After serving Cobb students for 26 years, Dr. Jeanne Walker is taking the helm of Cobb Horizon High School and Cobb Online Learning Academy (COLA). During her last semester as principal of Campbell High School, Dr. Walker was named the 2022 Georgia Library Media Association (GLMA) Distinguished Administrator of the Year.
The veteran and award-winning educator will be only the second principal to have led Cobb Horizon and COLA.
“The facility at Cobb Horizon and COLA is a unique environment that continues to adapt and change as the programs grow. The staff is clearly dedicated to student success and provides incredible support for students and families. The level of wraparound services provided at Horizon/COLA are incredible,” Dr. Walker said.
In her Question-and-Answer section, Dr. Walker reveals her favorite memories from her decades of service, why she is looking forward to leading Cobb Horizon and COLA, how she defines student success, and where she spends time when school is out on a break.
Question: Why are you excited to serve the Cobb Horizon and COLA students, staff, and families as principal?
Answer: “Cobb Horizon and COLA are both innovative instructional models that provide educational options for Cobb students and families. Cobb Horizon has established itself as the premier alternative learning environment, so I look forward to seeing the program in action. It is exciting to be a part of a team that is dedicated to meeting students where they are and helping them reach their educational goals. I started my teaching career at an alternative high school, so it will be rewarding to return to that type of school.”
Question: What most impresses you about the students and school community at Cobb Horizon and COLA?
Answer: “The facility at Cobb Horizon and COLA is a unique environment that continues to adapt and change as the programs grow. The staff is clearly dedicated to student success and provides incredible support for students and families. The level of wraparound services provided at Horizon/COLA are incredible.”
Question: What can the school community expect to see under your leadership?
Answer: “I will continue to build upon the foundation of success established by Mr. Kelly and his team. I hope to grow the programs and expand opportunities for Horizon and COLA students both in and out of the classroom.”
Question: What does student success look like to you?
Answer: “I have always believed that student success starts with the path to graduation. My goal will be to ensure our students not only graduate in a timely manner, but also graduate with a pathway to a career or college. A focus on career-ready skills will help facilitate student success beyond the classroom.”
Question: What do you like most about being an educator, or what is your favorite memory as an educator?
Answer: “My favorite memories always center around celebrating students and staff for their achievements. Whether it is recognizing students for incremental growth or shaking hands at graduation, the opportunity to recognize others for their accomplishments makes me very happy.”
Question: Outside school, where might students, parents, or staff members run into you?
Answer: “You will see me out and about in the Smyrna area. My husband and I love the mountains and the beach and take every opportunity we can to get away to our favorite places.”
Question: Is there anything else you want the school community to know?
Answer: “I am here to serve the students, staff, and families of Cobb Horizon and COLA. I am committed to doing whatever it takes to help our students succeed.”
