Her Story
About Rachel
Rachel Horn serves as a school administrator focused on student life at St. George's School in Middletown, Rhode Island. She began her career in school administration in 1998 and has spent the past 11 years at her current institution, where her responsibilities include managing student attendance in a residential boarding school setting and collaborating with families to support students who are adjusting to expectations. Over the last six years, Horn transitioned from her prior role in athletics to her current focus in student life. She earned a bachelor's degree in sports management from the University of Massachusetts in 1994 and a master's degree in athletic administration from Springfield College between 2001 and 2003. Horn previously served as president of the NEPSAC District 3 and as president of the ISL. She is actively involved with the Red Sneakers for Oakley nonprofit, which promotes allergy awareness in schools and communities. Horn attributes her professional success to supportive role models who encouraged growth through learning from mistakes, as well as her belief in teaching others to deepen her own understanding and leadership skills.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rachel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've had really amazing role models who are supportive and not so far above me that I feel I could never be like them. I've been in situations where I've felt supported enough to grow by making mistakes and learning from them. I've also been a big believer in teaching something to really understand it, and leading others makes me a better administrator by being a good role model.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I was graduating from college and had an opportunity for a job over my head as assistant athletic director, my mentor said you're never gonna know unless you try, take advantage of opportunities that are out of your comfort zone because that's how we grow. He said well I guess we're gonna find out aren't we because there's no way you're saying no to this opportunity.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take up opportunities and put themselves out there. Make good choices with their partner because having a supportive spouse who understands professional drive is key. Stand your ground, present yourself with confidence, and approach conversations with empathy and clarity.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There's a lot of pressure on students from the increasingly competitive college process. The biggest challenges come when expectations at school differ from those at home, requiring buy-in from parents to uphold rules consistently whether at school or signed out at home.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and being honorable - doing what I say whether the door is open or closed, whether someone's watching or not. Empathy, which was strengthened by having my own daughters attend the school, allowing me to truly understand what parents are going through.
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