"The part I enjoy the most, I want them to graduate"
Whether you are a student-athlete, coach, administrator, or even a fan, one of the biggest draws of college athletics is the opportunity to be involved with something greater than yourself. The magic and mystery of having a part, however big or small, in the success of a program is what ignites passion, instills loyalty and keeps people coming back for more.
Jason Horn, assistant vice president for student affairs and athletics director at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA), knows this to be true.
"I started in this business as a student worker in the basketball offices at the University of Michigan. I enjoyed the teamwork and success we were having — not just in basketball, but In all sports," Horn said. "I don't know that the goal was to be an athletics director, but more to be a part of something in a university environment that provided the community something to enjoy while helping others achieve their goals."
It is that servant leadership mentality and work ethic that helped Horn pave his way as a collegiate athletics administrator over the last two decades, working to put others first. Initially, the goal may not have been to become an AD, but the XULA community in New Orleans and many young leaders across the country that Horn has influenced are glad he ended up in the athletics director's chair.
Horn recently completed his fifth year at the helm of the XULA athletics department, and in that span has built it into an NAIA powerhouse. Nearly all (8-of-9) teams were represented at NAIA National Championship events a year ago, but the performance in the classroom for these students is perhaps even more impressive.
"My motto has been WIN. GROW. GRADUATE. I want every athlete to win. I want them to grow as a person during their time on campus. The part I enjoy the most, I want them to graduate," Horn said.
There has been a lot to enjoy for Horn in that regard, as the athletics department posted the two highest graduating classes of current and former student-athletes in back·to-back years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the area.
Although his accomplishments may be felt the most through the achievements of the student-athletes, Horn has marked his tenure with several key initiatives that will make an impact on XULA Athletics long-term. These include the successful negotiation of multi-year agreements with Ochsner Health System's sports medicine division, apparel provider adidas, and website provider SIDEARM Sports, as well as UniversityTickets to provide online ticketing for athletics competitions, concerts and other events, and Advanced-Online to provide an official athletics online store featuring XULA products.
Horn's success in these areas is no surprise based on his strong background in marketing and external relations. His experience in the college space extends to Miami, Conference USA, Bowling Green, UCF, Northwestern State and Detroit Mercy, where he served as associate athletics director for external affairs since 2011 before coming to XULA in 2014. He also worked for the World Poker Tour's Amateur Poker League, the Salt Lake City-based Winter Olympics, the Winter Paralympics and Team USA (1999-2001) the Atlanta-based Summer Olympics {1995 and 1996), and the NBA Development League and Minor League Baseball programs.
"Those experiences (outside of college athletics) have given me more practical business experience," Horn stated. "I've enjoyed just about every place I have been, but the collegiate space is very multi-dimensional, plus you really get to work with the next generation of leaders."
Since becoming an AD, Horn has called upon each of these stops along his journey that honed his skill set in different ways, preparing him for the role he holds today.
"With marketing, it challenges you to think 'outside of the box' and to really be entrepreneurial dally," he said. "As an athletics director, you really are a problem solver and a facilitator. My background in marketing lends itself to challenging me to view issues, tasks and projects from many angles and to hopefully make a decision that is for the good of the students and the university."
Horn's problem-solving, facilitating and decision-making have garnered him attention in the eyes of his peers. In April, he was unanimously chosen to serve a two-year term as president of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) by the league's executive committee. Prior to that appointment, he served the GCAC as the vice president and chair of the athletics directors. In 2016-17 he was voted GCAC Athletics Director of the Year, and in 2018, Horn joined the MOAA Board of Directors.
Not bad for an AD who was new to the small-school scene just a handful of years ago.
"I think I have gotten to know more of our students (working) in the NAIA," said Horn. "There is definitely less of the proverbial 'red tape.' Most NAIA institutions run with a lean staff and Xavier is no exception. But our department culture is one where our crew will go the extra mile to provide a solid experience."
At first glance it might look like Horn is doing big things on a small stage, but the stage is not as small as it seems. Horn's Influence as a minority athletics director has not gone unnoticed. His involvement as a member of the NAIA's National Administrative Council (NAC) and the Competitive Experience Committee, in addition to his leadership role within MOAA, goes a long way in terms of representation and inspiration for students watching, at XULA and elsewhere.
"I joined this field when there were, frankly, not very many people who looked like me," Horn said. "But as an undergraduate at Michigan, there were many people that encouraged me to give it a shot — so I did. I appreciate that there has been more growth and opportunity over the years."
Jason Horn Q&A
Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks?
Easily Dunkin Donuts. I have their coffee at home and in the office right now.
If you could take a week's vacation anywhere in the world, where are you going?
London . . . I have never been. It is on the list.
Favorite mobile app?
Twitter — A great way for me to keep up with colleagues and to get some great ideas and have a few laughs.
If you could sit front row at any concert, whose would It be?
No clue . . . not a concert guy. Our staff tries to keep me away from music on game days.
Favorite professional sports team?
Any Detroit team!
The last book you read?
"Rules of the Red Rubber Ball" by Kevin Carroll
Most memorable sporting event growing up?
Detroit Tigers winning the World Series in 1984.
Favorite quote?
In the words of Al Davis — "Just win, baby!"
Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
Department of Athletics & Recreation
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
XULAgold.com
twitter.com/xulagold
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