Dr. Renae Harrison was selected as historian for the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) in 2020. She began her journey with COABE in the early 2000’s when she received a scholarship from the organization. Her experience on the COABE board includes a term as a regional representative, a member of various committees, president-elect, president, and past president. She served on the board from 2006-2015.

Dr. Harrison began her education career as a middle school teacher in a vocational education position, followed by an elementary school position. She began her career in adult education as a part time adult education teacher in Hardin County, Kentucky. She was selected as director of the program several years later, and remained in that position for 20 years. She was an active leader in various roles in the Kentucky Association for Adult and Continuing Education (KAACE), including the position of president.

She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Texas State University, a master’s degree from Western Kentucky University, and a Ph.D. in education with an emphasis on adult learning from the University of Louisville.

She is currently retired, and resides with her husband in Franklin, Tennessee, They have three adult children and six grandchildren.