Jenessa Hicks graduated from The University of Olivet in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in special education and minors in English and physical education, following her dreams to help students reach their goals. As an admissions representative, Jenessa is now utilizing this passion to help high school students earn a college education in a familial environment, emphasizing that the family atmosphere is her favorite part of OC. She works with students who hail from Eaton, Calhoun, Jackson, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Lenawee and Monroe counties. Jenessa especially enjoys helping students discover the boundless opportunities at The University of Olivet, many of which she participated in, including the cheer and volleyball teams. Jenessa’s outgoing, energetic personality assists her in building relationships with prospective The University of Olivet students and guiding them through the admission process.
Why do you love OC?
The University of Olivet has always felt like home to me. It is a warm and welcoming environment.
What is your favorite memory from your time at OC?
My favorite memory would have to be a volleyball memory. During my sophomore year, my team and I were traveling to a game and we had a ton of issues with our bus. On the way there, the heat wouldn’t shut off and everyone was sweating like crazy. Then, on the way home, we had a tire pop on the highway. We got off at the closest exit and found a Walmart to fix the tire. During the hours the team was stranded, we bonded more than ever. As soon as we got back on the road, the bus started flooding and all of our bags got soaked. We had to pull over at a McDonald’s where we were stranded yet again! We line danced and sang in the parking lot until a group of OC football players came to our rescue and brought us back to campus. It was a long night, but one I will never forget because it was a great bonding experience for all of us. After that, we never had another issue traveling again!
What is your mentoring style like?
I like to lead by example and work as a team whenever possible.
What’s the average day in your role, or some of the unique things you are responsible for?
A day in admissions is always changing. Some days we might be in meetings with parents and students on campus, and other days we are traveling to schools.
Why do you encourage students to attend OC?
I want other students to have the same great experience that I had while attending The University of Olivet. Regardless of what program, team or club a student joins, I know that every student has access to individualized attention and the chance to build lifelong relationships.
What do you look forward to in your role?
I am looking forward to being in schools again. I have a teaching background and sometimes miss being in the classroom. This position gives me a great chance to still work with students and help them create a successful future.
What advice do you share with students?
I always tell students that everyone is different. It is so important to visit campus and see if it’s where you feel comfortable. College is for a full four years and you want to make sure it’s where you feel the most at home.
What is an interesting or little known fact about yourself?
I have four siblings and I am the baby of the family. Also, I met my fiancé at The University of Olivet, making the family feel on campus even more real for me!
Learn more about The University of Olivet and opportunities for students, like the awesome programs and teams Jenessa was part of, by visiting campus. Contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu with questions.