Brad Harlan begins in 2019-20 as Associate Director of College Counseling.
Academic background:
B.S., University of Michigan
Additional experience:
Mr. Harlan graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Michigan, where he majored in microbiology and pursued a pre-medicine curriculum. After that, he taught science and coached basketball in Henderson, North Carolina, as a member of the Teach for America program. He then went to the College of William and Mary, where he was a Senior Assistant Dean, reviewing applications, assisting with marketing, and directing student groups. After four years there, he moved to St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C., where he was the Assistant Director of College Counseling.
Tell us why you wanted to become an educator:
I had so many fantastic teachers growing up who I looked up to. Ms. Cain in fourth grade. Mr. Sindall and Mrs. McPhaul in fifth grade. Mr. Dyson in seventh grade. Mr. Onley in 10th grade. Mr. Graham in 12th grade. The list goes on and on. I wanted to have the chance to have a similar impact on others. Following in their footsteps seemed like a great way to do so.
What most excites you about working at Norfolk Academy?
The community. The people here are so warm and supportive, and the students here are both incredibly driven and humble. Finding a place like this is not common. I’m thrilled to now be able to call NA my professional home.
Norfolk Academy is unique because…
it’s a school that embraces its historic past while also proactively working to create a better future. Breakthrough at Norfolk Academy is a great example of this.
Last book read:
The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton. Incredibly powerful read.
What do you like to do in your own time/when you’re not working?
Spend time with family and friends, play and watch sports, read, run, and hike.
Favorite Food?
Italian food. Pizza. Pasta. Cannolis. I love it all.
A movie is being made about your life. Who would they cast to play you?
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Fun fact your students might find surprising:
I sang all the way through college, and have performed in venues in such places as New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Cuba, and China.
“When I grow up, I want to be…”
open to new perspectives and experiences, not set in my ways.