AMY HORTON

Coordinator/Case Manager

Amy Horton is a proud alumna of Texas A&M University-Commerce and a first-generation college graduate. With over eight years of experience working closely with college students, Amy has dedicated her career to helping others succeed. Her passion for social work minded support has been the cornerstone of all her professional experiences, driving her commitment to support students in achieving their academic and personal goals.

A Conversation With Horton

How do you help students?

I help students by providing them with the support, resources, and guidance they need to succeed both academically and personally.

• Advocacy and Support: As the Coordinator of Student Advocacy and Support, I work directly with students to address their challenges, whether they're academic, personal, or social. I advocate on their behalf, ensuring they have access to the resources they need.
• Resource Connection: I connect students with essential resources such as counseling, financial aid, academic support, and the Lion Pantry. This ensures they have what they need to thrive at the university.
• Mentorship and Guidance: I offer advice, mentorship, and encouragement to students, helping them navigate the complexities of university life, from course selection to managing personal struggles.
• Crisis Management: When students face crises, whether related to health, housing, or other emergencies, I step in to provide immediate assistance and connect them with the right services to stabilize their situation.
• Educational Programming: I may develop or participate in programs that educate students on various topics, such as mental health, time management, or career planning, helping them develop skills that are crucial for their success.
• Creating a Supportive Environment: By fostering a welcoming and supportive environment, I help students feel valued and understood, which can significantly impact their sense of belonging and motivation to succeed.
• Empowerment: Through my work, I empower students to advocate for themselves, make informed decisions, and overcome obstacles, which builds their confidence and resilience.

My role is multifaceted, combining advocacy, support, resource coordination, and mentorship to help students achieve their full potential.

Education

• B.S. Sociology, Texas A&M University-Commerce
• M.S. Counseling – Student Affairs, Texas A&M University-Commerce

Research Interests

• Student resilience
• First-generation student challenges
• Social support impact
• Counseling strategies
• Diversity and inclusion effects