Dean of Students 3/17/2021 (5hrs)

Another day in the office and it was a different experience. Today I was able to meet Julian Harris, who is the dean of students at Northland High School. I’m sure him and Mario don’t work hand in hand every day, but his role is important to student development behaviorally and academically. Julian sat me down and explained to me his role and what he wants to accomplish. Not every person comes from the same situation, which means they handle their own problems different from others. He sits down with students and student-athletes that have behavioral issues within the school or the community. He wants to put them in a better position of understand in order for their behavior to improve. His main is goal is to have no students in his office but that’s not reality. I believe his role is very important because from an athletic standpoint, he helps with eligibility, and keeping kids focused and out of trouble. Believe it or not he plays a big role for these students because he can play that big brother or father figure role for students that are looking for that specific guidance. Julian is literally the first line of defense before any student-athlete gets to an athletic coach or Mario himself. Columbus City schools have different opportunities compared other public or catholic schools around Columbus Metropolitan. He is able to turn these students into leaders at their school and in their community. A person can become a pest being in that role because you are on these students like white on rice to see if they are doing what they are supposed to do. I believe this role and being an Athletic Director at any school can come together to help students reach goals and reach the next step that maybe their family never reached. I love Julian as a person and I’m looking forward to talking to him again.