Meet the New Alumni Director

Brandi Brown-Harris, M.A. ’10 has joined the Office of Development, Alumni and Parent Relations as the Director of Alumni Relations. For the past eight years, Brandi has worked as an Academic Advisor in Student Support Services, first at Tennessee State University, and more recently at Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Ill. She has worked closely with students, faculty and staff in the academic community through personal contact and participation in campus-wide events.

Over the last four years, Brandi has been an active member of the McKendree Alumni Board of Directors, and she is elated to bring her passion for her alma mater to the Alumni Relations office. As a dedicated board member, she has voluntarily served on the Personal and Professional Development Committee. In that role, she has worked tirelessly with various University departments to inform all alumni of the latest professional development information and future alumni of the benefits of joining the McKendree University Alumni Association.

"Alumni relations has become a deep passion of mine because I enjoy meeting new people and hearing about their college and university experiences,” said Brandi. “Many of the students I have spoken with, as a board member, have stated McKendree has been a major factor in shaping their professional career choice at a pivotal time, leading to and culminating with their graduation from the University, and seeking employment."

Brandi graduated with a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling Degree. She is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a civil mediator. “I attribute my success to the educational foundation I received from the professional counseling program,” she said. “McKendree gave me the professional tools I needed to be successful in the workplace. I will be eternally grateful for the quality education and experiences I received in the graduate program.”Brandi has begun the process of connecting and broadening the participation of current and new McKendree alumni. She looks forward to engaging with them during the summer months, and she is excited to welcome alumni back to the campus this fall for the 2021 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend on Oct. 22-24.