CSO Larita Kent joined USN in 2024, while CSO Stephanie McCracken joined USN in 2021. CSOs provide safety and security-related functions, including perimeter and parking lot security, traffic direction, access control, and special event staffing.
Q: Tell us about your training. Kent: Before receiving my certification as a CSO, I spent eight years working in a women’s correctional facility. McCracken: I am a former correctional officer. I've also worked in security at Walt Disney World and have served as a CSO for the past eight years.
Q: What do you love about your job? Kent: I love interacting with the students and parents. I am proud to be part of a team that is dedicated to the safety of USN’s community. McCracken: I love that I can make a difference, no matter how big or small the situation is. I decided to go into this profession to help others.
Q: What is your favorite thing about USN? Kent: The best part of my day is greeting everyone who comes through the door with a smile. You never know what someone is going through. McCracken: My favorite thing about USN is the people. Building rapport with students, parents, and staff has made my experience here that much more meaningful.
Q: What is something people may not know about you? Kent: I love to crack jokes and sing carpool karaoke. My go-to song is "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner. I also enjoy painting, working in my garden, and spending time with my 11-year-old granddaughter. McCracken: I love anime and going to comic cons with my wife and 15-month-old. I also have a soft spot for '80s music.
The Quiz Bowl team traveled to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to face several top teams from across the country at this year's South Warren Tournament. USN's second-place finish earned the team an invitation to the National Academic Quiz Tournaments' National Championships in May.
In an inspiring new initiative, USN's health care career spotlight, organized by Ruchika Ramachandran ’27 and Yvonne Wang ’27, brought a wealth of alumni back to the school for an evening of shared expertise and personal stories. This first-of-its-kind event was a great example of the power of connection, mentorship, and community evident throughout the USN community.
Ahead of the All Bands Winter Concert, students got to play for Larry Clark, the composer who arranged the holiday medley that the band will perform at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 9 in Durnan Auditorium.
USN Mission: University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.