JTC 25: An Educator’s Journey to Make a Difference
Keisha Harrison balances family, career and education at Ole Miss Grenada
This story is part of the 2025 Journey to Commencement series, which celebrates the pinnacle of the academic year by highlighting University of 17³Ô¹ÏÍø students and their outstanding academic and personal journeys from college student to college graduate.
When family responsibilities called Keisha Harrison home from Oxford during her undergraduate studies, the campus provided her the flexibility she needed to continue her education in her own hometown.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Harrison returned to the classroom as an educator before coming back to Ole Miss Grenada to earn her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Her educational journey continued as her love of learning led her back once more to pursue an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership degree.
Graduating in May with her specialist degree and eyeing a doctorate as her next achievement, Harrison has developed into a respected educator with National Board Certification and as an active member of .
Q&A with Keisha Harrison
How did your educational journey at Ole Miss evolve?
I left the Ole Miss Oxford campus and transferred to the Grenada campus during my senior year of working on my bachelor’s degree, after finding out that Jamie and I were expecting Caroline. It was going to be so much easier being closer to home.
After teaching at Charleston Elementary for two years, I decided to go back to school for my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Because of my love for learning, and the desire to have my doctorate, I decided to go back for my specialist. Now, I am one step away from reaching that goal!
Describe your teaching career.
I began teaching third grade math at Charleston Elementary and now teach fifth grade science at Grenada Elementary School.
What hobbies or interests do you have outside the classroom?
Singing in the praise band at Christ Community and chasing my children to all of their activities.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I hope to become an administrator in the future to continue moving education forward and prevent teacher burnout. I just want to make a difference!
Top: Keisha Harrison, a dedicated educator and mother from Grenada, is earning her Education Specialist degree from the Grenada regional campus after balancing family, career and a lifelong passion for learning, with her sights now set on a doctorate and a future in school leadership. Submitted photo
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