Terrance Harris '07
My name is Terrance Harris and I'm an alum of the SLU HEOP Class of '07! I am thrilled to return to campus and my HEOP family as the Assistant Director of the Higher Education Opportunity Program. I am extremely humble and excited to be here. I am from Kingston, NY which I used to think was upstate New York until I came to St. Lawrence University and was told THIS was upstate! SLU has been a foundational part of, not only my life, but my family’s as well. HEOP is not just a program to me, it’s a lifestyle. My wife, Samantha J. Harris (Samantha Rodriguez '10) and I are both St. Lawrence HEOP alumni. We have 3 children; Julian, Blaze, and Remi. This program has guided me through attaining a college degree, meeting my wife, and building a fulfilling career. It is an honor to be welcomed back, and to be able to continue to be part of the HEOP family at SLU.
During my time at St. Lawrence University, I was a student-athlete for three years, playing both football and basketball. The blood, sweat, and tears of athletics became life lessons that created beautiful memories, as well as some very humbling experiences. Those experiences taught me about perseverance, accountability, teamwork, and the importance of showing up for others. One of my proudest moments was being a Co-founders of the theme house “RayRoss.” We named the house RayRoss to pay homage to Louis Ray class of '71 and Tony Ross class of '75. Two Black alumni of St. Lawrence University. RayRoss was a theme house, an on-campus housing experience outside of the traditional residence halls that focused on inclusion, leadership, and engagement. Together, we planned, promoted, and hosted monthly campus-wide events and programs focused on intercultural communication. I also co-founded MAASV, Male Athletes Against Sexual Violence. I’ve always been a person that used my voice to elevate the voices of those who often go unheard--which usually means being quiet, being present, and actively listening. I try to show up with an open mind and heart and lead with compassion. I intend to bring that energy to the SLU community every day.
When I am not working in Higher Education. I am a Master Barber and have been barbering since I was 15 years old. Barbering has always been a passion of mine. When I was a student here, I actually cut my friends, teammates, coaches, and even professors. I even had my own barbershop for a time, but Higher Education is my true calling. Almost immediately after graduating from SLU, I began to build my career and have continued to do so over the past 15 years. I became a HEOP Counselor at Marist College and later an Enrollment & Success Counselor/Academic Advisor at Suny Ulster Community College. I'm looking forward to continuing my professional journey here with my HEOP family, where it all began. I am excited to join and contribute to the thriving SLU community.