Meet Dr. Jes Thompson, a Northern Michigan University alumna (’01), current Public Relations (PR) professor at Northern, and adviser to NMU’s EcoReps student organization.
Why did you decide to work at NMU? / Why did you decide to live in Marquette?
Jes: First, my husband applied for a tenure-track position in the Math & Computer Science department. Two weeks later I learned that my undergraduate advisor (Karen Rybacki) was retiring and that NMU was hiring two PR professors. Honestly, I had my dream job at Colorado State University, but I knew it would be special to come back to NMU. I immediately applied. We had our fingers crossed that we'd both get interviews... and then we both got job offers. For me, coming back to Marquette was easy. It's one of the most spectacular places in our country.
What are you involved in within the university as well as outside of campus?
Jes: I'm involved with all things climate change! I serve on the county's Climate Adaptation Task Force and I coordinate the Northern Climate Network. I also advise the NMU EcoReps and serve on the University's Sustainability Advisory Council. I'm on the Board of Directors for the regional non-profit, Michigan Energy Options and I serve on numerous advisory and editorial boards across the country. In April 2020 my second book, which is a collaboration with colleagues across the country, will come out. The book is about all of the things we learn at our National Parks.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy?
Jes: I love to spend time with my family and friends. We spend our summers camping and canoeing and this time of year we are getting geared up to ski - that's actually the reason I came to NMU as an undergraduate - to ski. These days, my favorite place to ski is on the trails out my back door.
Further comments on your NMU experience:
Jes: NMU is special because you get access to world-class opportunities and everyone who's here - wants to be here - so that brings an invigorating energy to the place.
Advice for current students?
Jes: Get outside! Play hard! Work hard! You won't regret getting the most out of every day you're here.
Tell us your story in three sentences.
Jes: Inspired by the Lake and the hills, I knew I wanted to integrate my passion for the environment with my communication and collaboration skills. I graduated from NMU in 2001 and went to the University of Utah where I earned my master's and doctoral degrees in environmental communication and met my husband. In 2012, we decided to raise our family and our careers here at NMU; we've been happy here ever since.