Jessica Seabury

Jessica Seabury.

Photo credit: Jessica Seabury

Published September 16, 2020

Each month, we'll introduce you to an interesting member of the Professional Staff Senate. This month's featured member is Jessica Seabury, Senior Assistant Director in the University Honors College.

How long have you worked at UB?

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I started at UB in August 1996, so I am beginning my 25th year with the Honors College.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy working with and meeting new people. And as an Honors College academic advisor, I work with some of the brightest and most engaged students at UB. They are always challenging themselves academically and personally. I love hearing about their summer plans to do cutting-edge research, to study abroad across the globe or to do internships in their field. Then, when these students graduate and go on to pursue dynamic careers, I plan events for and with them as the Honors Alumni Coordinator.

What is the most difficult part about your job?

I feel fortunate to be in a position where my duties vary with the time of year, and I get to assist a new group of freshmen students each year. That said, I do feel that the issues and pressures that college students face have become more complex during my time in higher education. It is difficult to see some students struggle but I am glad to be in a position to assist them in connecting with UB’s many student success resources. 

What would you say is your biggest achievement at UB?

In 2019, I was named Outstanding Academic Advisor by the Undergraduate Advisement Council (UAC). The personal recognition and recommendations from my colleagues, students, alumni, and parents meant a lot to me.

Tell us something about your department that isn’t well known.

The Honors College isn’t just a freshman program! We also admit high-achieving transfer and current UB students twice a year through the Advanced Honors Program.

If you were to share some advice for other professional staff, what would it be?

Get involved! I wish someone had insisted that I participate in professional organizations like UUP, the PSS and UAC sooner, but this year I am listening to my own advice and taking a much more active role in all three.

Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?

I have run one marathon and eight half-marathons (including one in Paris, France). I love to travel and in the last few years have been lucky enough to visit places like Costa Rica, Jamaica, Colorado, California, Key West, Lyon, Paris, and Geneva. I am a big Buffalo booster, love the Sabres and the Bills, am a docent for Explore Buffalo and an aspiring amateur photographer.

Do you have a favorite meal you like to prepare?

It will never be as good as my mother’s or my grandmother’s, but I make a decent pot of Sunday sauce and meatballs.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would love to visit Italy and Ireland, particularly the places where my grandparents were born.

Any other fun facts about you?

I have two college-aged sons, and I think I am doing some of my best parenting right now, so it is no wonder I decided to work in higher education.