Jan. 10, 2023

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Jessica Carlson, the assistant director of the Thomas Kilian Academic Success Center at the University of Sioux Falls.

Name: Jessica Carlson

Age: 34

Hometown: Lake Andes

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

My husband and I met at SDSU – Go Jacks! – and he is originally from Sioux Falls, so we always had plans of moving back to Sioux Falls after graduating from college. It was a bit of an adjustment at first as I grew up in a small town of only 800 people, but over the years, I’ve learned to successfully navigate the interstates and have grown to love the variety and fast pace of Sioux Falls.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

We live just outside of Sioux Falls, and we appreciate the combination of opportunities, amenities and entertainment that are just minutes away. In addition, both of our families live nearby, so it is a blessing for our kids to be able to grow up around family.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I love assisting our students in matching their skills and interests to majors and career fields, and helping them decipher their passions and career goals. It is always gratifying when a student is accepted to their top choice of graduate school program or lands their dream job!

How did you get connected to your industry?

During my senior year of college, I had the opportunity to complete an internship within the admissions office at SDSU, which exposed me to the world of higher education for the first time. Since then, I have worked at several institutions in various realms of higher education for the past 12 years.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Family, community, faith.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I have a variety of personal hobbies, including running, woodworking, crocheting and playing the piano.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Our family makes a conscious effort to donate food items regularly to local food pantries. Many children and families in our area are food insecure, including college students. Hunger and lack of access to adequate food can have a direct impact on physical and mental health, and can directly impact one’s ability to grow, learn and develop.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

The organizer in me would love to see an Ikea or a Container Store in Sioux Falls.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

If I had $1 million, I would start a local nonprofit business to provide housing solutions, resources and services to LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.