Aces of Trades: Morgan Taylor went from OU student to OU regional recruitment manager
CHILLICOTHE – Helping people has been a core value since she was a youngster.
“I grew up one of four children with hard-working parents,” remembered Morgan Taylor. “They encouraged all of us to pursue college so we could have every opportunity a career could afford.”
“Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a marine biologist,” she added. “But while in college it became clear I was meant to be an educator. I loved the idea of being a mentor and advocate for students. Not only teaching them but teaching them how to be a person they can be proud of.
“I never dreamed I would be in the role I’m in,” she noted. “I knew I would be in education, but never saw myself in an admission role for higher education.”
Today, Taylor is the regional recruitment manager for undergraduate admissions for Ohio University, based in Chillicothe.
“I advise and recruit all students, no matter what campus they’re attending,” she explained, “in the following counties: Ross, Pike, Vinton, Jackson, Fayette, Clinton, Highland and Adams.”
“I started working at Ohio University in June of 2022 as an admissions advisor,” she continued. “When I was touring OU Lancaster as an incoming freshman, I met with Kim Jeffers, who was an advisor. At that time, I was a lost ball in high weeds. I wasn’t confident in my plans after high school, I had no idea how to navigate the college process, and I also had no idea what I wanted to study while attending there. By the time I left her office, I felt so understood and empowered. She bridged the gap for me, and I wouldn’t have been successful without her light and guidance. I was so grateful for that experience, and I knew in my heart I could serve students in that way.”
Taylor grew up in Ashville, graduated from Teays Valley High School in 2015, then Ohio University in 2019 with a degree in integrated social studies.
“I knew after graduating from OU I wanted to come back and work at the university in some capacity,” she said. “I’m their first point of contact for all things ‘Ohio University.’ I help students understand the educational opportunities available at OU as well as guide them through the enrollment process. I give campus tours and host various events both on and off campus. And I travel across the state attending multiple college and career fairs and visiting numerous high schools to speak to students.”
Logan Goebel is a friend, OU alum and English teacher at Unioto High School.
“I had the privilege of meeting and befriending Morgan during our undergraduate education programs,” said Goebel. “Since then, she’s become one of the most highly respected people in my life. Morgan is someone who tirelessly cares for others without any expectation of something in return. When we graduated, she knew her calling wasn’t in the traditional classroom setting and she was brave enough to explore other options instead. It’s no surprise she landed on her feet at the Chillicothe campus. She’s just what they need.”
“The best and most important part of my job,” Taylor responded, “is understanding how to meet students where they are, and it starts with understanding who they are.”
“Since I was a girl,” she concluded, “a core value set by my family has been to care for people – take them in, love them, help them. So it isn’t much of a surprise my heart led me toward education. Our schools are filled with hearts that need mending, guiding, and caring for deeply. I only hope no matter what I do, I’m always giving back and serving in some way.”
For more information about Ohio University Chillicothe, log on www.ohio.edu/chillicothe.
About the series
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at gaznews@nncogannett.com or 740-349-1110.
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Aces of Trades: Morgan Taylor went from OU student to OU regional recruitment manager
