Meet the Team

Brittany Allensworth

Director

Brittany is a first generation, Federal Pell Grant recipient, and alumna of Purdue University and Horizons Student Support Services. After graduating from Purdue University with a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Supervision and a minor in Psychology, she went on to work in Corporate America as a Human Resources and Talent Acquisition professional for several years before making the decision to return to school. Brittany later graduated with an M.S. in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana State University.

Brittany began her professional higher education career here at Purdue University and served as a College Success Advisor in University Undergraduate Academic Advising. In this role, she worked diligently on the MAAPS Study, an initiative of the University Innovation Alliance funded by a First in the World grant. Brittany used proactive and analytics-based advising to remove academic, personal, and financial barriers to the retention, persistence, and timely graduation of first generation and low-income students. Most recently, Brittany served in the role of Student Support Specialist in the Office of the Dean of Students where she provided support and interventions to students from diverse backgrounds, assessed unique needs, and issued referrals to appropriate campus and community resources.

As a Horizons alumna, Brittany wholeheartedly believes in the positive impact the program has on its students. Her interactions with Horizons staff as a student has fundamentally shaped the ways in which she shows up as a professional. Brittany aims to empower students to control their own narratives, celebrate the wins, grow through adversity, and never stop working to become the best versions of themselves.

Brent Roach

Program Coordinator

Brent earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Chemistry and Biology from Greenville University. While at Greenville, he served as a Resident Assistant in the Department of Residence Life and worked as a Teaching Assistant for biology courses. He continued developing his passion for teaching while pursuing a Master of Science in Chemistry at Purdue University, serving as a Teaching Assistant for chemistry courses in both the College of Science and the College of Pharmacy.

With extensive experience in teaching and mentoring, Brent has a deep understanding of the challenges students face in STEM disciplines. As a Horizons Program Coordinator, he is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment that promotes students’ academic success and professional growth.

Samantha Gunther

Senior Administrative Assistant

Samantha is a native of the Greater Lafayette Area and spent many summers attending camps and activities at Purdue. With her experience as a first-generation college student and Federal Pell Grant recipient, she understands the challenges faced by students in similar positions.

Her professional career includes various office management and training roles, honing her skills in problem-solving and leadership. Samantha is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment to help students thrive in their academic and personal endeavors.

Jeshua Aponte Matos

Communication and Engagement Assistant

Jeshua Aponte Matos is a senior majoring in Public Relations & Strategic Communication and Accounting, with a minor in Philosophy. He aspires to become a lawyer after graduation.

During his time at Purdue, he has actively sought ways to get involved with Horizons. He has served as a Student Leader and Peer Mentor, treasurer of the Horizons Student Support Club (HSSC), participated in the Global Leadership study abroad program, and took part in the Serve901 Alternative Spring Break. In the wider campus community, he has served as President of Boiler Communication, an Editorial & Research intern for the Center for C-SPAN, a Boiler Gold Rush Team Leader, and a Dean’s Ambassador with the College of Liberal Arts.