Jen Rutters
Senior Consultant, Leadership and Employee Development
Administration and Finance
1. Please introduce yourself and describe your role at UMB.
My name is Jen Rutters, and I serve as a Senior Consultant for Leadership and Employee Development in the Employee Learning and Development Department within Human Resources. Since joining UMB, I’ve led the development and launch of the SPARK! Supervisor Academy—a program designed to enhance supervisory skills and knowledge for staff and faculty who supervise staff. I’m passionate about fostering professional growth and creating opportunities that empower employees to succeed.
2. Why are you interested in serving on the Staff Senate?
I’m interested in serving on the Staff Senate because I want to help ensure that staff have a strong voice in shaping the university’s direction and culture. In my role supporting staff development, I’ve seen firsthand how essential it is for employees to feel heard, supported, and empowered. I want to contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment by strengthening communication between staff and leadership, and by advocating for initiatives that promote professional growth, engagement, and unity across campus.
3. What do you hope to accomplish during your term?
During my term, I hope to encourage open communication, transparency, and collaboration between staff and leadership. I’d like to assist with initiatives that support professional growth and promote a positive, inclusive workplace culture. I’m also interested in finding meaningful ways to recognize staff contributions and to ensure their perspectives are represented in decision-making processes. My ultimate goal is to help build a culture where staff feel respected, heard, and empowered.
4. Describe your hobbies and interests outside of work.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, especially over a good board game. I love playing games and am always up for some friendly competition. I've recently started collecting cooperative games and have been amazed at the creativity and innovation in modern game design. Reading is another favorite pastime, and I'm always on the lookout for a great book recommendation. When I'm home, you'll often find me in the kitchen baking pound cakes and Bundt cakes.
