John Jensen Named Director of Career Development at Washington and Lee
John Jensen has been named director of Career Development and associate dean of students at Washington and Lee University. Sidney Evans, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, announced the appointment, which begins on Jan. 1, 2014. He has worked at W&L since 2011 as assistant dean in the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics.
“John has done such fine and innovative work with all of our students in his time at the Williams School,” said Evans. “Combining that experience with his background in the business world, he brings fresh energy and vision to his new position. All of us in Student Affairs are pleased to welcome him as a colleague.”
In his post at the Williams School, Jensen worked with faculty and deans to coordinate student-centered initiatives encompassing co-curricular programs, such as the AdLib Conference on advertising and liberal arts, and the Venture Club for students interested in entrepreneurship. He has also worked on professional development, internships, alumni outreach and international opportunities.
“I am very excited about this incredible opportunity and would like to thank Sidney Evans for her confidence in me,” said Jensen, a 2001 graduate of W&L. “In addition, I cannot thank enough Larry Peppers, Crawford Family Dean of the Williams School, for bringing me and my family back to Lexington two years ago. I have enjoyed working with students and faculty in the Williams School, as well as our amazing alumni, parents and friends of the University. I am excited to continue improving those relationships while expanding my outreach to every student on campus. I am thrilled to be able to do full time what I’m passionate about: helping our students connect with the best possible post-graduate options available to them.”
“In his two years in the Williams School, John Jensen has done an outstanding job in supporting co-curricular initiatives that have provided exciting opportunities for students across the campus,” said Larry Peppers. “He has also been particularly creative in building bridges to alumni and parents in order to generate internship opportunities for students. He will do a great job.”
“John Jensen brings a deep appreciation of the value of the liberal arts to his new role,” said Suzanne Keen, dean of the College and Thomas Broadus Professor of English. “From the moment he began in the Williams School, he strove to include College students and to reach out to College faculty, because he understands the skills and abilities that liberal arts students bring to the workplace. He has a gift for communicating with employers about the unique capacities of W&L students.”
Before coming to W&L in 2011, Jensen served as a director of global equities for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. During his 10 years with that firm, he lived in London and New York, working as a sales trader covering European and Canadian institutions. He also recruited interns for Bank of America from W&L and many other top colleges.
A European history major at W&L, Jensen has been an active alumnus. He served as vice president of the New York City alumni chapter, chaired the New York City Fancy Dress committee, and belonged to the Alumni Admissions Program. He has been a class agent and co-chaired his 10th reunion committee.
Jensen and his wife, Lauren Stearns Jensen, a 2002 W&L graduate, have two children: Jack, 7, and Grace, 2.
