Alumni Profile: Janice Northen fondly recalls singing in choir, being crowned Miss HSU

Janice Northen

Q&A

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Janice Northen, and I grew up in Benton, Arkansas.

I graduated from Henderson State with a Bachelor of Music in 2008 and again with an Ed.S. in Principalship in 2023.

After graduating from Henderson for the first time, I moved to Northwest Arkansas and taught in the Fayetteville Public Schools. My husband and I moved back to central Arkansas in 2011, and I have worked at Central Arkansas Christian Schools ever since. Currently, I serve as an assistant principal at CAC’s Secondary Campus.

I have a hilarious husband, two fantastic children, and two goofy dogs.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

I was very prepared for my career path after studying at Henderson. Each of my professors invested in me while holding me accountable for always doing my best. I learned a tremendous amount in each degree program that was directly applicable to the experiences that I would later face in the real world.

What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?

Singing in the choir and Chamber Chorale with Dr. Rye and Dr. Eaves are my most precious memories. I would give anything to go back to one of those rehearsals just for a day.

Perhaps the biggest honor that I received was being crowned Miss Henderson State University in 2006. That was a really fun year and a memory that I will always cherish.

How did your college experience shape who you are today?

I could never have imagined where I would be today, but Henderson prepared me for more than my content area. It prepared me for life, including its obstacles, relationships, and responsibilities. I am eternally grateful to all of my professors for the wisdom and confidence they instilled in me.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your college years?

I wish I had taken the time to meet even more people. Even as an undergraduate, I was very focused on my studies. If I could go back, I would have taken the initiative to be even more connected with others outside of my department.

What motivates you to stay connected with your alma mater?

Working at a high school gives me the opportunity to speak to students about my time at Henderson. It is always exciting for me when a student decides to attend HSU. I know they will have some exciting and rewarding experiences ahead.

Were there any specific courses or professors that had a significant impact on you?

Yes! Most recently, Dr. Cothren was a teacher and mentor to me throughout my Educational Specialist degree. I admire her commitment to the noble work of education and her belief in her students as future school leaders. She instilled a lot of confidence in me as an administrator.

What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?

Get Reddie! These will be some of the most formative and memorable years of your life. Cherish every second!

What is your favorite hobby or activity to unwind after a busy day at work?

I’m terrible at unwinding, but when I do, I enjoy reading, riding my bicycle, and playing piano. I always love spending time with friends and family.

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever visited and why?

A few years ago, my husband and I backpacked Germany and Austria, touring the birthplaces, homes, and burial sites of some of my favorite composers: Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and the Schumanns. The trip took us to some well-known places and some obscure, remote places. As a musician, it was an incredible experience. Next up are the Italian composers!

If you could choose any historical figure to have dinner with, who would it be, and why?

I would like to have dinner with Leonardo da Vinci. I have always been drawn to individuals who are forward-thinking and ahead of their time. Da Vinci was a forerunner in both science and the arts and was endlessly curious about life. It would be fun to pick his brain for a few hours!

If you could listen to only one music genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Praise and worship or gospel . . . Really any music that praises God. My current favorite group is United Voice Worship.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and how has it influenced your life or career?

I’m not sure this is the best advice that I have ever received, but one thought that has motivated me many times is that “the temptation to quit is often greatest just before you succeed.” When life gets tough, this becomes my motto!

Do you have any hidden talents or skills that might surprise people?

I almost exclusively read non-fiction books. As much as I try, I just can’t seem to get into fiction!

What alternative career path could you see yourself pursuing?

None. No matter my role, I love working in education. From preschool to post-graduate, I consider education to be Kingdom work and the most important industry to the well-being of mankind.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

I think all I would need is a hammock, a good book, and a hefty supply of ice cream.

Who inspires you (not including family members)?

The teachers who I work with inspire me the most. They are fun, full of ideas, and always excited about the future. No matter how many times I observe classrooms, I never cease to be amazed at the tremendous work of our teachers and the potential of our students. It is a joy to have this insight into classrooms each day. The future is bright!