DAHLONEGA – The University of North Georgia has announced John Thomas (JT) Horton as the Director of Development, Athletics where he will play a pivotal role in elevating Nighthawk athletics through strategic donor engagement and external fundraising initiatives.
 
Most recently, JT was Director of Facilities and Assistant Athletic Director at Christian Heritage School in Dalton.  
 
Horton brings a wealth of broad experience to the position, including the perspective as both a college student-athlete (Golf at Berry 1996-1999) and as a NCAA Division I golf coach (Conference USA Coach of the Year at Tulane 2009 & 2010.)
 
Horton was also the inaugural head women's golf coach at Clemson from 2011 to 2016 and Director of the Hamilton Spine Health and Sport Golf Performance Center in Dalton four years beginning in 2017.

"I am honored to be joining the Development Team and Athletic Department at the University of North Georgia," stated Horton. "UNG is a prestigious leader in Division II athletics, dedicated to offering a valued experience to student-athletes, fans, and the North Georgia community and I am eager to make a positive impact in the lives of student-athletes and coaches as they work towards achieving excellence on a national level."
 
His primary responsibilities at UNG include identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors and prospective donors to support Nighthawk athletics through various channels such as major gifts, capital investments, planned giving, grants and corporate sponsorships.
 
Collaborating closely with the University Advancement and Athletics teams, Horton will be the driving force to secure crucial financial support for our 225+ student-athletes across 13 sports with the mission of advancing the university's strategic goals and enhance the athletic programs that are such a vital part of our community.
 
Additionally, Horton will provide oversight of the Nighthawks Athletic Club, our annual giving fundraising arm. His leadership in this area will ensure that not only will our athletic programs receive the necessary resources to thrive, but will help us become the most competitive, value-added DII athletics program in the nation.