HFC welcomes Director of K-12 Relations Tirria Kendred

Tirria Kendred joined HFC at the beginning of the Winter 2023 semester as the College’s new Director of K-12 Relations.

“HFC’s mission is in line with my belief that my success is measured by the success of the students I have the opportunity to impact. The Director of K-12 Relations role is crucial in facilitating early college exposure opportunities for high school students. This jumpstart to students’ college careers supports equitable college completion,” explained Kendred, of Detroit.

She reports to HFC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Nealon.

“Tirria already possesses first-hand knowledge of HFC’s priorities regarding K-14 alignment, having collaborated with the College in the development of articulation agreements with a number of secondary education partners, including the Advanced Technology Academy in Dearborn,” said Nealon. “She’s well-versed in the intricacies of policy and legislation related to dual enrollment programming at the state and federal level.”

He continued: “She also possesses sophisticated understanding and skills related to grant management, including Perkins Grant compliance. Tirria is dynamic, team-oriented, and an excellent communicator whose passion and enthusiasm will help us to expand and enhance dual enrollment pathways at HFC while building new and strengthening continuing relationships with HFC’s K-12 partners across the region.”

Changing lives and impacting communities

Born in Detroit, Kendred graduated from Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a focus in mathematics and psychology from Eastern Michigan University. She later earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from Wayne State University. She is the proud mother of twin daughters.

Kendred has spent more than 20 years in education. She began her career teaching mathematics at Golightly Career and Technical Center in Detroit for nearly 11 years. She served as Program Supervisor and Facilitator within the Office of College and Career Readiness at Detroit Public Schools for nearly three years.

“I went into education because I was motivated by the desire to successfully impact students and change the trajectory of their lives,” she said. “My career has given me the opportunity to positively impact students’ lives, which leads to impacts for their families and community.”

Bridging the gap between secondary and postsecondary ed

Kendred comes to HFC from Wayne RESA, where she spent six years. During her time at Wayne RESA, she served as Career Education Planning District Administrator, where she provided leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of CTE and Early Middle College programs across Wayne and Monroe counties.

In her new position at HFC, Kendred’s duties include leading efforts in secondary school relations, including dual and concurrent enrollment programming, and early college models. She is responsible for building relationships across regional junior and senior high schools that lead to successful student college enrollment and completion.

“I hope to bridge the gap between secondary and postsecondary education by providing academic, social, and financial benefits to high school students through postsecondary credit opportunities,” said Kendred. “Part of the goal is to establish a robust pipeline of college-ready students who attain successful educations, careers, and lives.”