How I Got Here: Tiffany (Brown) Anderson
Dr. Tiffany (Brown) Anderson (Ed ’94, Grad Ed ’01) has spent her career making a difference in education.
1972
Anderson is born in St. Louis to a teacher and a stockbroker. Both parents become Baptist ministers.
“My parents said I always had a sense of calmness about who I am and a sense of purpose at a very early age.”
1988
While in high school at Crossroads School, she tours Saint Louis University.
“There’s a vibrant feel about SLU, being in the heart of St. Louis. And as a Jesuit university, it is centered in God. That was a big piece for me — knowing that it could help me continue to grow in my faith.”
1993
On Aug. 14, she marries Stanley Anderson, whom she met by literally bumping into him at SLU. He will earn three degrees at the University (A&S ’91, Grad A&S ’96, Med ’01) and become an OB-GYN.
1994
She graduates and starts teaching fourth grade in St. Louis’ Riverview Gardens School District.
“My parents instilled in me that teaching is a calling and that we have a responsibility to service above self. It’s why I feel so connected to the Jesuit mission.”
She gives birth to her daughter, Whitney (PH ’16, Grad PH ’21).
1996
Her son, Christopher, is born.
1998
She becomes principal at Clark Accelerated Academy in St. Louis.
2001
She earns a doctorate in education leadership from SLU.
2003
Anderson is the first African American to become assistant superintendent in the Rockwood School District in St. Louis County.
2005
Her family relocates to Virginia, where she gets her first superintendent position. She leads crisis and threat assessment teams during the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007.
2009
She returns to the Midwest for a superintendent role in Missouri at University Academy and as chief academic officer for Kansas City Public Schools.
2012
Anderson becomes superintendent of St. Louis’ Jennings School District, which faces a $1.8 million budget deficit. What might be more daunting than the shortfall is her commute: 270 miles (one way) from her home in Overland Park, Kansas.
“You are anointed for the task you’re given. That’s the only way I can explain waking up at 2 a.m., getting to work at 6 a.m., being a crossing guard at 7 a.m., and ending the day at 4 or 5 p.m. and driving back home.”
Anderson’s leadership results in a budget surplus and accreditation for the district. She integrates public health initiatives, including a school-based health clinic and homeless shelter for students in need.
2015
The Washington Post refers to Anderson as “the woman who made schools work for the poor.” Education Week says she’s one of the nation’s “16 Leaders to Learn From.”
2016
She becomes the first Black woman superintendent of Topeka Public Schools in Kansas, home of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education legislation that ended legal segregation.
2021
In February, Anderson testifies virtually to Congress about the digital divide. In August, she delivers SLU’s commencement address at Chaifetz Arena in a belated ceremony for May 2020 graduates.
2022
She receives a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary.
USA Today selects her as the Woman of the Year Honoree for Kansas.
2023
She receives the national 2023 Women in School Leadership Award from the American Association of School Administrators.
2024
Her third book, Building Parent Capacity in High Poverty Schools: Actions for Authentic Impact, is featured on CBS News Sunday Morning.
2025
In addition to her career in education, Anderson has become a Methodist deacon. And she meets virtually with her children for dinner every Sunday.
“There is a great deal of intentionality in much of what I do. You always have time for the things that you prioritize.”
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