Dana Simons Braxton is a 1999 graduate of Todd County Central High School.
During her time in high school, Braxton says she is so grateful the folks at Todd Central recognized her potential and pushed her to be her best. She adds she is thankful they showed up everyday even when students proved to be challenging — many teachers were truly inspiring in a variety of ways and taught Braxton much more than the required curriculum.
What Braxton remembers most from Todd Central is the overall experience that contributed to such a great childhood. She says she has so many amazing memories from cheering, meetings around the flagpole to pray, hanging with friends, homecoming weeks, and most of all, moments the school would band together as one during times of loss and tragedy. Braxton notes this makes her very grateful to be an alumni of a small school and community.
As a member of the student and class councils, Braxton says she helped convince the administration to allow her class to graduate on the football field. She adds if she remembers correctly, the class of ’99 was the only class allowed to do so and she will always treasure that memory.
After graduating, Braxton attended Austin Peay State University, Volunteer State Community College and Trevecca Nazarene University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in management and human relations. She then went on to earn a master’s degree from Tennessee State University, receiving a master’s of professional studies with a certificate in executive leadership. She is also an HR Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP).
Braxton says she considers her current position as the Assistant Commissioner of People Operations at the Tennessee Department of Human Services her most significant role in her career. She leads all HR and Learning and Development efforts to drive their mission, “Strengthen Tennessee by strengthening Tennesseans.” Braxton says her team’s work is a reflection of their passion to help others and she loves being part of such a great mission.
Braxton tells current Todd Central students that their experience will be what they make it, so strive to make it great. She advises them to seek ways to be involved at school, which will enrich their experience, and stick their neck out to support their classmates and mitigate bullying. Braxton says to stop expecting everyone to be the same, because one’s differences are what makes each person special and life interesting. Finally, if students don’t know what’s after high school, to reach out to a teacher or administrator — they are amazing people whose life passion is to help them reach their goals.
To current educators, Braxton says self care is vital and everyone should be more deliberate in implementing it into their lives. School days can be long and challenging, so teachers should strive to show up as their best self, de-stress, take a beat, protect themselves from toxic interactions, and invest in themselves — that will ensure renewed passion in teachers’ missions.
Braxton was raised in Guthrie, Kentucky and now lives in Clarksville, Tennessee. She has three children, Ali McCain Haddock, Audrey Braxton and Madi Braxton.
Spotlights on Todd Central alumni are part of a partnership between WEKT and the TCCHS Alumni Foundation, Inc. To be featured, please visit the Alumni Foundation’s website to fill out the application.
