Heinrich Profile - College of Education (COE)

 

Degree: Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction, ('09)
Current Title: Principal, Collierville Middle School

Why did you choose the University of Memphis for your studies?

Growing up in Memphis, I developed a love for this city and community.  As I began to think about my path after high school, I ultimately decided that I wanted to be a high school history teacher and coach.  This was due in large part to the individuals that had such a positive impact on my life.  I wanted to invest in kids the way that others had invested in me.   Initially I planned to attend Christian Brothers University.  During the Spring of my senior year, I became aware of the Emerging Leader Scholarship opportunity at the U of M and decided to apply.  Through this process, I ended up taking a tour on campus and immediately fell in love with the U of M.  I was able to tour the campus a few more times while going through the interview process and.  Even though I was not selected for the Emerging Leader scholarship, I was so impressed with the interactions I had with U of M staff and students that I decided to forego my scholarship opportunities at CBU and attend the U of M.  This was the single most consequential event in my life and ultimately put me on a path to become the person that I am today.

What's a favorite or meaningful memory from your time here?

During my sophomore year, I joined the Gamma Delta Chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.  It’s here where I met the friends that I will have the rest of my life, including my wife who was a Memphis student and member of the Kappa Delta Sorority.  Every single one of my favorite memories from college are directly linked to the relationships I formed because of being a student at the U of M.  Many of these memories involve watching DeAngelo Williams and Danny Wimprime in the Liberty Bowl, along with Rodney Carney and Derrick Rose in the Pyramid and Fed Ex Forum.  Being on campus and watching the Tigers play in the National Championship game in 2008 is also something I will never forget.

How did your experience at UofM prepare or shape you for the work you do now?

After graduating with my Bachelors in History in 2007, I enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program at the U of M.  These classes and experiences were foundational in helping craft my vision for education and my purpose within that vision.  It made me realize how critical our roles are as educators, and how impactful our relationships with students can be.  My student teaching experience solidified my decision to enter this profession, and I am so blessed to be in the position I am to lead Collierville Middle School.