Michael K. Harris

Michael K. Harris, Sr. is a lifelong resident of Sikeston, Missouri, and a 1979 graduate of Sikeston Senior High School. He attended Southeast Missouri State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 1984 and his Master of Science in Administration with a major in Human Services Administration in 2001. As an undergraduate, he served as the membership chair of Student Activities Council and was a 1981 pledge of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Upon graduation, Harris enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard in May 1984 and retired in January 2007, obtaining the rank of Master Sergeant. In 2005, he was called to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq, he served as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the Logistical Support Area Anaconda located near Balad, Iraq. Harris completed active duty in June 2006, earning a Bronze Star Medal, an Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal, and a Combat Action Badge. Harris is a Life Member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion.

Harris is an active participant in advocating for church and other community-based organizations to develop community gardens as a way of empowering people to supplement their incomes and provide their families affordable nutritious food sources.

Harris is a member of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation Board of Directors and has served as chairman of the Copper Dome Committee. In addition, he has served multiple terms on a variety of not-for-profit boards and committees aimed at improving the quality of life for Sikeston area residents. He has served three terms as councilman to the City of Sikeston, including as mayor pro tem in 2004.