Spotlight

Dr. Dana Brown, Federal Programs Director, Mountain Home School District says “I am blessed to have a regional Federal Programs group that is always there when I need advice. This group - their friendship and support - is by far a favorite part of my job.”

As most of you know, being able to balance your professional life and personal life can be difficult at times. During the time Dr. Brown was a high school principal at

Mountain Home School District, she not only succeeded in balancing work and home life but also completed her Doctorate. Dr. Brown says, “I could not have done it without the support of my family and my Doctoral Advisor, Dr. Michael

Brooks at Harding University.” Without their patience and encouragement she would not have been able to achieve this accomplishment.

Dr. Brown’s career in education started as a paraprofessional at Amanda Gist Elementary, in the Cotter School District. After one year at Cotter a position at Mountain Home School District became available. In Mountain Home, she was a business teacher at Pinkston Middle School for six years. From her position as a business teacher, she was able to grow professionally into administration. She was one of two assistant principals at Mountain Home High School for two years; then moved into the building principal position at Mountain Home High School where she served for 15 years. She is now Mountain Home School District’s Federal Programs Director.

During her time as Mountain Home High School Principal, she and her staff redesigned their traditional high school into a wall-to-wall career academy model which was featured on CNBC Education Nation as one of the Top 10 Schools in the Nation with Solutions in Education. They became affiliated with the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) and the National Center for College and Career Transitions (NC3T). Dr. Brown’s experience in this capacity opened doors for her to serve on the Operating Board for NCAC, as well as serve as an Academy Reviewer. She also serves as an educational consultant with NC3T.

Becoming a Federal Programs Director was not Dr. Brown’s goal initially, but she has always felt she had a good grasp on the budgeting process. It is safe to say she had no idea what this role had in store for her. What she has learned about herself over the years is that she loves a challenge. When the Federal Programs Director position opened up, she looked at it as an opportunity to grow professionally - to learn a different aspect of education than she had previously experienced.

Dr. Brown says, “Learning new things is definitely one thing I love about my job. When I thought of the role of a Federal Programs Director, I really didn’t know what I didn’t know - if that makes sense.” What she has learned is there are quite a few moving parts in this piece of the education world. She says, “You definitely need to stay on top of guidance, and it is also important to have a support system. I am blessed to have a regional Federal Programs group that is always there when I need advice. This group - their friendship and support - is by far a favorite part of my job.”

We asked Dr. Brown where she sees herself in five years, she said, “I see myself in this position. What I have found is I am enjoying learning new things that pertain to this position.” Not only is she the Federal Programs Director, she is also the McKinney Vento Homeless Liaison, CTE Coordinator, 504 District Coordinator, Compliance Coordinator, District School Level Improvement Coordinator, District Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, and District Wellness Coordinator. The additional “crowns” she wears allow her to continue to grow professionally.

As she continues her career at Mountain Home School District as the Director of Federal Programs, she hopes people remember that she was someone that they could depend on, whether it was someone to listen to them, help complete a task, or to just support them when they needed someone. She wants them to remember that whenever she was with them, she was truly present. 5 Continued on next page

Dr. Dana Brown

How would your coworkers describe you?

I have to admit when I saw this question I had no idea how to answer. With that being said, I asked a couple of co-workers how they would describe me. Here were some of their comments: “You are loyal and will go to bat for your colleagues; you are an incredible - dare I say the best I've known - multi-tasker; you make people feel like they matter and that they're valued; you can read a room very well and usually pick up on unspoken tension or questions; you are organized and you have an impeccable memory for human details, which makes people feel special and noticed.” When I read this, I had no words. I can only hope every day I can continue to be this person who shows up.

What is something that amazes you?

My son. In 2018, my husband and son were in a plane crash. Before the doctor at UAMS performed the seven hour surgery on his back, he told me James Daniel would never walk again. When he came out of surgery, we were told there was a chance he would walk but only with a walker. James Daniel told me “I will walk out of here.” And he did! He reminds me of one of my favorite sayings “He believed he could, so he did.” Every day since, his determination and persistence amaze me.

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

I would say the most daring thing I have done was not telling my mama that I had eloped. If anyone knows anything about my mama, you do not keep things from her. Needless to say, not telling her and keeping that secret for several months after we eloped was a very daring feat.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

I enjoy any activity that I can do outdoors during my time off. Also, we love to travel. Anytime we can get away for a weekend trip, we do, especially if it is near the ocean.

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

My “Bucket List” is pretty focused on travel. We love traveling anywhere that has sunshine and sand. However, if I had to pick a non-Carribean place to hopefully visit, it would be Ireland. I find the lush green countryside and culture intriguing.