Helping students navigate the academic curriculum and the culture of Knowlton is no small feat, but Jessica Baer-Graves has made a career of it—and won the appreciation and admiration of students, faculty, and fellow staff. Now, her leadership, resourcefulness, and creativity, have been formally recognized with a 2023 Distinguished Staff Award, the highest honor bestowed upon staff at Ohio State. The Distinguished Staff Award annually honors staff members for their outstanding achievements, service, leadership, and dedication to Ohio State, as well as their demonstration of the university’s shared values.

“I am continually inspired by our students. Knowlton is a special place!” said Baer-Graves. “Some of the kindest, most creative, driven, thoughtful, and engaged students I have ever known call Knowlton home. Our students have helped create a community here—and I am so grateful to be part of that experience.”

After serving as the Architecture, Landscape and City Scholars Manager and Knowlton Honors Director for ten years, Baer-Graves was promoted to Academic Program Services Manager last year. In the lead-up to her oversight of Student Services operations, Baer-Graves handled additional responsibilities for student advising and graduation processing requirements when the team was going through a staffing transition. Today, Baer-Graves is responsible for the management of Knowlton School Student Services, coordinating undergraduate recruitment, and serving as the school’s career services contact.

In addition to her managing and advising duties, Baer-Graves has been a leader in promoting a diverse and inclusive student community at the Knowlton School. She made notable contributions to the school’s goal of making the undergraduate architecture admissions process more equitable. When the recently formed Knowlton BIPOC Peer Mentor Program needed support during the autumn semester of 2022, Baer-Graves stepped in to serve as an advisor. To aid in the alleviation of students living with food insecurity, Baer-Graves initiated the Knowlton Food Pantry, a program that continues to strengthen the bonds of the school community.

“Jessica has been my advisor and instructor over the years, but she has become more than that—she has become a mentor,” said Hima Gobburu, a senior architecture student. “As I reflect on my years at Ohio State, I cannot help but think about how pivotal Jessica has been for me. She has always been someone that I could talk to and I really look up to her. Her kindness, courage, and hardworking spirit are really impactful.”