My name is Jesse Plichta Kellar. I am currently a rising senior at Longwood University, and a member of the Cormier Honors College. While I was originally a Computer Science major, I have since switched to History with a Concentration in Public History and later added a second major in German.

Although I am originally from Virginia Beach, I spent my middle and high school years in New Jersey. I returned to Virginia for college, after touring several schools and deciding on Longwood. Since then, I’ve changed majors, found lifelong friends, joined a sorority, and made a name for myself on campus. I have studied abroad twice (once last summer and another upcoming) and have arranged an internship doing research next semester at Bear Creek Lake State Park.

In my time at Longwood, I have served on numerous executive boards for a variety of organizations, excelled academically, and helped found two organizations.

From August 2016 to March 2019 I was a member of the Rotunda news staff and from September 2018 to March 2019 I was on the editorial board. From April 2017 to May 2018 I was secretary of the Beyond the Numbers, an organization that serves at-risk youth in Farmville.

Currently, I am the secretary of my sorority, Gamma Rho Lambda (Chi Chapter) and Alumni Outreach Officer. I also was a new member educator for spring semester 2019, and the delegate to the national sorority from April 2018-December 2018.

I have maintained the GPA appropriate for a Honors student, and have been inducted into several honors societies including Phi Kappa Phi, Delta Alpha Phi, and Phi Alpha Theta. I have also received the Joan of Arc Medallion (2019) and the Excellence in Research Award (2019). Additionally, I have begun presenting my work at conferences. I have also lead leadership related workshops for my peers, including one at a Women’s Empowerment Conference.

I’ve also founded the Jewish Culture Club (SGA recognized November 2017) and helped found the Lego Club (SGA recognized April 2019). I am currently the president of the JCC and vice president of the Lego Club. The JCC has received multiple awards under my leadership and hosted well-attended events.

After graduation in May 2020, I intend to take a gap year before going to graduate school to seek an M.A. in public history or museum studies.