Jess Guthrie, SACE

February 1, 2022

Jess Guthrie is the assistant director for Community Engagement (SACE) and arrived at UTHSC October 2021. While she grew up in Houston and has lived all over here and there in the continental United States, she (and her husband) have lived in Memphis for three years, and never want to leave! Jess’s creativity includes a master’s in Fine Arts from the University of Georgia. Her professional journey to UT included freelance costume design and construction in Atlanta and an adjunct position at Spelman College, a women’s liberal arts college also in Atlanta. Additionally, she was the costume shop manager at Minnesota State University where she was responsible for costume construction of 17 productions a year. She took a few years off to raise her children (yet another full time post!) Jess discovered she missed working with students and accepted a position as costume faculty at Simpson College in Indianola, IA. A fun fact about Jess is that when her husband and she relocated to Memphis (he teaches at UofM), there wasn’t a best career move for Jess, so she worked as a store artist for Trader Joe’s in Germantown and helped to open it in 2018. All that shelf and display signage is hand made by a small team of artists. Nothing is computer generated. Trader Joe’s partnered with the Neighborhood Shares program.  That experience allowed Jess to talk with many volunteers – particularly those addressing food insecurity in Shelby County. That networking led Jess to the Appling Cove vaccination site. While volunteering onsite, she was immediately impressed by the UTHSC students, faculty, and staff.  She wasn’t looking for a new job, but when she saw this position, it was a perfect fit. Jess emphasizes that her work in SACE not only aligns with her values but allows her to continue working with students…without having to grade anything.  Jess is passionate about trying new foods and if you are ever looking for a lunch buddy to try something new, give her call! Jess also warns that if you ever see her without a cup of coffee, something is probably wrong…We salute Janice in her sophisticated abilities to relate well to both processes and people!

Please welcome Jess to the creative folks (art and beyond) that are AFSA!