Bio

An accomplished higher education leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing professional, continuing, and online education. Jennifer Hess has led transformative initiatives, developing nationally accredited programs, pioneering professional development opportunities, and forging partnerships across academic, workforce, and professional sectors. She brings expertise in strategic planning, academic partnership development, budget management, and workforce-aligned program innovation, with a proven record of building collaborative teams, securing accreditation, and expanding university outreach to professional audiences both locally and internationally.

Experience and Interests

Professional

• Founded the Institute for Behavioral Health & Wellness Training, establishing UW-Stevens Point as an internationally recognized continuing education provider for behavioral health practitioners.

Involvement

Campus

• UWSP Common Council Member (2020-Present)
• University Personal Development Committee (2018-2020)
• UWSP Campus-Wide Strategic Planning Committee (2007)
• UWSP Classified Staff Advisory Committee (2005-2007)

Community

• 2024 University Spirit of Community Service Award
• Portage County Business Council, Leadership Portage County (2018)

Professional

• Everything DiSC Certified Practitioner

Fun Facts

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A teacher by day and a ballerina by night (I never attended a ballet class though!)