Meet the Admissions Team

Admissions Assistant

Hi! I'm Frank Allen, an Admissions Assistant at Jefferson College. I'm passionate about helping students navigate the admissions process and take the first step towards achieving their academic goals. With my strong communication and organizational skills, I enjoy guiding students through the application process and answering their questions. Prior to joining the Office of Admissions, I gained valuable experience assisting students with enrollment at our Arnold location. This experience allows me to understand the needs of future Jeffco students and ensure a smooth transition. My ongoing education fuels my passion for higher learning. I hold an associate degree in IT and am currently working towards transferring to Missouri Baptist University. Let me help you get started at Jeffco! You can reach me at fallen1@jeffco.edu.

Admissions Specialist

Hi, I’m Jared! I graduated from Festus High School in 2012. Immediately after, I made the easy decision of enrolling at Jefferson College! After receiving my Associate of Arts from Jefferson College, I transferred to Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville where I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration. During that time, I had the pleasure of working with Leadership Programs, Campus Recreation, New and Transfer Student Programs, and Club Sports. Working with a diverse group of students allowed me to develop a passion for listening to students and helping them achieve their goals. Now, I'm excited to come back to Jefferson College as an Admissions Specialist. My role at the College focuses on recruiting and assisting high school students take the next step in their educational journey. I would love to discuss how Jefferson College can get you started on your college and career path. You can reach me via email at jaubuc12@jeffco.edu or call me at 636-481-3226.

Early College Coordinator

Hello! My name is Jess and I am the Early College Coordinator here at Jefferson College. I started at Jefferson College in 2023 as an Admissions Representative working with our adult learners, and in summer of 2024 transitioned to the role of Early College Coordinator. I am originally from the Jefferson County area, growing up in Arnold and graduating from Fox High School in 2006. I went to Maryville University right after high school graduation. However, I had to withdraw before even finishing my first semester. After that, life happened over the next 7 years, including a husband, three kids, and a new house in Troy, Missouri. 

I didn't follow the traditional path but in 2013, as a wife, full-time employee, and mom of three kids ages 2, 6, and 13, I decided it was time to go back to school. I attended St. Charles Community College and went all in, working 40 hours a week at my job and going to school 18 credit hours at a time to complete my Associate of Arts in Elementary Education in December of 2014. Upon graduation, I quickly secured a job at a private preschool as a teacher and taught for the next five years. Over these five years, I developed a deep passion for fitness and nutrition. In 2019, I moved back into the Jefferson County area to Festus. Since life was changing, I decided to follow my new found passions and go back to school again. In 2019, I enrolled at Logan University, where I graduated in December of 2020 with my bachelor's in Human Biology and then quickly applied for my graduate program. In December of 2022, I graduated from Logan University again, this time with my master's in Nutrition and Human Performance. 

 My story demonstrates why I started as the Admissions Representative working with the adult population here at Jefferson College. Once I was in my role in the Office of Admissions, I came to fall in love with working in higher education and admissions. Having my own dual enrolled high school student and working alongside our high school Admissions Specialist, the natural progression to becoming the Early College Coordinator took place. 

 I was a college student not long ago, and I am currently a parent of a high schooler going through the dual credit process so I understand questions and concerns that may arise. I would love to help get you started on your journey here at Jefferson College. You can reach me via email at jbartle2@jeffco.edu or call me at 636-481-3245.

Director of Admissions

Hi, I'm Jaclyn! I am the Director of Admissions here at Jefferson College. I started here in 2018 and have been involved with a variety of different student services, including advising, admissions processes, and working with early college students. I have advised students as young as 13 all the way to students that are retired and are looking for their next adventure, which has helped reassure me that we truly offer something for everyone. 

I did not take a direct path to Jefferson College, but I am confident I have ended up in the right place. I attended Jefferson R7 through 8th grade and graduated from Crystal City High School, where I took a handful of classes for dual credit through Jefferson College. After high school, I lived in Cape Girardeau, Missouri while I worked on my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration degrees at Southeast Missouri State University. I worked as an Admissions Coordinator at Southern Illinois University and as a Hall Director at Southeast Missouri State University before I got the incredible opportunity to move home and begin working here at Jefferson College in July 2018. It has certainly been a perfect fit for me! I love getting to work with our students and our campus community with the ultimate goal of helping students get on the right track for whatever path they want to pursue after their time as a Viking. 

If there is anything I can help you with, please feel free to reach out to me. You can send me an email at jbirks@jeffco.edu or call me at 636-481-3216. I can't wait to see you on campus soon!

