This project manager has a heart for improving experiences for others.

Samira (Sami) Boumzourh is a project manager for Texas Tech K-12. Working exclusively behind the scenes, her work turns someone else’s vision into reality.  

Sami saw the power of learning long before she ever imagined a career in the field. 

Her father has a deep passion for education, even though he was not a teacher. He kept a small blackboard at home and made it a priority to sit with her, her older brother and two younger sisters to review homework regularly. 

“I will never forget how strongly he insisted that we memorize the multiplication table, reminding us that it was the foundation for success in advanced math,” Sami recalled. “His dedication left a lasting impression on me and shaped my appreciation for learning.”

Those nightly lessons didn’t just strengthen her skills; they developed a passion within her for helping students navigate challenging subjects, such as math, science and technology.

Supporting Learning That Elevates Students

Sami has always viewed these subjects not as barriers, but as gateways to possibility. Having seen firsthand how these subjects can either empower students or intimidate them, depending on how they are designed and delivered, that reality motivated her to focus her work on improving systems, curriculum and instructional design in ways that make challenging topics more accessible and engaging.

She enjoys building structure and clarity in complex environments. The most satisfying aspect of her work is seeing strategy turn into real, measurable impact. Sami collaborates with curriculum leaders, instructional designers, technical teams and administrators to keep large initiatives moving with clarity and intention.

“I find great fulfillment in removing friction, whether that means streamlining workflows, aligning teams or reducing barriers that slow down progress,” she said. “When teams feel supported, aligned and empowered to focus on delivering high-quality instruction, that is incredibly rewarding to me.”

What excites her most isn’t the task list—it’s the ripple effect. Strengthening a process means giving teachers more time. Improving a system means students receive better materials. 

Why Texas Tech K-12 Feels Like Home

When she discovered Texas Tech K-12, something clicked. She was drawn to its strong mission, public university foundation and commitment to delivering high-quality, flexible learning opportunities to students across Texas and beyond. The opportunity to contribute to an institution that combines academic rigor with innovation was appealing.

“Texas Tech K-12 operates at the intersection of education, technology and strategy, which aligns perfectly with my professional background and passion,” Sami said excitedly. “I was particularly motivated by the opportunity to strengthen systems, improve operational efficiency and support curriculum excellence in a way that has meaningful and scalable impact. This is an organization that’s truly forward thinking and mission driven. That combination is rare and inspiring. It felt like the perfect fit.”

Robert Bayard, superintendent, is more than happy to have Sami as part of the team, calling her a tremendous asset.

“Sami has an amazing ability to break down complex systems into logical processes and sequential steps that are easy to follow and understand,” he said. “She has been an incredible resource for our curriculum team and for our strategic planning teams in developing KPIs (key performance indicators) and action plans.”

Looking Ahead

Sami’s vision for the future of Texas Tech K-12 is to see it grow as a model of excellence in online education. As education evolves, she believes Texas Tech K-12 has a unique opportunity to lead by combining strong governance, thoughtful instructional design and a commitment to continuous improvement.

“I would also love to see every Texas Tech K-12 student view Texas Tech University as their natural next step, building a seamless pathway from K-12 to higher education within the Texas Tech family,” Sami beamed. “Creating that sense of belonging and continuity would not only strengthen our institution but also empower students with confidence about their future.”

Although Sami doesn’t work directly with students, her personal advice to them is to not run from challenges – lean into them. She says in every challenge there is growth and in that growth confidence is built. Students need to stay curious and resilient. The journey may not always be straightforward, and that is OK. Progress is built through consistency, effort and the willingness to keep going, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Sami is excited about the opportunities ahead with Texas Tech K-12, and she is grateful to be part of the Red Raider community. 

“The dedication, expertise and passion I see across teams every day are inspiring. I am proud to be part of the Texas Tech family and look forward to contributing to its continued excellence,” she said.

Life Beyond Work

Sami was born in Casablanca, Morocco and has become fluent in Arabic, French, English and Spanish. She moved to the U.S. with an associate degree in languages to pursue her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She earned a bachelor’s degree in technical management from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in information science and learning technologies from the University of Missouri.

Having been married more than 30 years, Sami and her husband have two accomplished adult daughters, one an accountant and one who recently graduated from the police academy and is a first responder. 

Outside of work, Sami enjoys roller skating, camping, hiking and baking, activities that help her stay balanced, creative and energized.

She brings all of this—heart, structure, passion and purpose—to Texas Tech K-12, helping shape brighter paths for students and teachers alike.