Jessica Balisle
Administrative Specialist II OPT/KSMU
There are numerous ways to share our talents for the betterment of our community. OPT’s Administrative Specialist Jessica Balisle, has done just that! From voter education to science education Jessica takes the November Public Affairs Staff Spotlight.
Working for OPT/KSMU, Jessica has spent 11 years greeting and connecting with guests for the program “Making Democracy Work” which covers a variety of topics related to the Ozarks and democracy. These connections led to her volunteering with the League of Women Voters. Through the Voter Outreach Committee, she has been educating the community on voting rights and resources for the past two years.
A fun project Jessica recently coordinated was a friendly competition between “Springfield’s” in other states to increase voter registration. Jessica says she loves working with the LWV that allows her to gain impactful information to share with others and has allowed her to become the go-to resource for her friends and family.
In addition, Jessica teaches an archaeology class for elementary level students as part of the Professor Powers’ Science Symposium. This is a nonprofit children’s science program through MSU’s Center for Archaeological Research. Other volunteer activities have included such organizations as the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Ozarks Literacy Council and Ozarks Greenways.
Did we mention that Jessica plays bass guitar? From time to time you’ll see Jessica and her band rock out for charity shows and local fundraisers! As a citizen bear in action, we congratulate Jessica as is a shining example of living the public affairs mission.