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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Remembering Cassandra Teague Walker '67
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.Read More -
5 USN students named National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.Read More -
Clear, restock your shelves during Fall Book Frenzy
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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.
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.