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Photo by Brie Prusak
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Bill Brown is a familiar face as principal of Milan Middle School.
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The Milan News-Leader has launched a new series called "Don't I know you?" about people you see around town who you may not know very well, but they're familiar faces because of their involvement in the community. Bill Brown, principal at Milan Middle School and director of special education, is the second to be featured. Below are his responses to our Q&A.
Q: Where did you grow up and what was it like?
A: I grew up in Monroe in a family-friendly neighborhood
Q: What are your parents' names and do they have any roots in the Milan community?
A: Richard and Wilma Brown. My father still resides in Monroe and my mother passed away 10 years ago. They are both from the Monroe area.
Q: How many siblings do you have, where do you fall in the birth order, and did that play a role in your personality?
A: I have only one sibling, an older brother, Frank, who resides in Monroe.
Q: What high school did you attend and what year did you graduate?
A: I began high school in Monroe, but completed in Tennessee in 1985.
Q: Did you attend college and, if so, what year did you graduate and what kind of degree did you earn?
A: Lincoln Memorial University, with a bachelor's in 1989 and master's in 1990. Also, an education specialist's degree in 2005 from Wayne State University
Q: What's your career?
A: College prep social studies teacher from 1989 to 1992; education coordinator at Boysville from 1993 to 1997; teacher consultant at Milan schools from 1997 to 1999; assistant principal and special education director of Milan schools from 1999 to 2005; and Milan Middle School principal and special education director of Milan schools from 2005 to present.
Q: Any family?
A: Wife, Shelly; two children, Nathaniel and Elizabeth.
Q: Growing up, who was the biggest influence in your life and why?
A: My mother was the biggest influence in my life due to her unconditional love and support.
Q: Name someone or something in your life that has truly shaped you as a person and explain why or how.
A: My wife, Shelly, has always supported me and believed in me. She has helped me achieve educational, professional and personal goals.
Q: What do you do for a living and why go into the field?
A: I chose the field of education because I have learned from personal experience that obtaining an education truly changes your life.
Q: If you had not chosen this profession, what do you think you would be doing?
A: I can not imagine myself doing anything else outside of education.
Q: Do you see yourself retiring from this post?
A: I can see myself retiring from Milan Area Schools in 13 years.
Q: Looking back, is there a memorable experience from work?
A: I have many fond memories from my career. It is difficult to think of just one.
Q: Has anyone touched your life through this position?
A: A former student paid me a visit last fall before he left for the military. He thanked me for never giving up on him. That meant a lot.
Q: Where do you live now?
A: My wife and I reside just south of Milan and have been there for 10 years.
Q: Tell us something interesting or quirky about you that people may not know.
A: Many people don't know that I have four grandsons.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I enjoy reading, traveling and playing poker once a month with my poker club.
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