Mrs. Elsie Urueta Pollock is the founder and chief executive officer of Tulsa Honor Academy (THA). She began her education career as a 2008 Teach For America Corp Member in St. Louis where she taught sixth grade students with special needs. Two years later, Elsie moved to Chicago, IL to teach ninth and tenth grade English/language arts for a high performing charter school. In 2012, she moved back home to Tulsa to continue her work with literacy as an eighth grade English/language arts teacher and the Literacy Specialist.

In 2013, Elsie was accepted into the prestigious Building Excellent Schools (BES) Fellowship and spent the 2013 to 2014 academic school year receiving rigorous professional development in preparation to found Tulsa Honor Academy (THA). Under her leadership, THA opened its doors to 92 scholars in grade five. She led the expansion of the THA High School and the second middle school campus, Flores Middle School. In the 2022 to 2023 school year, THA serves approximately 1,150 scholars in grades five-12, and will serve 1,620 scholars upon reaching full enrollment.

Originally from the El Paso/Ciudad Juárez area, Elsie grew up in Tulsa, OK and has always called east Tulsa “home.” She is honored to serve her community and work alongside the best scholars, families, and educators. Elsie graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in international business and marketing.