

The LISD employees receiving master’s degrees are: Peter Bongard, Anita Faleiro, Anthony Garcia, Lauren Houser, Tammy Lensing, Shannon Minton, Mandy Moore, Holly Olsen, Niels Paetow, Taryn Roach, Kiley Sanderson, Kristin Slonsky and Paloma Tsihlas.

A private, liberal arts university, Concordia University Texas is part of the Concordia University System, which comprises eight colleges and universities operated by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, according to the release. More than 36,000 students are enrolled nationwide in Concordia schools, according to the release.