Jess Gazzola

Jess was that kid teachers like to nominate for leadership positions.  After many years of over-responsibility and seven years pastoring a St. Louis church, Jess sought to find a way out of the spotlight.  She found resonance in the words of Robin Pecknold, “I’d rather be a functioning cog in some great machinery serving something beyond me” (Fleet Foxes, “Helplessness Blues,” 2011).

Jess’ circuitous path allowed her to be parent, community organizer, baker, gardener, and along the way she co-founded a co-op of ecofeminist spiritual leaders.  She wasn’t always sure where she was headed but learned that sharing a freshly baked muffin can be a sacred act. 

In November of 2024 Jess was thrilled to join Washington University Arts & Sciences Academic & Administrative Cluster.  She finds it incredibly satisfying supporting world-class scholarship in a community that values diversity and inclusion. 

Though her path was not straight, she gathered experiences that bear on this place she finds herself, feeling very at home supporting the mission and work of the John & Penelope Biggs Department of Classics.

B.S., Marquette University, 2004; M.Div., Eden Theological Seminary, 2007