Security Corner: Meet CSOs Larita Kent, Stephanie McCracken

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.

By Lauren Max, Anna Garmezy, and Sarah Rubin, Parent Members of the Safety and Security Advisory
Committee

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.
Back

More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Clara Smail '24 receives her diploma from Director Amani Reed during Commencement on Sunday, May 19 on USN's Back Lawn.

    USN graduates 103 during Commencement

    Seniors turned their tassels and graduated from University School of Nashville on Sunday, May 19 on the Back Lawn. Visit usn.org/classof2024 for more highlights from their last year on Edgehill and to learn what they will do next.
    Read More
  • Athletes beyond Edgehill

    It is common to have five or more University School of Nashville student-athletes sign college athletic commitment letters each year. USN has 22 alumni participating in their chosen sport at the collegiate level from the Classes of 2020 through 2024. Continue reading to learn more about where Tigers are competing beyond Edgehill.
    Read More
  • The HS Quiz Bowl team poses for a photo at the Small School National Championship in Chicago in May 2024..

    HS Quiz Bowl team ends season with impressive national finish

    The High School Quiz Bowl team, consisting of Ophelia Cherry-Pulay '25, Penelope Graham '25, Daniel Guo '25, Rohan Ramachandran '25, Eva Choe '26, Evan Giles '26, Jackson Green '26, Noah Horwitz '26, Mason Lack '26, and Karsen Puzniak '27,  finished T21 at the High School National Championship in May. 
    Read More
Archive
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.