Jessie Gardner - Executive Senior Associate AD, Leadership and Culture Development/SWA - Staff Directory

Staff Directory

Jessie Gardner

Title:
Executive Senior Associate AD, Leadership and Culture Development/SWA
Email:
Phone:
940-369-8018
Alma Mater:
Central Florida, 2008

Jessie Gardner joined the UNT Family in October 2021. She currently serves as Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Leadership and Culture Development and the department's Senior Woman Administrator.

Her responsibilities of the position include managing and fostering the holistic development of all Mean Green student-athletes, supporting the culture and leadership development of Athletics staff and coaches, and representing UNT within the American Athletic Conference. Additionally, Gardner provides oversight for Academic Student Services and Compliance, and supports UNT’s volleyball team as Sport Program Administrator. She also serves on the University of North Texas System's Values Council.

Gardner came to UNT after serving the previous seven-plus years as Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Enhancement at Alabama. While in Tuscaloosa, she created the D.R.I.V.E. For Success Career & Leadership Development program in 2014. She oversaw total operation of the program, and in 2015, added direction of the Life Skills & Community Outreach initiatives. The Crimson Tide D.R.I.V.E. for success program encourages Dedication, Responsibility, Influence, Vision, and Excellence. She was responsible for the organization and execution of all programs and events, as well as engaging athletics, campus, and community resources for support.

Gardner was also responsible for the design, coordination, and implementation of the Emerging Tide Leaders Academy. She also led in the organization and execution of all efforts related to the annual Alabama Athletics achievement show. Additionally, she served as the primary advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. In this role, she oversaw the implementation and execution of support programs focused on the total-person development of student-athletes, established vision, goals and strategies while supporting collaborative initiatives with alumni, conference constituents, and professional organizations. Gardner also designed, coordinated and facilitated leadership training and development and served as the primary advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, leading in the organization and execution of all efforts related to the annual Alabama Athletics achievement show. Additionally, she served on the Administrative Staff, Letterwinner Association Executive Board, 1st and Ten Club Board, and the Ideation & Innovation Committee.

Gardner began her career in collegiate athletics as Life Skills Coordinator at Nebraska from 2011-14, where she assisted in administering proactive education fostering the successful acclimation to the university while promoting the total person concept through comprehensive resources in an effort to best prepare student-athletes for life after sports. Her focus areas included personal development, professional development, community service, and leadership.

A former soccer student-athlete and three-time graduate of UCF, she earned two Master's degrees through the DeVos Sports Business Management program after completing her undergraduate degree in Orlando. Jessie is an active member of Women Leaders in College Sports and The National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A). She is a trained facilitator in the areas of gender violence education/prevention and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging through the Institute of Sport and Social Justice. Gardner is also a trained DiSC Facilitator through the NCAA.