Information Systems Specialist recognized for commitment, reliability, and service across TASD
Much of Gatlin Brown’s work happens behind the scenes, but its impact can be felt throughout classrooms, offices, and campuses across the Texarkana Arkansas School District.
Brown, an Information Systems Specialist with TASD, has been named the August 2026 District C.A.R.E. Employee Recognition Honoree. The recognition celebrates employees who demonstrate the district’s C.A.R.E. values of Commitment, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence through their service to students, colleagues, and the TASD community.
Brown joined the Razorback family in August 2024 and primarily supports Arkansas High School along with other departments and programs in that area. His responsibilities range from managing Windows and Apple devices and supporting district networks to responding to work orders and troubleshooting technology issues that can quickly disrupt the school day.
For Brown, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is helping remove those disruptions so educators can stay focused on students.
“Honestly, it’s the moment when something that’s been frustrating someone suddenly just works again, and you can see the relief,” Brown said. “Teachers have enough on their plate. Being the person who takes the technology headache off their hands so they can get back to their students is genuinely satisfying.”
Commitment Behind the Scenes
Of the four C.A.R.E. values, Brown said Commitment resonates most with him, with Accountability close behind.
Technology support is often at its best when no one has to think about it. Networks remain available. Devices are ready. Problems are resolved. Much of that work may go unnoticed, but Brown sees reliability as an important part of serving schools well.
“In IT, people are depending on you whether they see the work or not,” Brown said. “I take pride in being someone people can count on to see things through, even the unglamorous parts, because in a school those small reliable things add up to a classroom that runs smoothly.”
That determination was also recognized by the colleague who nominated Brown for C.A.R.E. recognition.
The nomination highlighted Brown’s responsibilities supporting some of the district’s most demanding technology environments, including Arkansas High School, Dawson, and UAHT, noting his “determined resolve” in responding to a wide range of technical challenges and requirements.
His nominator also praised Brown’s ability to perform under pressure and his contribution to helping the district begin the school year successfully while maintaining technology services each day.
Seeing a Need Through
One project Brown points to with particular pride involved providing updated Chromebooks for students at Dawson ALE.
It was a need he had been advocating for almost since the beginning of his time with TASD.
“I had been pushing to obtain newer and updated Chromebooks for them since my first couple of months, and it was very satisfying to finally deliver those,” Brown said.
The experience reflects the same quality recognized through his C.A.R.E. nomination: seeing a need, staying committed to it, and following through until the work is complete.
Motivation at Home
When asked what inspires him to continue bringing his best to work each day, Brown did not hesitate.
His greatest motivation is his wife, Mikah.
“She has been my number one motivation for a long time and the reason I push harder and harder to be the best version of myself daily,” he said.
That drive carries into a role where success is often measured not by recognition, but by whether the technology people depend on simply works.
That is also what made being selected as the district’s August C.A.R.E. honoree especially meaningful.
“Most of what I do happens in the background. You’re usually only noticed when something’s broken, so to be seen and recognized for the day-to-day work means more than I expected,” Brown said. “It tells me the reliability and the follow-through are landing, and that the people I work for feel supported.”
Brown said he is grateful to the colleague who nominated him and views the recognition as motivation to continue earning the trust placed in him.
Through his commitment, reliability, and willingness to see a challenge through, Gatlin Brown demonstrates what C.A.R.E. looks like in action across TASD.
