Today we’d like to introduce you to Santarvis Brown.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
In its purest form, my work and passion are transforming people’s lives through education. I knew early on that I wanted to be a teacher, but I will admit that even I am in awe of the journey I have had thus far. I can honestly say that I have probably touched the lives of hundreds of students ranging from kindergarten to graduate students, and I am not tired yet. The greatest joy for me is when I run into former students, and I can see the impact and imprint on their lives. It is a bonus when I see them with their children, and they tell their children, he was my teacher. I have been blessed to see former students become K-12 teachers and administrators, and in the case of higher education, they have become professors. The journey began for me officially back in 2003, when I walked into my first middle school classroom. I learned on that first day, I found what I was supposed to be doing. I also learned, that in my role as a teacher, I would sometimes be a counselor, parent, friend, big brother, and uncle. Since walking into the middle school classroom, I have served as a principal, professor, and associate provost.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Like everyone, I have encountered challenges during my journey. The challenges have made me stronger helped me understand the power we all have within us. The main challenge for me has been things not happening on my timetable. This has taught me patience, which is a must because things don’t always go as we plan. The challenges in my life have taught me to understand the power of flexibility. I now look at each day as a closer step to the end goal, realizing that things will happen and occur but as they happen and occur, I am happening and occurring too. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss is “I am sorry to say so but sadly it is true, that bang-ups and hang-ups can happen to you. And when things start happening don’t worry, don’t stew you will start happening too.”
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I currently work in the education space, I am a leadership professor and dabble in the education law space as well. I am also an organizational culture and development consultant. I have a unique background which includes: mental health and pastoral care and counseling. These additions to the leadership theory make me a great consultant to come in and bring about organizational change and transformation. I understand truly what it means to help people come to a place of self-awareness and iniate the process of self-transformation which brings about organizational transformation.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
The best piece of advice I can give for those who are reading this, “Be you and Do you”. Being you means being unapologetically you! That means you have to take time to get to really know who you are. Howard Thurman said, “If you don’t get a sense of who you are, then you will spend all of your days on the ends of strings someone else pulls.” Don’t be a puppet to life! Once you get the sense of who you are, be unapologetic about it. Establish your boundaries, and hold yourself and others to them. Do You means, taking the time to better yourself on a journey of continuous improvement. Every day, month, and year should be better than the one before.
Finally, know that ultimately your course in life is not your own. Faith in God teaches us that our steps are ordered in him, and he has plans to give us the lives that we desire.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success for means: (S) setting (U) up (C) continual (C) conscious (E) endeavors (S) suited for (S) self.
What’s next for you?
I will continue to seek out opportunities that will allow me to make an impact and leave an imprint while engaging with people with who I am blessed to interact.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more.
I would welcome the engagement, they can reach out to me at DrSantarvisB@ExcellentCultures.com.