Name:  Shannon Marlin Polk
Title:  Associate Director of Community Outreach, Alumni Relations, and Annual Giving
Past title: I am beginning my seventh year at Currey Ingram.  I began my career here as a social studies teacher for grades seven and eight then as the Dean of Student Activities.  Prior to my new position, I served as the Assistant Division Head of the Middle School for two-and-a-half years.
Where I was born: I was born and raised in Middle Tennessee. I actually live in the same house I grew up in, located in Thompsons Station (south of Franklin).  
My educational background: I earned my M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University and my B.A. in Psychology from Georgetown University.  
The coolest thing I did in my career/life before coming to CIA: Right out of undergrad, I was a special agent with the Department of Defense.  I conducted background investigations for people who required security clearances. Yes, I had the badge and all! I also was an intern for Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy while I was in college at Georgetown.  It was a fascinating experience to work in that capacity in Washington, D.C.  
I chose to work in a school because:  I chose to work in a school because I love working with students, whether it's in the academic classroom, on the softball field, or on a class trip.  I can truthfully say that there's never a dull moment when you work with students, and I learn something new each and every day!
My greatest wish for CIA is: My greatest wish for CIA is to continue to build upon it's 40+ year tradition of serving students and to enable future generations of students to have the opportunity to experience this wonderful education. CIA is a unique place.
What I most want parents to know about my department's role in the life of CIA:  I want parents to know that my department's role (whether it through community outreach, alumni relations, and/or annual giving) is to help them feel connected to Currey Ingram. We want you to be involved and, hopefully, we have established great events during the school year to help with this.  Come to a FACES Books and Breakfast, volunteer at an athletic event, help plan an alumni get-together, or donate your resources to the Currey Ingram Annual Fund.  We have many ways to help you feel a part of the Currey Ingram campus, and we need you!
A fun fact about me that no one knows:  I took my niece to the Justin Beiber concert this month for her birthday.  It was so interesting to sit and watch all the young girls dance and sing along to this teen heartthrob. It was truly an experience (although, not one I would like to repeat any time soon!).