Jessica Young

Jessica Young, Ph.D. is a leader in science and an agent of change, with a passion for educating young minds. Having served as both a faculty member and in senior administrative roles, she was appointed by President Baca to the position of Provost beginning July 1, 2022.

The provost serves as the second-highest administrative position at Western, focused on internal operations. Baca described Young as “first among equals” in the senior leadership team. Young said she hopes to create a culture at Western that is appealing to students of all backgrounds.

Young first came to Western in 1988 to study the local sage grouse which she ultimately helped identify as a new species, the Gunnison Sage Grouse.