Campus Directory

Division Academic Affairs

Department/College/Unit Physical & Biological Sciences Division - Dean's Office

Title Executive Assistant

Affiliation Staff

Staff Type Academic

Primary Office Location Physical Sciences Building
Room 505

Office Hours for Students/ Office Hours In-Person: Monday through Thursday, 9AM to 5 PM. Virtual: Fridays, 9 AM to 5 PM.

Mail Stop PB Sci Deans Office

Biography, Education and Training

Jess Prudent is the Executive Assistant to the Dean of Physical & Biological Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she works at the intersection of leadership, strategy, and institutional impact. In this role, she partners closely with executive leadership to advance divisional priorities, manage complex operations, and support high-level decision-making that shapes the future of science education and research. With more than a decade of experience in higher education, Jess has held roles spanning campus programming, academic advising, and systems coordination, bringing a holistic understanding of institutional dynamics. A California native with Midwest roots, she is known for her collaborative, thoughtful approach and her ability to build trust while creating the conditions for teams and leaders to thrive.

Summary of Expertise

Jess brings over 12 years of experience in higher education, with demonstrated expertise in program development, project and operations management, database coordination, and cross-functional collaboration . She has led large-scale, campus-wide initiatives, managed complex data systems, and supervised diverse teams ranging from small proffesional staff teams to student-staff teams of 47 . Her work is grounded in strategic planning, data-informed decision-making, and inclusive practices that support student engagement and institutional effectiveness. Jess is particularly skilled in navigating high-stakes environments with professionalism and discretion, drawing on experience in academic advising and crisis-informed advocacy.

Research Interests

Jess’ professional interests center on organizational effectiveness within higher education, particularly the systems and structures that enable student success and institutional impact. She is interested in the role of data-informed decision-making in program development, the design of inclusive student engagement initiatives, and strategies for improving cross-functional collaboration across complex organizations. Her background in psychology and cognitive science informs her curiosity about human behavior, communication, and the ways individuals and systems interact within educational environments.

Teaching Interests

Jess is interested in teaching and mentoring in areas related to student development, leadership, and professional skill-building within higher education contexts. Her experience in academic advising and staff supervision informs her approach to supporting diverse learners, with an emphasis on practical skill development, critical thinking, and inclusive engagement. She is particularly interested in contributing to student success initiatives, leadership development programs, and experiential learning opportunities that connect theory to practice.

Awards, Honors and Grants

Jess has completed several professional development and certification programs that reflect her commitment to inclusive excellence and student support, including a Diversity & Inclusion Certificate Program, Mental Health First Aid training, and coursework on addressing microaggressions in the workplace . While her work is primarily operational and programmatic, her contributions have supported high-impact campus initiatives and student success programs across multiple institutions.