Dr. Albert Brass Jr. and his family
Over the last 25 years, Brass has made an impact in the high school education system. Prior to his current role at Rich East, Brass was employed at Franklin High School, Oak Creek High School, Hoffman Estates High School, Joliet West High School, and Bolingbrook High School in a variety of roles.
After graduating from Providence Catholic, Brass attended Mount Senario College on a basketball scholarship. After two years, he transferred to Marian College and earned his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. After graduation, Brass had the opportunity to play professional basketball overseas, however, he made the decision to pursue a Masters’ Degree in School Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Early in his career of Education, Brass was appointed the school counselor for two years in Wisconsin. Eventually, he moved back to Illinois and was named the Dean of Students, School Counselor, and Basketball Coach at Hoffman Estates High School for eight years.
Brass’s accomplishments were far from over when he went on to receive his administrative certificate from Lewis University. He moved to Joliet West High School where he served as the school counselor, Dean of Students, and Advanced Placement Test Coordinator for seven years. During his time at Joliet West, Brass pursued his Doctoral Studies at the University of St. Francis obtaining his Ed.D. in Educational Administration.
Quickly climbing the ladder of Education, Brass was appointed in an administrative role at Bolingbrook High School where he served as the Assistant Principal of Student Services and Building Operations for three years which lead him to his current role as the Head Principal of Rich East High School in Park Forest.
Brass currently resides in Shorewood, IL with his wife of 13 years and five children, Dariyan (25 years old) Kennedi, Albert (Tre’), Mackenzie (12 years old), and Brooklynne (10 years old).
We recently sat down with Dr. Albert Brass to do a Q&A and he shared his Providence Experience and how the Providence Advantage prepared him for his successful career in Education…
Q – What made you choose Providence Catholic High School?
A – My parents made the biggest sacrifice by providing my sister Farrah Brass (class of 96’), Cook County Assistant States Attorney and I with the opportunity to attend Providence. They felt that Providence would provide us with a great education and to prepare us for future personal and professional endeavors.
Q- Who Influenced you the most during your time at Providence Catholic?
A- Coach Dick Mandella and Coach Barney Mines. Through their high expectations and grit, it prepared me for the rigors of post-high school challenges. Whether it was in the classroom or on the basketball court, I felt better prepared to face adversity because of the wisdom and knowledge that was poured into me by them.
Q- What was your favorite memory at Providence Catholic?
A- Kairos and Basketball team memories…as well as the experiences that were shared with my classmates and teachers throughout my time at Providence.
Q-What advice do you have for current students to make the most of their experience at Providence Catholic?
A- My advice would be to embrace the diversity that Providence provides for our students and to get involved in as many extra-curricular activities as possible. These experiences will shape your experience while at Providence, but will also provide you with life-long lessons as you enter life after Providence.
Q- How did your education at Providence prepare you for what you did in college and are doing today?
A- Providence provided the rigor and motivation that propelled me to move forward in life. Although sometimes I took my time at Providence for granted, it truly prepared me for my future endeavors. I owe Coach Dick Mandella and Coach Barney Mines a lot of credit for believing in me.
Q- What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
A- Receiving my doctoral degree, and the research conducted provides guidance on decreasing the achievement and opportunity gap by providing all high school students access to the most rigorous coursework (Advanced Placement courses).
Q-What is something people may not know about you?
A- I was a class clown, and did not take high school seriously. It was not until college that I realized the value of committing to my goals in life. Providence provided me the foundation, and I was too immature to realize the opportunities that were afforded to me, however, I’m very fortunate to have a loving and supportive family that was there to push me through my growing pains.
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Kathleen E. Kennedy ’11
Director of Communications