WOMEN TO WATCH

Shana Nolen

Head of School
The Anthony School

I took a winding path through radio and television with a stop in corporate America to arrive here. TAS is the most magical campus filled with unbelievable teachers and staff who love their students and love their craft. We work harmoniously together for the betterment of our students and enjoy almost every moment we get with them!

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best advice I ever received

Everything in life is an opportunity. Everything. Every encounter, every occurrence, every situation.

How I knew this was my passion

Immediately after my father’s death in 2005, I began to feel the pull to teach, instruct and make a difference. That joy and fulfillment from my first day has never left.

Biggest challenges in my career

I serve my staff; I serve my students, and I serve my students’ families. It is occasionally a balancing act to spread my love and attention across all parties.

What I learned from my first job

How to hit a deadline. Television news waits for no one!

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

The Brooklyn Project Foundation is a memorial to former student Asher Ray. The foundation works to further research and clinical trials for childhood cancer patients in Arkansas.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

My employees. I have the most phenomenal faculty and staff in all the land. We have worked together to build a wonderful culture.

Best career moment so far

I’m not sure I can label one “best moment.” Each day is so full of defining moments and small, yet incredibly meaningful, wins.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Reasoning with a preschooler and a middle schooler simultaneously (A skill I haven’t fully mastered because, truly, it requires a brand of magic I have yet to conjure!)

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Little Rock

I can't start my day until

Two cups of coffee. No more, and no less.

Hobbies

Reading, listening to music and lifting weights

Binge watch

“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and the “Harry Potter” series on repeat

Last good read

“Good to Great” by Jim Collins

Favorite meal in town

Backyard Chicken Tacos from Heights Taco & Tamale

Best recent local discovery

Domestic Domestic

Latest splurge

Tickets to John Mayer's solo show

Most-used app

Notes

Dream vacation

I'd go back to Bavaria

SPONSORS