Walkin' on Sunshine: Heidi Brandt, LRCA Director of Admissions

Heidi and Barry renewed their vows and celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Hawaii with their children.

WALKIN’ ON SUNSHINE

HEIDI BRANDT, LRCA DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS

By Heather Bennett, Communications Specialist

During one of my first encounters with Heidi Brandt many years ago, she was dressed as Minnie Mouse and bringing joy and laughter to elementary kiddos. If you’ve never met Heidi, you need to. She effervesces and infuses positive energy into everything she does. Heidi’s heart, character, and enthusiasm, among many other qualities, help make LRCA’s Admissions Office a hub of compassion and spiritual wisdom for new and prospective families. Heidi has led well throughout the pandemic while serving record numbers of students and parents.

“Our family moved around a lot when I was growing up, so I was the new kid many times. People who have been new usually have a heart for others who are new. I absolutely love making sure that our new students and parents are getting plugged in to all aspects of LRCA,” Heidi shares.

Bennett: Describe your childhood.

Brandt: I was born in Dallas, TX, and then moved to Little Rock, then Knoxville, TN, then Atlanta, GA, before landing back in Little Rock before I started high school. The company my dad worked for moved their headquarters about every two to three years. I had a wonderful childhood. My parents have loved us so well. My mom, my two siblings, and I all became Christians at a young age. My dad became a believer when I was in high school. He dedicated his business to the Lord and led many to Christ. My dad and I have very similar personalities. He has sharp sales skills and a huge sense of adventure and humor. He definitely has helped shape me into the woman that I am today. We almost lost him to cancer 10 years ago. I am thankful for every day that the Lord has given him here on this earth. Our kids absolutely adore him.

Bennett: What kind of kid were you?

Brandt: People have a hard time believing that I was a very shy child. I came out of my shell in high school. My favorite subject in school was PE! I never really liked coursework until I got to college. I highly dislike math! I received a B.S. in Speech Communication from Texas Christian University which prepared me for public speaking and interpersonal communication.

Bennett: How did you land back in Little Rock after college?

Brandt: My husband, Barry, and I met at Fellowship Bible Church in August of 1994, just a few months after I graduated from TCU. My first job out of college was in Ft. Worth, TX. I came home for a friend’s wedding. I caught the bouquet on Saturday night and met Barry at church the next day. He was singing on stage during church and kept staring at me!

Bennett: Share a little bit about your family.

Brandt: We have been blessed with three amazing children. Benjamin (21), is a junior at Oklahoma State University, is a pilot - his major is Aerospace Operations and Administration, Professional Pilot. Sophie (19) is a sophomore at Arkansas State University and is in nursing school. Georgia (18) is a senior at LRCA. She is heading to Samford University in Birmingham next year. And, our miniature Bernedoodle, Moses, is one of the highlights of my life.

Bennett: What led you to your work at LRCA 10 years ago?

Brandt: I began as the 6th Grade assistant. Benjamin also started at LRCA that year. It was so fun watching those kids mature from 6th12th grade. The next summer, I moved into the Assistant Director of Admissions position. Then, a few years later I had the privilege of moving into the Director role. Now, I am expanding my responsibilities to take over some portions of the Advancement/Development department.

Bennett: Favorite part of the day? Week?

Brandt: Dinnertime is my favorite part of the day. My husband and I work very different hours. He gets to come home for dinner most nights of the week. As much as I love my job, my favorite days of the week are Saturday and Sunday, because my husband and I are both home. He doesn’t have to go to work in the evenings, so we have those two nights together.

Bennett: Favorite food? Brandt: MEXICAN!! I would be just fine if I ate Mexican food three meals a day!

Bennett: If you could be anything else, what would you be?

Brandt: I would love to have a singing voice like Carrie Underwood and be a famous country singer. I just love singing, even though my kids say that I am not very good at it!

Bennett: Morning person or night owl?

Brandt: Morning person…I can barely stay awake past 10:00!

Bennett: Most challenging part of your job?

Brandt: Denying an applicant based on academic need. It breaks my heart to have a conversation with a parent and let them know that we won’t be able to meet their child’s academic needs. I get to know every family through the admissions process, and I desperately want all kids to be able to attend LRCA. Unfortunately, sometimes grade levels and Learner Services are full. I LOVE getting to call parents and let them know their child (who has been on a waiting list) has received a spot. Usually parents cry. I also love getting feedback from parents a few weeks into school about how well their children are doing and adjusting. We truly have a very special school. LRCA is unlike any other school!

Bennett: Talents/hobbies?

Brandt: I have recently started playing tennis. I won’t call that a talent, because I’m not very good. But I am having the best time meeting new friends and exercising while I meet people.

Bennett: Favorite color and favorite clothing style?

Brandt: I love PINK! Wearing bright colors makes me happy.

Bennett: How would others describe you?

Brandt: I think that people say that I have a good sense of humor, and that I love to have fun. We work very hard in my department, so I do have to stay focused. There is nothing wrong with having lots of fun while you work hard!

Benjamin, Moses, Georgia, Sophie, Heidi, and Barry Brandt (Thanksgiving 2021)

Bennett: What do you want readers to understand about Admissions at LRCA? Brandt: I think that people think private schools will accept any students. We have an extensive admissions process, and we carefully read applications, recommendations, and analyze academic records. We won’t admit students who have behavior records, students who aren’t a strong academic fit, or families who do not value Christian education. All of these are big pieces of the puzzle, and they must all fit together just right.

Bennett: What’s on your horizon?

Brandt: WOW! I have no idea. Right now I am just trying to figure out how I am going to visit three kids at three different colleges in three different states. I am probably going to need to find some more vacation time, so that I can get to all of their parents' weekends and events!