Two new assistant principals have been hired to help lead the school.

The December 2025 newsletter highlighted the steady growth of Texas Tech K-12 as we welcomed two new advisors. This month we introduce two new assistant principals, Eric Yeager and Lauren Hickman, who are much-needed additions to the academic staff.  

Braxton Allison, Texas Tech K-12 principal, said not only is the district seeing growth in numbers, but also in its instructional practices to better serve its students in the self-paced, online environment.

“We are glad to have Mrs. Hickman and Dr. Yeager on staff to help us with the growth of our school,” Allison said. “These two will work directly with our teachers to ensure they have quick access to administrative support when working with students.

“They will aid in helping our instructors transition as we adjust some of our practices, and they will also support students and families by providing administrative support when needed.”

Lauren Hickman, Assistant Principal, Grades K-8 and Electives

Lauren has been in public education for 15 years, working in a local school district as a teacher, digital learning specialist and assistant principal of an elementary campus.

She earned her bachelor’s in education from Texas Tech and her master’s in education leadership from Lamar University. 

Lauren says education is a calling for her, something she recognized by third grade.

“I am the only educator in my family,” Lauren said. “I often say it was the wonderful teachers I had as a student that sparked my passion for education.”

As a self-professed “proud Red Raider,” having the opportunity to work for the school is a dream come true. Lauren sees Texas Tech K-12 as a growing program that combines her professional experience in an exciting way as the staff works to meet students where they are and provide nontraditional experiences. She is motivated by innovation and new educational methods, which is what led her to Texas Tech’s online K-12 program.

With a focus on elementary and middle schoolers, Lauren assists teaching staff, manages instructional programs, helps families navigate the program, provides professional development and community outreach and develops policies as needed.

The most satisfying aspect of her work is seeing students succeed and finding the right program to meet individual needs. Each family has a unique situation and story. She knows that what the team does can positively impact the educational experience for students. Her hope is that Texas Tech K-12 continues enhancing online learning with personal interactions and creative methods.

Her advice to students: “Life is full of choices. Whatever you do, do it with passion and integrity, and remember that your education can take you places!”

Lauren is married and is a band mom; her son will attend Texas Tech this fall and be in the Goin’ Band.

Eric Yeager, Assistant Principal, Grades 9-12

With 25 years of experience in public higher education, Eric has built a career shaped by service, leadership and a deep commitment to helping students realize their full potential. 

He was an early convert into education, influenced by his teachers all the way back to first grade. In fact, his first-grade teacher attended all three of his university graduations, even for his doctorate. 

“I think everyone assumed it was a foregone conclusion my entire childhood that I would be an educator,” Eric said. “I have dabbled in a lot of things, but it always comes back to teaching and learning for me.”

Originally from Corpus Christi, he began his educator journey as a high school science teacher before moving into campus administration, work that ignited his desire to influence education at a broader level.

His path eventually led him to Texas Tech K-12 where he looks to impact societal change by helping to prepare children and young adults to realize their full potential. 

In his role, he provides logistical and instructional support for grades 9-12 and helps manage school operations. A creative problem solver at heart, he finds the greatest satisfaction in guiding teachers, students and families through not only this school’s processes, but education in general.

“The access for students who may not thrive in traditional settings is huge for me,” he said. “So many students have life issues that keep them from attending or succeeding in a brick-and-mortar school. Texas Tech K-12 levels the playing field and provides strong educational opportunities for those students.”

Eric’s advice for students is simple: to earnestly reach out to their teachers for support and connection.

“Our teachers are very dedicated professionals and are committed to their students’ success,” Eric continued. “Students should put in the effort to keep an open rapport with their teachers at all times.”

Eric brings vast experience from around the country, having lived in Dallas, Cleveland and Vancouver, Washington. When he’s not working, he’s spending time with his two enormous rescue dogs—Roscoe, a boxer/Great Dane/mastiff mix and Lenny, a German Shepherd/Irish wolfhound mix.