Whether it’s your first year at Grier in the younger grades or you are returning for your senior year, you have most likely run into Grier’s new college counselor, Mr. Jon Shelton. There is a high likelihood you have seen him busy at work in the new College Counseling room, preparing our seniors for the upcoming college application season.
The 2025-2026 school year is Mr. Shelton’s first year at Grier. He joins us from The Kiski School, where he also worked as a college counselor, along with coaching football. When asked about his transition to Grier, Shelton stated, “I thought it would be a cool experience to be at an all-girls school after 4 years at an all-boys school. It’s a complete 180.”
At Grier, Mr. Shelton has already found a strong community and opportunities around campus. Besides being a college counselor, he takes the field as the Grier Foxes’ assistant soccer coach and greets day students in the morning in the Welcome Home Cabin.
As Grier School’s College Counselor, Mr. Shelton’s days consist of holding weekly one-on-one meetings with each senior. In addition, seniors are given time on Sundays to work on college applications with Mr. Shelton and with Ms. Barr, Dean of Academics and the other half of Grier’s college counseling team. These meetings provide seniors with the time to discuss their college lists, work on the common application, and write their many college essays. The college counseling program provides Grier’s students with the support they need at this pivotal time in their lives. Mr. Shelton is here to provide this help, guiding girls into their futures.
However, Mr. Shelton did not always want to be a college counselor. “I think when I was seven, I dreamed of being a race car driver,” said Mr. Shelton. However, throughout his years, he chose the path of helping others find their path–what they want to do, and where they want to do it.
This career has happily led him here, to Birmingham, Pennsylvania. Mr. Shelton lives on Grier’s campus with his dog, Jack. “My dog is my hobby,” Mr. Shelton said, “but I also enjoy traveling.”
For Mr. Shelton, the switch from the Kiski School to the Grier School has been more than just a change of scenery; it’s been an opening experience for him and a chance to understand teaching from new perspectives. Grier is an eye-opening opportunity for everyone, and it seems that Mr. Shelton is fitting into Grier’s curious community perfectly.
