Advice from a long-time professor: love your job and you'll never work a day in your life

by Jake Shipley, posted Dec. 9, 2011

Friendly faces abound in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, but one face in particular has been giving students direction, along with a little dose of humor, for almost four decades. George Jesse, animal sciences director of undergraduate studies, is an iconic figure to many students in the department.

A native of Mexico, Mo., Jesse grew up on a 160-acre diversified farm where his family raised livestock and grain crops.  He was the oldest child in a large family of six children.  Throughout his youth and high school, Jesse was involved with livestock projects, such as sheep, beef, cattle, and swine, through the 4-H and FFA organizations.

“After graduation from high school I farmed for two years with my dad and had no intention of ever attending college,” Jesse said.

After two years of post-high school farming with his father, Jesse enrolled at MU where he graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. He decided to continue his education at MU earning a Master of Science in Animal Science in 1969 and a Ph.D. in 1975. While completing his doctorate at Missouri, Jesse served as an instructor for the Animal Husbandry Department from January 1971 to August of 1975. He then went to Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, where he served on the faculty until 1977, before returning to MU where he has loyally remained ever since.

He is noted by many to always be smiling and exhibiting a positive attitude on a daily basis.

“I feel Dr. Jesse is a friend to not only me but everyone in ASRC; he doesn’t really act like a professor but more of an inspirational character in our lives,” Zac Morris, junior animal science major said. “He always seems to be busy, yet he is willing to take time out of his day to make sure things are going alright for you and gives motivation when needed.”

Jesse is known for using real life examples from his own personal accounts to emphasize points and to help guide students down the right path. From his infamous, comical story from his youth, in which he followed too closely behind a cow who had been eating fresh grass, to stories of a more serious note, Jesse most likely has a story that can relate to nearly any circumstance that comes about. 

“I was worrying about my future plans with college and what I wanted to do with my life,” said Kali Parrish, current agribusiness major and former animal science major. “He [Jesse] told me his own life story in regards to how he got where he is today. He really emphasized to not worry so much because you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be, and it might not be anywhere near where you’re planning on at the moment.”

Jesse explained that if he were not where he is today as an instructor in the animal science department and he could choose his own occupation, his first choice would be to farm as a livestock and grain producer. His second choice would be to become a physician; however, he made it clear that he loves what he does now, stressing that the undergraduate students are the most enjoyable part of his occupation.

Students can tell Jesse enjoys teaching.

“Absolutely; otherwise I would have retired by now,” Jesse said. “I really enjoy thinking perhaps I have played a minor role in helping others to pursue a career in animal agriculture.”

Perhaps Jesse’s enthusiasm for undergraduate learning is what makes him so well liked by the student population. Classroom interaction is a hallmark of his teaching style, which sets him apart from many professors. He uses examples, demonstrations, and amusing stories to keep the class lively, while still maintaining a serious and academically challenging environment for the students.

“His tests really make you think and apply the things he teaches instead of just memorizing and repeating the information back,” said Hannah Buzan, junior animal science major.

Outside of the animal science department, Jesse maintains his level of high activity. He is a regular at the campus recreation center, where he is known to visit five days a week during his lunch hour. He can be found participating in handball, weight lifting, jogging, or doing lay-ups on the basketball court among other activities.

“I decided years ago that it was better to remain physically active than to go to lunch during the noon hour,” Jesse said.

Away from the university, Jesse resides on the southwest side of Columbia with Joyce, his wife of 45 years. Together, they have two children, Sheila, currently of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Brian, who now resides in Chesterfield, Mo. The Jesse’s are blessed with six grandchildren ranging in age from 4 to13.

Jesse tries to remain physically active while away from school as well.  He enjoys biking, hiking, and snow skiing in his leisure time. As a more labor-intensive activity, he likes to spend time gardening and doing yard work.

“In looking back over my career I must say I have been blessed and have no regrets,” Jesse said, “I settled for a career that was my second choice and had no idea that it would eventually become my first choice. I would hope, although I know this is not possible, that everyone would be as fortunate as me to have a career that you enjoy so much that you never have to work a day in your life.”

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