Alumni Spotlight
Kim Harriman '98
Major: Bachelor of Science in Education
Occupation: Coordinator
of Willard (Mo.) R-II Alternative Programs, Grades 6-12
It
takes a special person to graduate from Evangel with the title “Outstanding
Graduate of Special Education.” Kim Harriman has quickly proven
herself to be a very special person, earning “District Teacher
of the Year” recognition during her fourth year in the classroom.
When asked about her Evangel experience, Kim said it’s hard to put into words. “It’s a feeling that one experiences as they enter the campus.” After attending five other universities and colleges while traveling as a military spouse, “I was desperate to attend Evangel. When my husband transferred back home to Springfield, I tried enrolling at SMSU, but that did not work out! In desperation, I drove over to Evangel University, since Drury no longer had a special education program. As I entered the campus, I felt something come over me.”
When Kim met with Mrs. Suzanne Trickey, assistant professor and adviser to the special education majors, she knew right away that Evangel was the place where she was meant to be. “She had so much expertise and compassion for her field of study. I just knew that if I attended Evangel, I would be heading in the right direction,” Kim said.
Then came the expenses. Kim had always paid and worked her way through school, and she found this endeavor to be overwhelming. When she was offered presidential scholarships, it was further confirmation that this was where she needed to be. “I began to feel a pull that would not let me turn away from this opportunity. I didn’t care how hard I had to work or the cost, I knew that God had led me to this institution of higher education. For me, Evangel offers a safe place for individuals to study and explore, as well as develop a relationship with God, self and mankind.
“I was blessed by the encouragement and guidance I was given by so many awesome instructors, true mentors, and lifelong friends in Christ. As I worked alongside them at Evangel, I continually felt myself changing inside. It is an indescribable change and feeling that I experienced. Now, as an educator, mother, wife and Christian, I strive to achieve this same level of change on a daily basis. As I journeyed toward my degree, my views and beliefs were enhanced, and that is the person I will be for the rest of my life.”
Kim has used her special education degree to make a difference in her world. Following four years of teaching students with behavioral and emotional disorders, Kim started searching for ways to fund a special program for at-risk middle school students. She successfully wrote a Safe Schools Grant, which this past year funded two full-time teachers and a paraprofessional who teach these special students social and career skills. She also set up a mentoring program with local business professionals, community leaders and Evangel students.
“My career is my ministry. I love working with students who are at-risk and who may have experienced a tough life. It is important to help these students keep up with their peers academically, but we first have to take care of their emotional and social needs. I believe in modeling my faith in my daily walk. ”
Kim and her husband, Shawn, have two children. They are active members of Praise Assembly of God, Springfield, Mo.