Biography

Jess Lanning joined the Board of Directors in 2026. With nearly 15 years of experience in higher education, marketing, strategy, and communications, her career has focused on helping hundreds of colleges and universities develop thoughtful strategies to reach students, strengthen their communities, and advance their missions. 

 

Jess holds an MBA in Marketing from Gardner-Webb University and has also taught undergraduate marketing as an adjunct faculty member and guest lecturer at multiple institutions. She also brings extensive non-profit experience, having served on the board of multiple organizations with missions tied to education, children's programming, arts, food security, and animal welfare.

 

Jess and her husband, also know as "Mr. Lanning" at the Upper Campus have three children, two of whom are currently enrolled at TJ.  She is actively involved in the TJ community as a softball coach and through the Parent Forum, giving her the opportunity to engage with students, families, faculty, and the broader school community in a variety of ways.

 

Jess is also a hobby enthusiast with a love of gardening, canning, crafting, and reading. You'll often spot her painting the spirit rocks on both campuses (and trying not to get a sunburn in the process). Go Gryphons!