NEW PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

“I am honored to nominate Jessica Green for the New Professional of the Year Award. Jessica has been an integral member of the Accessibility and Testing (A&T) team, exemplifying professionalism, dedication, and commitment to student success. In just nine months in this position, Jessica has consistently exceeded the expectations of her role, going beyond the four corners of her job description, to enhance the mission and goals of the Division of Student Affairs. Her work directly contributes to fostering an inclusive academic environment for students with disabilities, particularly those enrolled in UGA’s professional schools.

Jessica is a homegrown professional who truly embodies the spirit of student-centered work. Her journey with UGA Student Affairs began as an undergraduate student employee at the Tate Student Center, where she gained firsthand experience in supporting campus programs and services. She then went on to serve as a graduate assistant in our Accommodated Testing office while earning her master’s degree in College Student Affairs Administration (CSAA), further solidifying her dedication to student engagement and success. These experiences have provided her with a deep understanding of student needs and have shaped her holistic, compassionate approach to her professional role.

Jessica’s approach to her responsibilities is exemplary. She manages a caseload of students with complex disabilities (including professional students and those who are deaf or hard of hearing), engaging in the interactive process to determine appropriate academic accommodations. Her ability to build respectful and trusting relationships with students, faculty, and colleagues ensures that accommodation needs are met effectively and equitably. Her strong communication skills allow her to navigate complex situations, including conflict resolution between students and faculty, with professionalism and empathy.

Beyond her primary responsibilities, Jessica has actively sought opportunities to contribute to the Division beyond her role. She has represented our office at various campus-wide initiatives, including Open House hours, the New Dawgs Resource Fair, and outreach tabling events. Additionally, she is one of my go-to people to deliver educational presentations to key campus partners, including with the UGA School of Pharmacy orientation and Housing’s social media team, reinforcing the importance of accessibility and accommodation services. These efforts reflect her dedication to expanding awareness and support for students with disabilities across campus.

Jessica’s technical expertise, particularly in the accommodated testing process, has positioned her as a resource within our office and among faculty members. She continually seeks professional development opportunities to remain informed about promising practices in disability services in higher education. This past October, she participated in comprehensive training to become an Academic Coach through the Office of Student Success and Achievement (OSSA). Her proactive approach to learning and collaboration in this area will no doubt lend her to being a successful academic coach for A&T graduate students to help them develop skills and strategies to support their academic journeys.

In summary, Jessica embodies the qualities that the New Professional of the Year Award seeks to recognize. She performs her job responsibilities in an exemplary manner, engages in initiatives beyond her position, positively impacts the Division and university community, and contributes meaningfully to the field of disability services. Her unwavering commitment to student success and her collaborative spirit make her an outstanding candidate for this honor.”