It’s no wonder that Mason Briscoe built his career in the field of education. He grew up surrounded by teachers. “Education has always been a part of my life,” the 2014 grad says. “Growing up, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact that educators can have on students, families, and entire communities through the work of my mom and several of my aunts.”

Briscoe’s mother started out as an elementary school teacher, then became a principal, and is now superintendent of curriculum at Needville ISD, where Briscoe grew up. Two of his mom’s sisters are educators as well. “Their dedication to serving others helped shape my respect for the profession and gave me an appreciation for the important role schools play in people's lives. School pride was everything to me when I was growing up.”

Briscoe’s career has been something of a whirlwind. After graduating TLU, he took a job in Hallettsville, teaching history and coaching baseball, before returning to his hometown, where he spent nearly two years as their head baseball coach. After that, he went back to Hallettsville, taking a job as offensive coordinator and head baseball coach. 

Then he moved into administrative work, first becoming assistant principal in Hallettsville, then head principal. 

And now, at only 34 years old, he’s taking on a new role as superintendent for Edna Independent School District.

Briscoe has said that one of the best things about working in the field of education is the joy of watching kids succeed. And even though the nature of his work is shifting with his new role, he has no intention of distancing himself from the students in his district. “One of the greatest parts of education is building relationships with students and I want that to remain a priority for me as superintendent,” he says. “While my role will look different, I plan to stay visible and engaged on our campuses by attending student events, visiting classrooms, participating in school activities, and making time to interact with students regularly. Staying connected to our students helps ensure that the decisions we make at the district level remain focused on what matters most—their success and well-being.”

Back in his years at TLU, Briscoe enjoyed his time playing Bulldogs baseball, and he counts being part of the team in 2014, when they advanced to the regional tournament, as one of his favorite undergrad memories. “It was an incredible experience competing alongside such a talented group of teammates and coaches, and it's a memory that still stands out today,” he says.

Briscoe also fondly remembers the unexpected snowstorm that hit TLU during his sophomore year. Classes were canceled and he joined a group of friends to play football in the snow and have snowball fights around campus. “It was one of those unique college experiences that created lasting memories and friendships. Both memories reflect what made TLU special for me—the relationships, experiences, and sense of community.”

Once he graduated, Briscoe knew for sure that he wanted to get into coaching—he’d always seen himself in that role. “I loved sports growing up and wanted to help young people succeed both on and off the field,” he says. “A lot of credit goes to Bill Miller, Greg Burnett, Fla Strawn, and Rick Heines for being great mentors as baseball coaches/athletic director.”

It didn’t take long for Briscoe to know that he’d made the right career choice. “As I began coaching and teaching, I quickly realized that education was where I belonged. Throughout my career, I have drawn inspiration from my family's commitment to service, hard work, and doing what is best for students. Looking back, I can see how those values shaped my leadership philosophy and guided me through each stage of my career, from teaching and coaching to campus leadership and now the superintendent role.”

These days, when he’s not shaping young minds and watching over the schools in his district, he enjoys spending time with the people he loves most. “I have been happily married to my wife for eight years, and together we have two sons, Mason V (5) and Ty (4),” he says. “They keep us very busy and are the center of our lives. As a family, we enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it's hunting, fishing, or working on our family's ranches. I still have a strong passion for sports and enjoy following collegiate athletics closely. When I'm not working or spending time with family, I enjoy being around friends and connecting with people. For me, those opportunities to spend time with family and friends are the best way to recharge and stay grounded.”