Before becoming the VLA Director, Mr. Harrell worked as a virtual administrator, an assistant principal, an instructional coach, a curriculum writer, and a science teacher. He earned his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M, his master's degree at the University of North Texas (partially online), and his principal certificate at Stephen F. Austin State University (fully online). He is currently a dissertation candidate in Stephen F. Austin's first fully online doctoral cohort.

Mr. Harrell subscribes wholly to the motto that "All of us are smarter than any of us" and endeavors to leverage the collective expertise of any group he is a part of. He is proficient in a variety of technical systems and believes that we should search for creative educational solutions to meet the needs of all students. Mr. Harrell loves games - especially board, card, and tabletop games!