SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – LaTanya Allen, who in 2010 earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree from the Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology Program at South Suburban College (SSC), was recently sworn in as President of the Mississippi Court Reporters Association, making her the third African-American to hold that position in their 53-year history. She is also a member of the National Court Reporters Association, serves on the National Committee of State Associations (NCSA), and was featured in the Journal of Court Reporters magazine for her dedication to her profession. LaTanya said, “I love court reporting and it has definitely delivered the results I anticipated.”
LaTanya credits the program and instructors at SSC. “I entered an environment where my teachers really cared about me and my education – especially LaTherese Cooke. She was always there for me during school and continues to be there for me to this day when asking for advice about choices to make in my profession.”
After graduating from SSC, LaTanya passed the Registered Professional Reporter examination given by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA). This certification allowed her to become a court reporter in any state in the nation. She eventually moved back to Mississippi and is currently the official court reporter for the 11th Chancery Court District (sub-district 1). She works with a chancellor and travels between three different locations in her position. She enjoys her current role in the judicial system stating, “I’ve been a part of some really amazing hearings and court trials.”
LaTanya’s admiration for the legal field is just beginning with court reporting. She stated, “The knowledge that comes within the field, in addition to the research, studying and strategy of it all made me want to go back to get my paralegal degree.” LaTanya also holds the title of “Certified Court Administrator” and she will be taking her entrance exam for law school soon.
“I would definitely not be where I am today if SSC didn’t initially reach out to me and open the door to the amazing field of court reporting,” said LaTanya. “I’m proud to be an alumni and can’t wait to see what else the legal field has in store for me.”
A Court Reporting/Verbatim Technology Program open house will be held on July 26, 2018 between 7 PM and 8:30 PM in room 5190 at SSC’s Oak Forest Center. Contact (708)596-2000 ext. 3217 or visit www.ssc.edu for more information.
