Jessica Michelle Velasco, DPA, is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at Sul Ross State University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in public administration, public policy, and American government. She coordinates and assesses academic programs, mentors undergraduate and graduate students, and emphasizes experiential learning, civic engagement, and student success in a rural Hispanic‑Serving Institution context. Dr. Velasco is the advisor to the Omicron Phi Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, which has earned four consecutive Best Small Chapter awards at the national level. She also advises the Pre‑Law Association and the SRSU Ultimate Frisbee Club, and serves as secondary advisor to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), supporting student leadership development across academic and co‑curricular spaces.

Dr. Velasco’s professional identity is firmly grounded in service. She serves as Vice President of the Sul Ross State University Faculty Senate, West Region Vice President of the Texas Council of Faculty Senates, and Secretary of the Texas State University System Council of Faculty Senates, contributing to faculty governance at the institutional, regional, and system levels. She is the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative for Sul Ross State University, supporting student‑athlete success and institutional compliance. Within her discipline, she serves on the Executive Committee of the Southwest Texas Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) and as an at‑large pre‑law representative for the Southwest Association of Pre‑Law Advisors (SWAPLA). Her community service includes serving as Chair of the Brewster County Appraisal Review Board, Secretary of the City of Alpine Parks and Recreation Board, and a member of the Brewster County EMS Task Force. Across these roles, Dr. Velasco is deeply committed to public service, shared governance, and strengthening institutions that serve students and communities alike.

Dr. Velasco’s research focuses on political development and public sector performance, with current projects examining the development of political ideology among college students and the assessment and performance of central appraisal districts in Texas. Her work reflects a strong applied perspective that connects theory, policy, and practice. She actively mentors student research through the Master of Public Administration and M.A. in Political Science programs, works closely with PPOHA Fellows and McNair Scholars, and serves on multiple doctoral dissertation committees. Through her research and mentorship, Dr. Velasco integrates scholarship, teaching, and service to support the development of future public servants and scholars.