A resident of rural Missouri, Jenny Jacobs is vice president of finance at the State Technical College of Missouri. A peer reviewer since 2016, she also is an entrepreneur who runs a farm and is an elected trustee on Missouri’s retirement system board.  

Tell us about yourself and your work with HLC. 

I’ve been a licensed CPA since 1998, with career experience in public accounting (business and personal income tax) and healthcare. I was new to higher education when I joined State Technical College of Missouri in February 2013 as vice president of finance. From 2013–15, I participated in writing and preparing the college’s Year 10 comprehensive evaluation. The president of the college at the time encouraged me to apply to be a part of the Peer Corps, which was seeking volunteers with a finance background.  

My first assignment as a peer reviewer was for a comprehensive evaluation visit in March of 2020. I made my travel arrangements, and then COVID hit. However, my peer review team was seasoned, and we seamlessly conducted the review virtually. Since then, I’ve served on teams for several Assurance Reviews, substantive change requests and a Notice Visit. By the end of 2025, I will have been on teams conducting three comprehensive evaluations.  

As a resident of rural Linn, Missouri, I also help my husband oversee 160 acres, including a growing cattle farm with a meat processing shop that does custom butchering. I also became an elected member of the Board of Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System in 2018. 

What has participating as a peer reviewer taught you? 

There are many great people and institutions doing great work across the country. I have enjoyed visiting colleges and learning about what they do and how they do it. 

What is the biggest advantage to being a member of HLC’s community? 

The biggest advantage is having access to an impressive pool of resources. I love the work and have gotten to know many fellow team members during my time as a peer reviewer. I would feel comfortable reaching out with questions or for advice at any time and to anyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with at HLC. 

What has surprised you most during your experience as an HLC volunteer?  

I have been most surprised at the level of professionalism, experience and kindness of every team chair that I’ve worked with, including those who have been on my campus. They are an amazing group of people. I have been impressed with every team chair I have interacted with. 

What is your pro tip for new peer reviewers? 

Work hard. Be prepared. Do your part. Enjoy meeting new people and learning about other institutions.