(This is one of 20 profiles on the recipients selected by an anonymous committee out of an extensive list of nominees for the 2023 Rising Lincoln Leader Award. The Lincoln Parish Journal thanks Mayor Ronny Walker and the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for their support of this award. We would like to thank Kevin Hawkins at HawkinsPhoto.com for the headshots).
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Name: Jessica George
Age: 35
Employer: Louisiana Tech University, College of Business
Title: Executive Director of Student Services and Placement
Hometown: Emerson, Ark.
How long have you lived in Lincoln Parish: We moved to Ruston in August 2012
Civic-volunteer organizations: Wiggin’ Out, Board Member, 2012-2013, 2016-2019, Ruston Parks and Recreation, Volunteer Coach, 2021, 2023
Professional Highlights:
- 2020 Louisiana Tech University College of Business Innovation Award
- 2018 Louisiana Tech University Visionary Educator of the Year presented by Vantage (voted on by peers)
- In my role in the College of Business, I have collected and analyzed data from key constituents and built programs to improve students’ employment marketability, increasing placement by 11% from 2015. The College of Business undergraduate placement has risen to 98% six months post-graduation.
- I also plan and execute professional development programs such as the Diversity and inclusion in the Workplace virtual event (offered complimentary to students, employer partners, alumni and community members) with an attendance of up to 1,000 people across the U.S. and coordinate keynote speakers including chief inclusion officers from Deloitte, McDonald’s, Cadillac, Lowes, Southwest Airlines, Ford Motor Company, JP Morgan, and J.B. Hunt.
- Shark Tank contestant in 2013 with JesKa Shoe Company.
Marcia Dickerson on Jessica
Jessica has been an incredible contributor to Louisiana Tech since the day she arrived. She is full of good ideas, encourages and motivates her team, and is energetic in all that she does. Her work benefits our students, faculty, and alumni. And, no matter how busy she is, she always takes the time to help students one-on-one, even with the smallest things.
Jessica is such a valuable member of Lincoln Parish. Many of our College of Business students at Louisiana Tech pursue internships or want jobs in our community, and Jessica has been able to match them with local employers who want great talent. She’s helping to fight the brain drain that many Louisiana communities experience. Beyond that, she makes our community a better place by being the type of person who takes leadership roles when needed. From her volunteer work with Wiggin’ Out to coaching her young daughter’s sports teams, Jessica’s heart for service to others is evident.
Q&A with Jessica George
What makes Lincoln Parish special?
It represents a place where I’ve experienced personal growth, launched and grew my career, established friendships that will last a lifetime, and created a family. It holds a multitude of memories, milestones, and emotions, an integral part of my life’s story – Lincoln Parish is a truly special place our family proudly calls home.
How do you see your role in improving Lincoln Parish?
I connect talent to opportunity! My position in career services at the Louisiana Tech College of Business allows me to play a significant role in strengthening our local workforce. By facilitating meaningful connections between students and employers, I have the privilege to actively contribute to the growth and prosperity of this community.
Who has played a pivotal role in your professional development and why?
Marcia Dickerson has been a guiding light in my professional growth. Recognizing my potential early on, she took a chance by hiring me at Louisiana Tech, altering the trajectory of my career and establishing the foundation for our life in Ruston. Her continuous inspiration and unwavering encouragement have been instrumental in shaping the person I have become.
