Dr. Jessica Wildfire - Executive Director of Student-Athlete Development - Staff Directory

Staff Directory

Dr. Jessica Wildfire

Title:
Executive Director of Student-Athlete Development
Email:
Phone:
(865) 974-1250

Jessica Wildfire joined Tennessee Athletics in the fall of 2018 and currently serves as the executive director for student-athlete development. In her role, Wildfire oversees day-to-day operations and programming for the student-athlete development unit including leadership development (SAAC), community engagement, personal enhancement and career development. Jessica also oversees all academic and co-curricular components of the VOLeaders Academy.

Prior to joining Tennessee Athletics, Wildfire spent more than four years in the UT Division of Student Life, most recently serving as director of the Center for Leadership and Service.

Her earlier experience includes roles at Appalachian State University and Brevard College, where she focused on community engagement, alternative break programs and multicultural programming.

Originally from North Carolina, she earned her bachelor’s degrees in religion and history from Mars Hill University, where she was also a member of the basketball team.

She holds a master’s degree in college student development from Appalachian State University and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of West Georgia.

Jessica lives in North Knoxville with her husband, Nolan (who also works on campus with the Tennessee Riverline), and their three sons: Huck, Ford and Roan.