Tirra Kendred
By KURT KRUG
For the Times-Herald
DEARBORN – Tirria Kendred joined Henry Ford College at the beginning of the Winter 2023 semester as the new director of K-12 Relations.
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 also responsible for building relationships across regional junior and high schools that lead to successful student college enrollment and completion.
“I hope to bridge the gap between secondary and post-secondary education by providing academic, social, and financial benefits to high school students through post-secondary credit opportunities,” Kendred said. “Thus, establishing a robust pipeline of college-ready students who attain successful educations, careers, and lives.”
She reports to HFC Vice President of Academic Affairs Michael Nealon.
“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,” Kindred said. “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.”
“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,” Nealon said. “She’s well-versed in the intricacies of policy and legislation related to dual enrollment programming at both the state and federal level.
“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.”
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 mother to twin daughters.
Kendred has spent more than 20 years in the field of 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,” Kendred said. “My career has given me the opportunity to positively impact students’ lives, which leads to positive impacts for their families and community.”
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 the Early Middle College program across Wayne and Monroe counties.