Alumni Spotlight: Emery Jordan ’97

Where do you currently live?
I live in Hilliard, OH, which is a suburb of Columbus, OH.

What kind of work do you do?
While I started working in the field of education, I spent the last decade plus and currently work in the field of Program/Project Management. As of December 2023, I will be starting a new role working as a Program Manager for Technology Initiatives for Wendy’s, here in Columbus.

Any personal information you’d like to share?
I am re-married with 3 children. While I live in OH, I am often close to Muncie, as my wife’s family lives both in Marion and Indianapolis. I am also an avid Latin Dancer, weightlifter, and youth softball coach. Finally, I have written books, and am working with my daughter on starting a book series for my 4th book.

How did you first hear about the Academy?
Honestly, I don’t 100% remember how I heard about the Academy for the first time. I knew people from my high school that went there – which is probably one way that it happened. The admission director, at the time, used to make frequent visits to my high school, as well. But I think that more than anything else, I knew that I wanted some independence—and the Academy provided an opportunity for autonomy that I was craving at that age.

What is your greatest memory about your time at the Academy?
There are so many of them, I don’t know how to pick just one, so I will pick one academically and one socially. Academically, I will always be grateful to Dr. Martha Craig and Dr. David East, who both challenged me to stop complaining, get past my homesickness, and live up to my potential as a scholar. More than anything, they encouraged me to be willing to scrap and fight to learn what I needed to be successful—to be 100% responsible for my learning.

Socially, I think that I will always be grateful for the experience of my Senior Prom. Not just because I wasn’t going to go without the gift of a teacher – but because it was a great fun night!

How did the Academy prepare you for your life now?
Academically, the Academy taught me that I was responsible for my learning. As the saying goes, if it was to be, then it was up to me. I had to put in the time to study and grasp material, and if I didn’t understand—I need to seek out those who could help me develop the learning that I needed.

Socially, the Academy taught me that it was okay to be me. You can be a person that loves both Tupac and Alanis Morrissette. You can be a person who is devote in their faith, while learning to understand others. Moreover, it taught me to see the heart of people—not just their surface.

How do you stay involved and support the Academy?
Like many alumni, I’m a donor. In addition, I was the speaker for Commencement this past year. Finally, as often as I’m asked and am able, I participate in online recruiting efforts—whether it is through a conference call or sending a message. Going to Indiana Academy was a life changing decision for me—and I want to do what I can to support anyone else that is interested in the same kind of opportunity.