by Hanna Singh
A true Bearcat, through and through, Principal of Ruston Elementary School, Mandy Brown has been named one of Ruston High School’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni. As a former teacher and current principal, Browns dedication to the next generation of students in Lincoln Parish shines bright.
After her graduation from Ruston High School, Brown decided to stay close to home and attend Louisiana Tech University for her degree in Elementary Education. She completed her students teaching at Simsboro Elementary under the guidance of dedicated educator, Kathy Sims. She then taught 4th grade at Simsboro for two years. Brown recalls that it was during her time at Simsboro that she met her now husband, Nick.
Later in her career, Brown held several positions leading up to her current role. She taught third grade at Hillcrest Elementary for 10 years before moving to Ruston Elementary, where she taught third grade for another two years. In 2017, she was named coordinating teacher, a position she held for two years. Today, Brown serves as the beloved principal of Ruston Elementary School.
Reflecting on her time at Ruston High School, Brown recalls the valuable life lessons she learned as a young woman. She explained how Ruston provided support beyond academics, making her feel cared for.
“I have always been a shy, introverted person. Being at a large school, I was able to find my circle of friends. Ruston High offers so much that there is a spot for everyone to fit in,” Brown said. “I had dedicated teachers that cared about me not only as a student, but as a person as well. I was so shy that in Mrs. Loyce Miller’s class I did not get up and do my speech and made an F. I deserved the F and it taught me that in life, you have to get out of your comfort zone.”
As both a mother and a principal, Brown understands the importance of providing a meaningful educational experience for children. She believes in investing not only in classroom instruction but also in students’ quality of life and extracurricular activities. Brown emphasizes that clubs and activities help students grow in all areas and believes in offering a wide range of options for them to explore.
Throughout her career as an educator and administrator with the Lincoln Parish School Board, Brown has made a lasting impression on her colleagues. Lincoln Parish Superintendent Ricky Durrett described Brown’s passion for student success and her caring attitude toward her staff.
“She has been a great educator and administrator over the years. Her love of students and for seeing students succeed really shows,” Durrett said. “She’s one who really loves her fellow staff and is loved by them. She has just really grown and done so much for the Lincoln Parish School District.”
Brown credits her ability to stay strong each day to her faith and her family. She encourages current Bearcat students to find their own circle and something that pushes them to succeed.
“Find your support circle and embrace them. Mine is faith, family, and friends. I could not be in the ministry of education without my faith,” Brown said. “My day begins early with prayer time. My extended family is the best, we are a ride or die kind of a group of crazies, headed up by my husband Nick and our 3 precious children: Baylee, RJ, and Brett. Last but not least, are the friends that I work with, their encouragement keeps me going.
“The best advice I can give is do not let your ego get in the way, do not be too proud to ask for help. I have several former principals and leaders in the parish that have helped me. Patrice Hilton, my principal as a student, then my boss, became my peer and I will always be grateful for her guidance and leadership.”
With years of service to the Lincoln Parish School Board, it is no question that Brown has a passion for what she does. Brown’s dedication to her students, family, and Lincoln Parish prove her to be a deserving recipient of the distinguished alumni award.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
