Meet R5 Board Member Jes Takla

Jes Takla, Student Affairs Partnering with Academic Affairs KC Representative
Director of Residential Programs
Pacific Lutheran University
[email protected]
@jestakla
Years in the Profession: 9

Why did you get into student affairs?


Like many, I became a Resident Advisor (RA) in my undergraduate experience as a way to get more involved on-campus. As I grew to love this work more and more, I learned that Student Affairs was a profession that would be a great fit for me. Even after all these years, it is my passion to work with students in co-curricular educational settings to provide opportunities for learning beyond the classroom!

What do you find meaningful in your work?

I am an avid, life-long learner. I love that co-curricular learning opportunities often inspire learning outside the classroom for students, igniting in them a passion for practical application of knowledge and community engagement. Learning and growing together with students and colleagues every day is what brings meaning to my work.

What are you doing to ensure equity and inclusion are part of your everyday practice?
Creating an environment that promotes equity and inclusion is essential to cultivating belonging. I'm passionate about social justice and the more I learn, the more I realize there is to learn! I make it a daily part of my practice to read articles/books, to listen to stories of students, colleagues, and friends outside of work, and to reflect on new information gained about experiences of systems of oppression, privileges I have, and how I can work to influence or create spaces for greater equity and inclusion at my institution and in my communities beyond PLU.

If you didn't go into student affairs, what profession do you think you would have chosen and why?

I would have loved to work with a non-profit arts organization. My undergraduate degree is a BFA and I've always loved the power of art to transform individuals and communities.

What would a non-student affairs friend say about you?

She's pretty intense, but you can tell cares a lot about her work.

If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?

Telepathy so that I can more deeply understand and connect with others.

What is your favorite non-work weekend activity?

Going for long walks with friends and my pup.

Anything else we should know about you?

I'm excited to be the new NASPA Region V SAPAA KC Representative and looking forward to connecting with other SAPAA members in this region!