Jessica Gaskell is a devoted student affairs professional, tireless community advocate, and transformational leader whose work in higher education and cancer awareness has created lasting impact across the Mahoning Valley and beyond. As the Director of First Year Student Services at Youngstown State University, Jessica leads the charge in helping students transition successfully into college life, while empowering her team, student leaders, and interns to grow, lead, and give back.

 

A proud two-time graduate of Youngstown State University, Jessica holds a Master of Science in Education in Counseling, specializing in Student Affairs Leadership & Practice, and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Her global mindset was shaped through international studies in South Africa and at Kingston University in England, reinforcing her deep commitment to diversity, service, and inclusion.

​

Over the past nine years at YSU, Jessica has grown from counselor to director, leading a team of six professionals who oversee orientation, student advising, leadership programming, and retention initiatives. She also teaches the YSU 1500 Success Seminar, trains student Orientation Leaders and Peer Mentors, and designs extended onboarding experiences like IGNITE to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and set up for success.

​

Jessica’s work extends beyond the classroom and office. She is a passionate advocate for childhood cancer awareness, driven by her son’s courageous battle with leukemia. She has helped raise more than $20,000 through Team Joey Strong and served as an advisor to Guins Against Cancer and the YSU Relay for Life. Her leadership has extended into national efforts as a lead with the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), where she lobbies Congress for critical research funding and patient support policies.

From serving on the board of Pink Ribbon Cheer Classic, which has raised nearly $2 million for breast cancer awareness, to growing alumnae engagement by 136% as VP of Membership for the Zeta Tau Alpha Youngstown Alumnae Chapter, Jessica’s leadership consistently fosters growth, purpose, and impact.

Jessica has been honored with multiple awards for her service, including Advisor of the Year by YSU Greek Life, Zeta Lady of the Year for Ohio, and YSU’s Alumni of the Year Award — all testaments to her unwavering heart for people.

​

Whether leading campus programs, mentoring student workers, or organizing community service projects like blanket drives for pediatric cancer patients and cards for hospice residents, Jessica brings compassion, strategy, and authenticity to everything she does.

Jessica Gaskell is a true servant leader — one who leads with empathy, empowers others to rise, and transforms communities through her dedication to education, advocacy, and hope.