Texas Court Earns Centers of Excellence Recognition
The 181st District Court and Judge Titiana Frausto are recognized by the Texas Judicial Council through its Centers of Excellence Program.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Criminal Justice
The Texas Judicial Council has recognized the 181st District Court and Judge Titiana Frausto through the Centers of Excellence Program, a judicial initiative that highlights excellent work by Texas courts. Frausto, who was first appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2020, won reelection in 2022 and again last week.
Why it matters
The program identifies courts across Texas for strong performance, offering public recognition of judicial work at the state level. Fourteen other courts have been recognized since the program's formation in 2017.
The program has recognized 15 Texas courts in total since 2017, including the 181st District Court. Courts are evaluated through a review of documents and procedures followed by an on-site assessment conducted over several days.
The players
Texas Judicial Council
The Texas Judicial Council is the state body that administers the Centers of Excellence Program and recognizes courts for their performance.
Titiana Frausto
Titiana Frausto is a Texas judge presiding over the 181st District Court in Amarillo who was first appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2020.
Greg Abbott
Greg Abbott is the Governor of Texas who first appointed Titiana Frausto to the 181st District Court in 2020.
The details
Recognition under the Centers of Excellence Program requires courts to undergo a review of their documents and procedures before an on-site assessment, during which administrators visit over days and engage local stakeholders. Frausto is also a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Amarillo Area Bar Association, and serves on the boards of the Amarillo College Foundation, the Downtown Women's Center, and the Northside Toy Drive.
Timeline
2017: The Centers of Excellence Program is formed.
2020: Gov. Greg Abbott first appoints Frausto to the 181st District Court.
2022: Frausto wins reelection.
Last week: Frausto wins reelection again.
Criminal Justice Context
The Centers of Excellence Program, formed by the Texas Judicial Council in 2017, has honored 15 courts statewide, including the 181st District Court in Amarillo. This recognition adds to the program's record of identifying courts that meet its performance standards.
Residents of Amarillo and surrounding areas may see the 181st District Court's recognized practices reflected in local court operations. The recognition highlights standards that courts across Texas are measured against under the state program.
The takeaway
Recognition through state programs like the Centers of Excellence highlights court performance that residents can review as courts continue to serve their communities. Following local court news helps readers stay informed about how judicial work is measured across Texas.
Further reading
Explore more Criminal Justice coverage to see how Texas courts are evaluated and recognized.