Admissions Representative

Hi! I am Keri, the Admissions Representative here at Jefferson College. My focus is adult learners. I have worked in higher education for over 8 years and have been with Jefferson College since 2021. Previously, I worked at Missouri Baptist University, running the testing center. My journey at Jefferson College started in the Accessibility Resource Office as an Assistive Technology Specialist. I am student-driven and consider myself to be the cheerleader for students, lending a listening ear and encouraging them to stay the course because the hard work they put in pays off. I love watching students achieve their dreams and am eager to help. 

 I grew up in St. Louis and acquired my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UMSL. I am currently working on my master’s degree in higher education, so I know what the adult learner population faces when they decide to return to school or attend for the first time. 

I am happy to answer any questions about returning to college or attending for the first time. I can be reached by email at khayes15@jeffco.edu or by phone at 636-481-3213. You’ve got this! Believe in yourself and make it happen!

Admissions Technician

Hi, I’m Shauna! I am the Admissions Technician here at Jefferson College. My journey at Jefferson College began through enrollment of dual credit courses while attending De Soto High School. After graduating high school in 2008, I continued my educational journey at Jefferson College where I earned my Associate of Arts degree. In 2017, I was given the opportunity to return to Jefferson College to join the Accessibility Resource Office to assist in ensuring equal educational opportunities and inclusion for students with documented disabilities. In 2021, I joined the amazing Admissions team as the Admissions Technician where my role focuses on the processing of applications and transcripts for new, transfer, and returning students. If I can help you with getting started in your educational journey, please feel free to reach out to me via email at sgore2@jeffco.edu or call me at 636-481-3228.

Admissions Assistant

Hi, my name is Luke and I'm an Admissions Assistant here at Jefferson College! I started my college education shortly after graduating from Hillsboro High School in 2018. I began my first semester at Jefferson College that fall, and the following spring, I made the choice to serve the country and enlist in the Army Reserves. I finished my training with the military in March 2020 as a CBRN Specialist and earned my Associate of Arts degree in 2022. 

I'm currently a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice at Missouri Baptist University. At the same time, I'm serving the final year of my contract with the Army Reserves as a sergeant in a psychological operations unit. After completing my bachelor's degree, I plan on transferring to an accredited university and studying law in hopes of achieving my Juris Doctor. My career goal is ultimately to practice law as an attorney and possibly transfer those skills back to the military in the Army Jag Corps. As an alumnus of Jefferson College, I understand that life can be stressful for students and I'm here to help! As part of the admissions team, it is my job to aid and seamlessly guide students through the admissions process. If you have any questions regarding this process, whether you're starting from scratch or already have an idea as to what you want to do, feel free to contact me at lnobles@jeffco.edu.

Early College Advisor

Hi, my name is Debbie. I graduated from Crystal City High School in 1989. I attended Southeast Missouri State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education for Spanish. I taught Spanish for seven years at Herculaneum High School and two years at Festus High School. I received my master’s degree in School Counseling from Missouri Baptist University in 2005. I began my high school counseling career with Herculaneum High School in the fall of 2003. Our family moved to the Jefferson City area where I became the Director of Counseling at Jefferson City High School for five years. Our family returned to the Jefferson County area in the summer of 2014 and I began working as the high school counselor at Jefferson High School (R7) until my retirement in June of 2023. After 29 wonderful years working with high school students, I was ready to slow down a bit and spend more time with my husband, our three grown daughters, and our grandson. Part of my focus as a high school counselor was working with early college students through Jefferson College, so when this part time job opened up to work with the Early College program, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. So I applied and here I am! I am eager to work with the Early College students in Jefferson County and look forward to working with the students and their families! Since I am a part-time employee, the best way to reach me is via email at drunzi@jeffco.edu.

Student Leader

Hello! My name is Mychal Scharf. I graduated from Desoto High School in 2022 and enrolled at Jefferson College over the summer! I chose Jefferson College because it is close to home, it’s affordable, and it has a great atmosphere! I am a cybersecurity major, and I enjoy being a student leader because I get to help other students on their path to success!

Student Leader

Hello, my name is Jeannie Thornborrow. I graduated from Festus High School in spring of 2024 and am excited to be a part of the Jefferson College community. As a Student Leader, I enjoy being a helping guide for other students as they move into their futures. I chose Jefferson College because it provides all the basics I need to pursue my career path, including a great atmosphere, close community, affordability, easy access, and more. My plan is to obtain a biology degree that I will use towards becoming a physical therapist. I am thankful for the helping hands Jefferson College provides to make me successful and I am excited for the opportunity to help others succeed.