The Wisconsin Alumni Association recently spoke with School of Education alumnus Kyree Brooks, an associate principal at Central Heights Middle School in Sun Prairie, about his dual career path in education and music.
As well as being an education leader, Brooks co-owns DJ Ree Maniac Entertainment Services, a business he started with his wife in 2022. During the pandemic, he decided to turn his passion into a business. “A lot of people think DJing is a hobby, but for me, I made it more than that,” he explains.
Brooks also DJs with Celebrations Entertainment and serves as an adjunct professor for the McNair Scholars program at UW–Whitewater, his undergraduate alma mater.
Brooks, who earned his master’s degree at UW–Madison in the School of Education’s Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education, says he developed an interest in special education while doing research as part of the McNair Scholars program when he was an undergrad.
His dedication to students continues to shape his work as a school administrator.
“I’m able to have a huge hand in the development of my students and make a tremendous lasting effect on them every day, as well as coach my staff up,” Brooks says.
While juggling two careers is challenging, Brooks says both roles are fulfilling in different ways. As an educator, he’s committed to being a positive influence. “There aren’t many people of color who are in a position that I’m in to make a change. And I do realize my privilege at that.”
To read the full Q&A with Brooks, visit the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s website.