Alumni Profile: Kristi Harris Brown remains motivated by the Reddie Spirit

Kristi Harris Brown

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Kristi Harris Brown. I was born and raised in Arkadelphia. My parents still reside in that great city. My dad, Dr. Kenneth G. Harris, Jr., is a retired professor from Henderson State University, and my mom, Pamala Harris, is a Henderson graduate and retired Music Educator for the Arkadelphia Public School District.

I graduated from Arkadelphia High School in 1993; I am still a proud Badger. I graduated from HSU in 1997 with my BSE, and in 2005 with my MSE. This is my 28th year in education.

I started my career in Little Rock teaching first grade at Booker Arts Magnet School in 1997. I then moved to Texarkana, Arkansas, where I taught fourth grade at Kilpatrick Elementary. My journey in education continued in the state of Texas with the Texarkana Independent School District where I spent 18 years. I was a teacher and also a curriculum coordinator during my tenure there.

In 2017 I moved to the Liberty-Eylau (pronounced "eye-low") Independent School District to become one of the assistant principals at Liberty-Eylau High School. The following year I became a curriculum coordinator for the district. In 2019, I became the proud principal of Liberty-Eylau Elementary School. I spent three years there as we navigated COVID-19.

The following two years, I was the curriculum director for Hope Public Schools. On July 1, 2024, I became the assistant superintendent of the Liberty-Eylau Independent School District in Texarkana, Texas.

I am most proud of being the mom of my almost 22 year-old daughter Kamryn Brown. Kamryn is in her fourth year at the University of Central Arkansas where she is an elementary education major.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

Being a student at Henderson State University in the Education Department prepared me to begin my career as an educator. The opportunity to intern for a full semester was probably one of the most beneficial experiences. It helped me to see theories and practices in real-time. The experiences that I had in organizations helped me to navigate how to effectively work with others.

What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?

My favorite moments and memories from my time at Henderson were the times that I spent with my Sorority Sisters after becoming a part of a Divine Nine Organization -- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. We spent countless hours together making memories that last a lifetime. We are all still very close even after 30 years.

How did your college experience shape who you are today?

When you are in college you are exposed to people from all walks of life, from other countries, religious backgrounds and more. This type of exposure lends itself to being more accepting of differences in others. It helped me to be more open-minded and to understand that differences are not weaknesses, but they are strengths of any community. Today, as an educator, in our ever-changing society, I see how learning this lesson early has truly helped me at this juncture.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your college years?

If there is one thing that I would have done differently during my college years it would have been to take my time. In the 90s, we felt that we had to complete school in four years. Looking back, I probably would not have rushed to become an adult so quickly.

What motivates you to stay connected with your alma mater?

The REDDIE Spirit that lives in me motivates me to remain connected. This spirit translates to friendships and relationships that were built while attending Henderson from 1993-1997.

Were there any specific courses or professors that had a significant impact on you?

My major classes had the greatest impact on me. I took those classes to heart because I knew that I wanted to be the best educator that I could possibly be. Having my dad as one of my professors, which I tried to avoid, made me work 10 times harder because others were watching. I knew that I had to work just as hard or harder as my classmates. That certainly made an impact on me as a student.

What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?

To future Henderson students, take your time and enjoy your college experience because these years are truly the best years of your life. Build relationships and make sure that you value them. The other thing that I would like to share is that it is okay to not know everything on your first day of class; ask questions and get to know your professors. They are here to help you, and it will pay off huge dividends by getting to know them.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your Henderson experience?

My experience at Henderson is one that I will cherish forever. Attending a smaller university makes you family. I wouldn't take anything for my friends who are more like family.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to time travel. I would love to be able to travel to the past to fix inequalities that have hindered progress. I would also have the ability to travel to the future to ensure things are better for those coming behind me.

What is your favorite hobby or activity to unwind after a busy day at work?

After a busy day at work, I enjoy strolling through Target or TJMaxx. I don't have to spend a dime while shopping, I just enjoy all of the seasonal items that are on the shelves. I also enjoy listening to podcasts and reading a good book.

What is the most interesting place you've ever visited and why?

The most interesting place that I have visited was Fukuoka, Japan. I spent the entire summer prior to my senior year of high school there as part of a U.S. Senate Summer Exchange Program. Being immersed in their culture was life-changing and unforgettable. I lived with a family and learned so much by attending school and being a part of the community. I have memories that will be etched in my mind and in my heart forever.

If you could choose any historical figure to have dinner with, who would it be, and why?

If I could choose to have dinner with anyone, I would love to dine and converse with the Obamas. They are a wealth of knowledge and wisdom; to just sit and bask in all of that would be an amazing experience.

If you could listen to only one music genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?

While I love 90s R&B, if I could only choose one genre it would be gospel. Gospel is timeless and always lifts my spirits.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life or career?

One of the best pieces of advice that I have ever received has been to never stop learning. No matter how long you have been in a career, you can always learn something new to better yourself. The other piece of advice that I want to share is to always have a mentor no matter how old you are or how seasoned you are in your career. This is someone who will hold you accountable, but also help you in both life and your profession.

Do you have any hidden talents or skills that might surprise people?

I can drive a limousine!

What alternative career path could you see yourself pursuing?

I would love to be a flight attendant because I enjoy traveling and meeting new people from all walks of life. This has always been a dream of mine.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

If I were stranded on a desert island, I would bring my hard cover bible, my journal, and a fishing net.

Who inspires you?

I am so inspired by Generation Z! These kids have courage to take risks; they're doers and believe in being activists and fighting for what they believe in. They ask questions and challenge others to do the same. Generation "Z'ers" are very transparent and very open with their feelings and opinions. That is something my generation didn't do because we were taught not to "rock the boat." I am proud and excited about the future and inspired by this Generation because they will do amazing things!

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