After 12 years on the Hill, Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Guest Relations JJ Jemison ’13 will depart the Office of Admissions on Friday. Jemison, who earned praise among colleagues and students for his welcoming nature and work with prospective students, will join Crow Works Manufacturing as a National Accounts manager. 

Before his time in the Enrollment Division, Jemison initially came to the Hill as a student and soccer player. In 2017, he assumed the position of Assistant Director of Admissions, before his eventual transition into Associate Director of Admissions in 2022. Jemison’s primary tasks in the admissions office included welcoming prospective students and families, while also mentoring student tour guides and Admissions fellows.

Throughout his time as a staff member, Jemison was renowned for his dedication to growing Kenyon’s student body and building positive relationships with those around him — largely aided by his own experience as a student. “Of course, JJ started as an alum so he definitely bleeds purple left and right… but the way in which he’s helped introduce prospective students and their families to us has been phenomenal,” Vice President for Student Affairs Celestino Limas said in an interview with the Collegian. “Tour guides aplenty have had great things to say about him; we’re [going to] miss him but [we] wish him well in this next chapter.”

Limas’s thoughts were echoed by tour guides and senior admissions fellows themselves, who praised the time and effort Jemison committed to his role as well as his warm and hospitable attitude. “JJ’s commitment to welcoming prospective students was unmatched; he always made time to talk to families and ensured that everyone, including student-workers, felt comfortable,” Senior Admissions Fellow Paula Sorić ’25 wrote in a message to the Collegian.

While Jemison expressed apprehension about leaving the Hill, he explained that his new role will align well with his values and goals for the future. Namely, the work-life balance of his new career will allow him to spend more time with his family and pursue his goal of becoming a top referee for basketball and soccer. “I am very excited for the opportunity to pursue a career in sales for a company with great core values [and] quality products that I believe in and will be proud to represent (very similar to my feelings about Kenyon’s educational experience and community at large),” he wrote. 

As Jemison’s colleagues actively search for his replacement, he emphasized his commitment to advising staff on how to address any complications posed by his departure. Although members of the Office of Admissions expressed sadness over Jemison’s departure, they reflected positively on the impact he had achieved in his time there. “His compassion and sincere Kenyon pride made him a great mentor and role model, and I am sure his influence on the office and the campus will be felt even in his absence,” Sorić said. 

In an email announcing his departure to his colleagues, Jemison left its recipients with a reflection on how his role on the Hill has evolved along with the College: “I was once a Lord, but as a life-long member of the Kenyon community, I can proudly say that I will now and forever be an Owl. God bless you all and God bless Kenyon College!”