University News

125 Anniversary Celebration: Jessica Mock

July 7, 2025

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Editor's Note: This is the final story in our series featuring Western Illinois University students, alumni and community members highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We featured 125 individuals from August 2024 to July 2025.

MACOMB, IL – Alumna Jessica Mock sees Western Illinois University as a transformative place—one that inspired her to grow and push beyond her comfort zone.

"WIU gave me more than a degree—it gave me perspective," Mock said. "Through classroom experiences and university partnerships, I was introduced early on to the complexity and reach of the supply chain industry. I began to think differently about how to leverage my experiences, about what I brought to the table and how to become a more competitive applicant. WIU made that mindset shift possible."

For Mock, a Leatherneck represents more than pride and honor. It symbolizes the spirit of resilience, responsibility and community that characterize WIU.

"Being a Leatherneck means holding your head high, not because of prestige or polish, but because of resilience, character and connection," Mock said. "It means valuing grit and grace in equal measure. WIU helped shape my work ethic and my worldview and I carry that spirit with me every day."

Mock's favorite Leatherneck memory is the guidance received from her academic advisor, representing a pivotal moment in her college career.

"My advisor noticed I was on track to graduate early with a minor in Spanish. Instead of letting me coast, she challenged me to consider WIU's study abroad program. I stepped into that opportunity with curiosity and came out transformed," Mock said. "I gained real-world experience abroad, deepened my language skills and ultimately earned enough credits to graduate with a dual major in supply chain management and Spanish. That decision—and her encouragement—changed the trajectory of my career."

Mock now works as a freight sales director at Dot Foods. She credits Supply Chain Management Day at WIU with opening doors to networking opportunities that led to the launch of her career.

"I met representatives from Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), who would ultimately offer me my first role as a commodity merchandiser," Mock said. "Today, I work in a senior leadership role overseeing a segment of Dot's freight strategy in the transportation industry. I regularly call on the lessons I learned at WIU: to stretch, to stay curious and to think strategically about how people, freight and relationships move."

As students consider further studies, Mock's advice is to take full advantage of the numerous opportunities WIU has to offer.

"WIU is the kind of place where you can shape your path, but you have to be willing to do the work. It's a place full of opportunity, especially for students who are ready to ask questions, build relationships and stretch beyond what's comfortable," Mock said. "Don't worry if your journey doesn't look like everyone else's, there's room for all at WIU."

As we celebrated 125 years of educational excellence, we invited local WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories as part of our special series. It was an honor to feature each of you and to highlight the unique experiences that make the WIU community so special. Thank you for being part of this memorable milestone!

We're always looking to spotlight the stories of our students and alumni. If you'd like to be featured, reach out to us at u-communications@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing