The Leander Independent School District announced Jan. 10 that Susan Cole will serve as principal of Middle School No. 8, set to open in fall 2012.

Cole served as principal of Giddens Elementary School for the last six years and will remain there until a new principal is named later this spring, according to a district statement. Cole has 22 years of education experience and 16 years with LISD, including time as a teacher at Cedar Park Middle School and as an assistant principal at Running Brushy Middle School and Leander High School.

"Throughout her career in LISD, Susan has shown an impressive dedication to education and a deep passion for student learning," Superintendent Bret Champion said. "Susan values collaboration, whether it's with parents, teachers or community members, and will use those interactions to create a positive, collaborative culture, with a constant focus on student learning."

Cole earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education at Sam Houston State University, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University and an educational administration certificate from Southwest Texas State University.