Thursday, October 12, 2017

Meet James Brown Enrollment Services Information Specialist

Are you from Richmond or did you come here from another city and state?
I am originally from Williamsburg, Virginia. I moved to Richmond from Hampton 20 years ago.
How long have you worked for Reynolds?
I have worked at Reynolds for approximately eight years.

Have you always worked in Enrollment Services? 
I’ve always worked in Enrollment Services. First, on Parham Road in the Testing Center and currently in the Downtown Enrollment Services site.

What do you like best about working here?
It’s a cliché, but I love the interaction with people; the students, parents, faculty and staff. I have a passion for helping people and this position allows me to do it in an environment where I can possibly change the lives of those I encounter.
In your position you see lots of people and probably get asked lots of questions. What is the most memorable situation you have encountered?
There are too many good memories and a few bad, of course. But, overall each one is different in their own way. My satisfaction and best memories come when I provide students with what they need and they come back and say, “Thanks, Mr. Brown, you helped me get this or that done”.

When you are not working, what do you like to do?
I enjoy spending time with my family and sharing in their monumental events. Over the past couple of months, after the loss of my son, I try to make that a priority. I also am a sports enthusiast. I like practically all sports. I love football and basketball, especially, the college games. Lastly, listening to jazz takes me into a whole different world. I love my jazz music.  

If you won the lottery, what would you do first?
Once I’ve gotten over the excitement of winning. The amount would dictate whether or not I’d continue to work. So, I guess the first thing would be, to see if it’s enough that I could stop working and perhaps become a volunteer at Reynolds….lol.

What is the one thing you want others to know about you?
I am one of 13 children. I know you said one, but Shelby Brown of CBS News6 is my baby sister. People always say, “You didn't tell me Shelby was your sister”. To me she is a sister who happens to be a News Reporter, we are very humble family.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?
School wise, is when a student tells you that the reason they are here is because of you. But the one of the best compliments that I've gotten is when an elderly lady said to me in the parking lot of Walmart, that I had a Halo over my head. She knew that I was a child of God, just after seeing me for the first time in her life. Because I am a Christian, that really meant a lot to me.

Who is your most respected hero or heroine, and why?
My grandmother. My Dad died at the age of 42 and I was raised by a single mother who worked a great deal. So, my grandmother lived with us and helped raise us with love, sensitivity, morals, good character and standards. She was old school. So, you know what that means….you better not get out of line.