Our people: Professional student

My name is Joe Strickland. I am the deputy superintendent of instruction for Clovis Municipal Schools. I have been with the district for about 20 years, previously working as a teacher at Parkview Elementary, Lincoln Jackson and the Arts Academy at Bella Vista, as well as assistant principal at Marshall Middle School, director of human resources and director of federal programs. My family has been in Clovis since the 1950's and I graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 1987. My wife Jana and I have three children: Justus, 23, Joelle, 21, and Jace, 14.

What is your most prized possession?

I have a painting of two family trees on the wall of my family room that were painted by my father, Clark Strickland. One is from my parents 50th wedding anniversary and the other is from my maternal grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. I like seeing the way we are all connected as family and how the cycle of life continues on.

How did you meet your spouse?

I met my wife Jana at a dance at ENMU in the Campus Ballroom in 1985. I asked her to dance and she said yes ... we have been dancing ever since.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

This is an odd question in a world where new jobs are being created all the time. I was always fascinated by the variety of careers so I became a professional student and studied many different career fields. I still haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up. I enjoy my current work and look forward to new possibilities for the future.

What does your garden grow?

I have great respect for plants that are able to survive on their own in the harsh environment of eastern New Mexico. I buy native plants that do not require extensive water or care and have a large collection of different types of sage. My favorite new purchase is canyon grape which I planted in my grandmother's grape arbor.

What are you reading?

"Think Like an Artist: and Lead a More Creative, Productive Life" by Will Gompertz

How would you like to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as a person that asked questions and served as a change agent to make things better. I encourage my own children to live by the rules, but to get involved and help change rules that are outdated or unfair. My natural instinct is to be a fixer and try to make things right.

If money were no object, what would you do to make eastern New Mexico a better place?

My youngest has Type I Diabetes and specialty pediatric medical care is difficult in this area. We have been driving to Amarillo for many years for care and if I had the money, I would make this vital service available in the area for all the families that are dealing with chronic pediatric medical conditions.

What would you like for your last meal?

If my mom were still alive, my last meal would be her fried chicken ... it was the bomb. My other two choices would be a taco burger from Pat's in Portales or chili cheese fries with a cut-up hot dog from Der Wienerschnitzel.

- Compiled by Staff Writer Jamie Cushman