About Jenny Erickson

Jennifer “Jenny” Erickson is the Director of Student Recruitment at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, where she spends most of her days talking with prospective students about Harris Public Policy and UChicago, addressing questions, helping with the application process, and recruiting the right-fit individuals who will go on to make a positive impact on the public policy space. Jenny brings considerable student recruitment experience to Harris, developed in her previous positions at Benedictine University, where she managed graduate recruitment and then, international recruitment, as well as remote programs in China and Vietnam. Jenny has an MS in management and organizational behavior and a BA in English Language and Literature and Political Science, both from Benedictine University. In the summer, you can find Jenny enjoying the outdoor dining spots in Hyde Park, particularly at Medici on 57th.

“Whenever I’m talking with students about joining Harris, I take the opportunity to learn about their public policy interests, issues within their communities, and passions. As someone who is a political science graduate and cares deeply about policy, it’s special to be in a role where I get to learn about things I’m passionate and enthusiastic about from people who care to make a difference.”

Get to Know Jenny

When was the last time you felt inspired?

I feel inspired whenever I leave an event with Harris students. Talking with students who have experienced—professionally, personally, or academically—a public policy problem and rather than becoming disillusioned, are enthusiastic about taking those problems on, is inspiring.

Is there a book you have read recently that had an  impact on you?

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, by Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, has really stayed with me. He spoke at UChicago for MLK day in June of 2017. He has excellent credentials and could have gone on to practice any kind of law, but instead, he chose to advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable in the criminal justice system. For that, I really admire him.

What’s on your bucket list?

I want to do more traveling. I have done a lot for work, but I want to do more with my husband. We want to see the Great Barrier Reef. We definitely need to get there before it’s gone.

Ask Jenny About:

• Books (she loves to read and wants to know what you’re reading)

• Campus speakers

• Game of Thrones