From Student to Mentor
During his time as a college student, Isaac Jennings was blessed to have the right people mentoring him along the way. As Assistant Athletic Director at Midland, Isaac is becoming that same leader for a new generation of students.
“My favorite part of working with students is being able to pay forward information that I’ve learned along my educational and personal journey and be a mentor for them. I truly enjoy seeing the growth from their freshman year to them walking across the stage on graduation day.”
Isaac got a glimpse into Midland athletics when he worked as a graduate assistant for the Warriors track and field team from 2018-20. He returned in 2021 when he was named Assistant AD. “I enjoy the intentional relationships that I’ve had the opportunity to cultivate at Midland, whether it’s been faculty, students, or staff. I’ve loved being in an atmosphere where I’ve been inspired and empowered numerous times to learn and lead in this world with purpose.”
His leadership skills were cultivated under the guidance of a former professor when he was an undergraduate student at Troy University in Alabama. “Dr. Chris Shannon taught my Great Leaders course as part of my Leadership Development minor. He was a retired Lt. Colonel (United States Air Force) and had years of experience in both military and non-military education and training roles. I recall our conversations where he helped empower me as a student and sharpened my leadership skills. If it wasn’t for his course, I don’t believe transformational leadership would have been as impactful as it has been in my life.”
As he looks back on the moments that impacted his life while in college, he is hopeful current students will realize that learning never stops, even when you leave the classroom. “You may be a student at Midland, but before that, you were a student of life. I think it reminds all of us that we still have so much to learn.”
Isaac’s educational experience has involved working with others, but his interest in animals almost led him to another calling. “If I hadn’t gotten involved in higher education, I probably would have been a marine biologist or zoologist. I’ve always had a huge passion for animals and seeing how they interact within our ecosystem.”
It makes sense that one of Isaac’s hobbies is fishing. He also enjoys binge-watching TV shows, listening to music and audiobooks, and hanging out with friends and family.
Getting to know Isaac Jennings:
Snack that you can’t resist: Chester’s Flamin’ Hot Fries
When flipping channels, I’ll always stop to watch this: Martin or The Office
Something people might not know about you: I can play two instruments, drums and piano.
What artist dominates your playlist? This is a hard question because I have so many depending on the day, but the five that I would most likely be listening to are J. Cole, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Drake, or Kanye. But my Gospel worship playlist is always a go as well!
What is your ideal vacation? It would be traveling for the duration of completing and enjoying all seven wonders of the world with the people that mean the most to me.
What is your most used emoji? The laughing emoji 🤣 because I enjoy a good laugh.
