Jane (Hess) Collins-Alumni Spotlight

In this week's Alumni Spotlight, we're catching up with alumna Jane (Hess) Collins, class of 1976

What are you doing now?

I graduated from the University of Dayton in 1980 with a degree in education then joined the United States Air Force, retiring in 2009 at the rank of colonel. It was a fantastic career and overall experience with challenging opportunities, far-flung travel, and enduring friendships. Post-military I founded/directed the nonprofit organization Heard (http://heardnova.org). Heard contracts with a variety of artists to bring creativity and life skills to people in need. I also work with the Ohio Arts Council to coach Ohio communities through addressing their community issues by using local artists. Logan County was one of those communities, and they launched "Stress Less!" in September 2023. I’m learning makeup artistry now and gathering makeup artists, hair stylists, and photographers to create makeover events for women in need in or near Alexandria, Virginia under the name “seenbyjane.” I completed the Coco Rocha Model Camp in New York and will eventually integrate modeling and seenbyjane into one umbrella where all women see their unique beauty. I hold three master’s degrees: Public Administration from Troy State University, Strategic Studies from Air War College, and Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University. In July 2006 life became magical when I met my future husband Mike Collins. We married in October 2007 and within a year I was a grandmother! We have six grandkids now and love spending time with them as well as traveling throughout the world.

How did BCS prepare you for this role?

BHS is part of the entire Bellefontaine community, and I think growing up in a small midwestern town is the best education anyone can receive. We looked out for each other. I remember teachers pulling me aside to ask me in confidence about the well-being of other students they were concerned about. BHS had so many extra-curricular activities that helped us find new expressions of ourselves and think that availability is critical as students mature into adults and decide the direction of their lives.

What is your advice for current Chieftains?

Trust, believe in, and love yourself. Listen to your inner voice. It’s a cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason. If others are saying negative things about you or to you, discern whether there’s anything instructive for you to learn from, but otherwise (99 percent of the time), ignore it and ignore them. Be you.

Who at BCS inspired you?

Mrs. Hanaway, my fifth-grade teacher at (the former) Northeastern Elementary School. She was just so sweet and nice and kind to all of us. I ran into her about 15 years ago at the Bellefontaine Kentucky Fried Chicken and she still remembered me.

What was your favorite memory from your time at BCS?

Belonging to Drama Club and performing outlandish characters. It was so much fun to perform and make people laugh, and it was incredibly freeing to toss the guardrails aside.

What was your favorite meal in the cafeteria?

The Cherry Pie!

Are you an alumnus of Bellefontaine City Schools?  If so, we'd love to hear from you!
We're excited to hear about your accomplishments and are eager to share your successes and advice with our current students, families, and the Bellefontaine community. Please take a few minutes to complete the quick questionnaire at: https://www.bcs-k12.org/about/alumni/alumni-spotlight regarding your current position and your career 
Thanks, and we look forward to hearing all your wonderful stories!