This is part of a series of Q&As introducing faculty who have joined the College of Health Sciences for the 2024–25 academic year. Meet all of our new faculty members.

Jessica Hosey

Assistant teaching professor, Department of Health Sciences

What classes are you teaching this semester?

I will be teaching Introduction to The Research Process and Evidence Base and Health Care Organization and Leadership.

Tell us about yourself. What is your background?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from MU and completed my master’s degree in human resource management in 1999 while working as a manager in retail. I began working at MU in 2004, with a focus on human resources and organizational processes. In 2019, I started working on my doctorate and learning more about the institutional processes surrounding education, leadership and staff retention. In July 2023, I earned my doctorate in educational leadership.

What brought you to Mizzou? To your field?

I came to Mizzou as a student in 1994. The University and the community of Columbia began to feel like home quickly. It was in 2004 when I began my employment with MU. Through that employment, I began to fully witness the value that leadership and institutional organization can have on staff, students and the community.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I enjoy learning about people and what has inspired them on their journey. There is nothing I enjoy more than helping those people learn what they need to achieve their goals.

What has you excited for this semester?

It will be great to meet the new and returning students coming to DHS.

What is a fun hobby or activity that you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles with my cats. The cats add a challenging element to puzzle piece management.

What is a particularly memorable moment from your time teaching?

I’m relatively new to classroom teaching, but I have extensive experience in leading trainings and orientations. My favorite memory is being approached after a new student orientation by a student who was new to Missouri from the East Coast. He told me I was exactly what he imagined when he thought of “midwestern friendly.” I’ll put this in the funny and unforgettable categories. It was a great compliment.

What is your hidden talent?

I am very good at Ms. Pac-Man.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?

“You’ve got to know when to hold ’em; Know when to fold ’em; Know when to walk away; And know when to run.” –The Gambler