McKenzie Fleeman
mdf001@marietta.edu
Jessica Horton, the new assistant director of Greek life and student organizational leadership development, has only been on campus for a few weeks, but feels that all of her life experiences have led her to this point in her life.
“I could not have created a more perfect position for where I am in my life,” Horton said.
Recently, The Marcolian sat down with Horton to learn more about one of MC’s newest faces.
Horton was born in Japan but grew up in Dover, Del. after her mom retired from the Air Force and dad retired from the Navy. Horton recalls that Delaware is best known for having no sales tax, Nascar, and being Joe Biden’s home state.
She was really shy growing up, but recalls that she had her outgoing moments.
“I was really an introverted extrovert,” she said.
Horton attended college at Delaware State University, the only historically black college in the state. She recalls that her SGA adviser Emanual Lalande had a big impact on her during her time at Delaware State.
“He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” she said.
She began her SGA experience on freshman council and Lalande pushed her to be involved even though she was a commuter student. She became involved in multiple organizations on campus including Delta Sigma Theta, a social service organization founded in 1913 at Howard University.
Horton graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and following graduation became a first grade teacher. She signed a six-month contract but chose not to renew when the time came.
“I always thought that there was more I could be doing,” she said.
She then pursued her master’s degree in transformative leadership from Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Fla. She became a graduate assistant and had the opportunity to work with student organizations, Greek organizations, leadership workshops, and even residence life.
“The students were great, I really honed in on the fact that I wanted to be in student affairs,” she said.
Horton had the opportunity to intern with Walter Kimbrough, president of Dillard University. He has written books on Greek life and was very influential for her.
Horton returned to Dillard for an opportunity to work as an Alumni Relations Officer. She worked at Dillard for two years and recalls that there was a lot of campus pride, but she still felt she could be doing more.
Now, at Marietta College, Horton focuses on advising the National Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council. She helps a lot with recruitment and provides overall support to councils and organizations individually.
“I do a lot of advising in terms of lead development and making sure they are operating in the most efficient and effective way,” she said.
Horton emphasizes that she wants to help students learn skills and recognize how they will be able to put them to use after graduation. She strives to push students like her mentor did for her, and enjoys sharing her favorite quote which encompasses this idea.
“There is no comfort in the growth zone and no growth in the comfort zone.”
You can find Horton’s office on the main floor of Andrews Hall.
