Part of what makes Central MA so unique is its abundance of colleges and universities. And at each institution, there are professors, instructors, and coaches who go above and beyond simply dispensing academic fact inside the classroom; this special breed of educator becomes mentor, role model, and inspiration. It is these individuals whom we honor in Focus on Faculty. If you know a professor who should be featured in this section, please contact the Editor at ldean@pagioinc.com.

Clark University’s Jason Zelesky
By Rachel Bryson-Brockmann

It’s safe to say that Jason Zelesky, the Associate Dean of Students at Clark University, is a great guy. He was recently given Worcester’s Great Guy Award, a recognition given only to men who have made outstanding contributions in the community to the issue of violence against women and children.

At Clark, Jason Zelesky, or simply Jason to his students, coordinates sexual violence prevention programs. Zelesky is also the author of the University’s “Survivor Guide,” a resource for students who have been assaulted. He has spent more than a decade working with men of all ages to reduce violence against women, giving talks around the country. As if that weren’t enough, he’s also the co-chair of the Planned Parenthood of Central Massachusetts Advisory Committee and actively supports women’s reproductive rights and comprehensive health education.

Needless to say, Zelesky has a passion for creating awareness.
Born and raised in Worcester, Jason has been aware of women’s issues his whole life.

“I grew up with a single mom, a sister and a grandmother,” he said. “I was raised in a feminist household where women’s issues were always discussed. Also, working with college students has allowed me to talk to hundreds of women who have been battered or sexually assaulted. I believe it is my responsibility to be a positive role model for other men and to educate them on violence against women.”

Jason has been working with college students since he was one himself.

“Since I was an RA in sophomore year of college, I haven’t had a job that didn’t in some way involve college students,” he said.

He worked as a health educator and higher education administrator at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (from which he graduated), St. Leo University in Florida and the University of Vermont before a trip to his hometown of Worcester prompted him to interview for a job at Clark University.

“I was happy at the University of Vermont, but after visiting Clark, I knew it was the place for me,” he said.

He sent in his resignation to the University of Vermont shortly after. He’s been happy at Clark as the Associate Dean of Students as well as the Wellness Outreach Coordinator for the past seven years.

“I love the students here,” he said. “They are so bright and challenging. My favorite part of my job is meeting with students one-on-one over coffee or lunch. It is truly a blessing to talk to students about their lives and issues.”

He and his wife have two young boys and will soon welcome a 19-month-old girl into their home.

“My family always comes first, but they support what I do,” he said. “It’s important my children see what I work for, and I hope that one day they will fight for the same things I fight for.”

Clark is lucky to have Zelesky. There aren’t many men who can legitimately call themselves “great guys!”