Name: Jill Jokerst-Harter
Position/Institution: Director of Athletics/University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis (formerly St. Louis College of Pharmacy)
Number of years in your position: 16
Alma Mater(s): Nichols College, St. Louis University
Hometown: St. Louis
Institution Athletics Twitter Handle: @UHSPEutectics
1. Why did you become involved in the NAIA-ADA?
It's a great way to stay connected and on top of your game, plenty of educational opportunities!
2. What is your favorite part about being a member of the NAIA-ADA?
We're all in the same boat working at NAIA schools. Everyone is willing to share their knowledge and experience to help out a fellow AD.
3. What is the biggest challenge to working in a university environment?
Working at a university is a calling of service which means working lots of evenings and weekends. Finding opportunities to incorporate family and loved ones creates that sweet spot.
4. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?
Making the transition to offering athletic scholarships to our athletes and employing head coaches full-time in the process.
5. What is the most important skill you have developed in your career?
That's a tough one! I'd say receptiveness to ideas from wherever they come – students, coaches, even critics – and then incorporating them into the flow to consistently raise the bar.
6. Who has been the most influential person in your career?
Col. John Sullivan. He encouraged and supported my efforts when I was a new AD. His example of living as a servant leader inspires and informs my decision making. It's my goal to emulate his caring, thoughtful and loving approach to the work we do.
7. What is one item you purchased during quarantine that you recommend everyone purchase?
Outdoor patio heater, makes hosting chilly weather outdoor socially distant gatherings a lot more comfortable.
8. If you could plan a vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Cross country cycling through Europe would be my dream trip. It's easy to relax when you're physically exhausted at the end of the day!
9. What is your favorite sporting that event you have ever attended?
Second Round, Game 7 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Western Conference Championship – St. Louis Blues vs. Dallas Stars - OT win on a goal by hometown hero Pat Maroon.
10. Why/when did you decide to pursue a career in collegiate athletics?
My life has always revolved around sports, so when the opportunity presented itself to coach, and then later to be an administrator, I followed that passion.
11. In your mind, who in this industry can serve as a good role model?
So many to choose from but I'd say that Tom Smith at Missouri Baptist is an excellent role model.
12. How has your involvement with the NAIA-ADA influenced your career?
I've learned so much from my colleagues that I take back and apply to my own department. With such great professionals it's easy to discover best practices that work in our environment.
13. What educational or business experiences best prepared you for a career as an Athletics Director?
My stint as an Associate Director of a summer-long residential summer camp provided experience interviewing candidates for "right fit", supervising, training, and how to have fun while still doing your best during those long, long hours. Did I mention the amazing environment of the Minnesota Northwoods Region?
14. What challenges do you face when working with student-athletes?
Educating student-athletes and providing the appropriate level of transparency on decision making that impacts them and their experience.
15. Would you please explain a professional success and how you implemented it?
I implemented the first athletic scholarship program at my institution. After consulting with some respected peers, I worked with our VP for Marketing and Enrollment Services to develop a pro-forma to detail the investment and return that justified the initiative. It's been a game changer for our program.
16. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? What advice would you give to someone looking to become an NAIA Athletics Director?
The best advice I ever received is to not take yourself too seriously, we are overseeing people, coaching and playing games. The advice I'd give someone looking to become an NAIA AD would be take any and all opportunities, no matter how big or small to serve. You'll be surprised and what doors open to you!
17. What was your biggest professional blunder and how did you learned from it?
A scholarship was sent out with the wrong language and amount. It took a LOT of damage control and I learned to follow a "trust but verify" approach in my own work and those I supervise.
18. What is the best binge-worthy TV show during quarantine?
I don't watch a ton of TV, but I did watch a couple seasons of The Librarians.
19. What are you most looking forward to at the next NAIA or NACDA Convention?
Seeing my colleagues IN PERSON!
