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Description
Oral history interview with Illinois State University alum Krissie Harris, Class of 1992 and 1993. The interview was conducted by Milner Library Digitization Center Coordinator Karmine Beecroft on August 6, 2024.
Growing up, Harris attended public schools in Evanston, Illinois while receiving extra instruction in Black history at home, thanks to her mother’s educational background. Her early interest in construction was nurtured in high school through hands-on classes where she was often the only girl, learning skills that involved math, building, and physical labor. She initially planned to attend one of two Wisconsin schools with strong construction programs but ultimately chose ISU after receiving a full scholarship through the state, facilitated by Senator Paul Simon. Although she struggled with homesickness during her first few weeks at ISU and found the large campus intimidating, her family encouraged her to persevere, and she gradually adjusted.
Throughout her time at ISU, Harris was deeply engaged in campus life, both academically and socially. She remained in residence halls for all four undergraduate years, appreciating the convenience and social environment. Early on, she faced challenges, including a semester with a low GPA due to her adjustment to the college’s academic rigor. This experience was transformative; she learned to prioritize her studies, turning her grades around and ultimately advocating for other students to make the most of their educational opportunities.
In her construction IT program, Harris was inspired by Dr. Wayne Zook, a dedicated professor and mentor, who provided guidance and encouragement despite the field’s male-dominated culture. She recalls specific incidents in her classes where she felt unfairly judged or unsupported, but her confidence and determination helped her persist in the program.
Harris’s extracurricular involvement was extensive and included the Black Student Union, Zeta Phi Beta, and the Black Action and Awareness Committee within Watterson Towers. Some of her proudest achievements included helping to organize a campus march in support of Rodney King and bringing Louis Farrakhan to campus as a speaker. Harris also promoted unity among Black and white Greek organizations, arranging events like the Greek Olympics, which fostered positive interaction and collaboration. In 1992, Harris made history as one of the first known Black student senators on ISU’s Academic Senate, serving alongside her friend Latoria Carroll (now Tori Farmer). Although they did not initially realize the historical significance of this role, they were honored to represent Black students in university governance.
Harris’s experiences were not without challenges. She recalls a few instances of racial tension, including a white roommate using a racial slur against her. Overall, she felt supported by ISU staff and faculty, even when navigating difficult situations. Her circle of friends and mentors, such as Mary Peterson, Mike Schermer, and Wayne Zook, provided guidance, helping her build resilience and created an enduring sense of community.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Harris stayed at ISU for a master’s in higher education administration, as her experiences working in Student Life and Residential Life had sparked a new career interest. The brand-new graduate program involved both coursework and practical experience, including an internship in financial aid where Harris developed a manual for student financial support. Harris describes this shift from construction to higher education as a natural progression, likening her role in student services to “building” people and communities.
Following graduation, Harris embarked on a career in residence life, with roles at Columbia College in Chicago, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is currently employed by Oakton College. Harris finds working in Student Life deeply fulfilling, as it has allowed her to live alongside and mentor students in a very hands-on way.
Years later, Harris’s commitment to service and leadership culminated in her decision to enter local government in Evanston. Her daughter's experience as an ISU student—culminating in a tragic carjacking incident shortly after graduation—spurred her to take on a more active civic role, focusing on creating safer, stronger communities. Harris views herself as a civil servant, dedicated to representing the people’s interests and driven by a foundation of leadership and advocacy first cultivated at ISU.
Reflecting on her experiences, Harris emphasizes the positive impact of her ISU years, crediting the university with helping shape her identity, leadership skills, and values. Her enduring ties to ISU, involvement in alumni events, and pride in her daughter’s decision to attend ISU further underscore the institution’s lasting significance in her life.
Interview Date
8-6-2024
Index
- Introduction; Harris’ childhood and K-12 schooling: 00:00-01:51
- Decision to attend ISU; majoring in construction and information technology: 01:51-05:43
- Harris describes her identity and personality: 05:43-09:11
- First memories of campus; transitioning to college life: 09:11-12:14
- Living in Watterson Towers: 12:14-18:02
- Struggling academically as a freshman: 18:02-23:40
- Favorite and least favorite courses; Dr. Wayne Zook; other mentors: 23:40-31:21
- Serving as the first known Black student senator: 31:21-34:02
- Working for Office of Residential Life: 34:02-37:31
- Zeta Phi Beta and other extracurricular organizations: 37:31-41:25
- Multicultural Center: 41:25-44:22
- Having a supportive and close relationship with family: 44:22-48:26
- Lack of faculty of color at ISU; Gay Blue Jeans Day: 48:26-52:57
- Technology and personal devices: 52:57-58:38
- Graduate program in student personnel administration: 58:38-01:01:40
- Experiencing ISU as a Black woman: 01:01:40-01:05:06
- Harris’ regrets over her early academic performance and its impact on her mentorship of others: 01:05:06-01:07:47
- Harris’ career after graduation: 01:07:47-01:10:08
- Staying involved in ISU as an alum; political career: 01:10:08-01:14:02
- Conclusion: 01:14:02-01:16:06
City
Normal, IL
Recommended Citation
Harris, Krissie, "Interview with Krissie Harris, Class of 1992 and 1993" (1992). Alumni Oral Histories. 75.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/aoh/75