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Getting to Know You: Dr. Jessica Rick

July 6, 2021

Dr. Jessica Rick, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, has spent the last five years sharing her passion for organizational communication with USI students.  

Originally from Wahpeton, North Dakota, Rick received her bachelor's degree in communication studies, international studies and Spanish from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  After graduating, she packed her bags and headed to Spain where she taught English for six months. When she returned to North Dakota, she worked at Microsoft for six months and received her master's from North Dakota State University in speech communication before moving to Missouri to earn her doctorate in organizational communication from the University of Missouri. Rick now lives in the Evansville area with her two daughters, a 4-month-old and a 2-year-old, and her husband, a software developer.  

Some may think that in between teaching, researching and taking care of her daughters, Rick may not have a lot of free time, but there may be a few interests she has that surprise you. Let's get to know more about Dr. Jessica Rick.

What initially drew you to USI?  

When I was applying for jobs, there weren't a lot of organizational communication jobs available (the academic job market is weird). But when I saw the call for the USI job, I told my partner that I think I found my job. I was looking for a smaller school that had a good communication program at the undergrad and master's levels. It was also driving distance(ish) to home. But when I visited campus, it was the people who really surprised me-and how nice campus looked. I had great conversations with students, faculty and staff. I remember leaving the interview knowing it was a great fit for me. 

What made you interested in communication studies?  

As a freshman, I was majoring in international studies, thinking I wanted to work as an ambassador someday. I loved learning about other cultures and traveling. However, the more I got into the major, the more I realized something was missing. I had to take a communication class as a general education requirement, and I really liked the class. It was a different way to understand culture and language. I was learning linguistics in my Spanish classes, but communication studies helped me understand why those linguistic differences mattered and how important our daily communication is to our lived experiences. I took a class my last semester on social identity and knew I wanted to continue learning more about identity, communication and organizations. Now, I get to spend my days researching and teaching those things that interested me as an undergrad student. 

What is your favorite teaching moment?  

My favorite class I've taught was a senior seminar on identity in the workplace. In that class, I had students create artifacts for their final projects. The creativity of those projects was outstanding. Students created clothing, board games, videos, artwork, PSAs, plays and trainings. I still have some of the artifacts in my office. It was an amazing class, and I was blown away by our students.   
 
Are you more of a traveler or a homebody?  

Both. I love traveling, and I thought I wanted to live and work abroad while I was in college. But during my study abroad in Mexico, I realized I have a travel bug, but don't want to actually live abroad. I love being at home too. I like a good mix of traveling (my favorite city in the world is Seville in Spain) and staying at home with a good book.  
 
What is something most people don't know about you?  

I'm obsessed with the Olympics, and my dream job is to work for the International Olympic Committee. Growing up, I was sure I was going to be an Olympian someday (in gymnastics). I cannot wait for the Tokyo games to start!  

I play a lot of fantasy football. My husband and I spend a lot of time watching fantasy football shows and listening to podcasts. Last year, I was in seven leagues and won two of them!  
 
What would you title the current chapter of your life?  

Toy Story All Day Everyday. My 2-year-old is obsessed with Toy Story. We watch the movies and shorts on Disney+ on repeat all day long, every day. Thankfully she goes to daycare, so I get short breaks from it, but I probably know all four movies by heart at this point. It's better than the baby shark phase she was in a few months ago.   

What do you like to do in your free time?  

In my free time I like to read, play golf and spend time with my family.  
 
Tell me about some hobbies of yours.  

In Evansville, I'm part of the Junior League of Evansville (JLE) where I am the chair of the Membership Arrangements and Training committee. It's a women's leadership and volunteer organization. I love volunteering with JLE by making and handing out free lunches to school children in low-income areas and working the SNAP booth at the Franklin Street Bazaar on Saturday mornings. I'm also in a book club and love getting together once a month with them. 

If you could give students one piece of advice, what would it be?  

Just one? I always tell students three things: get involved, study abroad and remember instructors/professors are people too.   

This Getting to Know You feature was written by Tobi Clark, Student Worker in University Communications.

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