Interview with Jessica Chambers, Class of 1993
Download

Download Audio (43.8 MB)

Download Interview Transcript, PDF File (202 KB)

Download Interview Transcript, DOCX File (52 KB)

Download Interview Transcript, TXT File (40 KB)

Loading...

Media is loading
 

Description

Oral history interview with Illinois State University alum Jessica Chambers, class of 1993. Chambers has been the director of ISU’s Horticulture Center since it’s establishment in 2005. The interview was conducted by Milner Library intern Paige Malloy on June 1, 2023.

In the interview, Chambers reflects on her personal and professional journey. She begins by sharing some childhood memories and highlighting her connection to the university, as her mother pursued a PhD there.

Chambers recalls attending Thomas Metcalf School and University High School (U High). She emphasizing the stability U High provided during a turbulent time in her life. After initially enrolling in the University of Maryland, Chambers finished out her bachelor’s degree at ISU, partly in order to be closer to her future husband, Jason.

Chambers describes her discovery of horticulture during her sophomore year at ISU, crediting Dr. Margaret Balbach’s passion for the subject as a key factor in her choice of major. Though she juggled multiple jobs during her undergraduate years, she expresses regret for not participating more in extracurricular activities like the Horticulture Club.

After graduation, Chambers pursued a master's degree at Southern Illinois University before eventually becoming the director of ISU's Horticulture Center in 2005. She discusses the evolution of the Center, which initially lacked a budget and required extensive fundraising for its development. Despite challenges such as limited university support and staffing constraints, Chambers takes pride in the Center’s growth, including its educational mission, community engagement, and the increasing number of visitors. She also emphasizes the importance of connecting people to nature and the interdisciplinary potential of the Center across various academic fields at ISU.

Interview Date

6-1-2023

Index

  • Introduction; Chamber’s childhood; attending ISU Lab Schools: 00:00-04:40
  • Attending University of Maryland; transferring to ISU: 04:40-05:04
  • Choosing horticulture as her major; relationship with Dr. Margaret Balbach: 05:04-09:09
  • Student jobs; playing in DeGarmo Hall as a child: 09:09-10:56
  • Extracurriculars; changes to the Horticulture program: 10:56-12:50
  • Pursuing master’s degree at Southern Illinois University; career after graduation; returning to ISU to work at Horticulture Center: 12:50-15:12
  • Establishment of Horticulture Center: 15:12-17:21
  • Role of Horticulture Center on campus; Autumnal Festival themes: 17:21-20:47
  • Lack of financial support for Horticulture Center: 20:47-22:51
  • Autumnal Festival: 22:51-23:39
  • Growing pumpkins with Mac Condill: 23:39-26:17
  • Growth and development of Horticulture Center: 26:17-28:33
  • Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic: 28:33-29:24
  • Favorite classes to teach: 29:34-30:48
  • Living in the former home of Charles DeGarmo: 30:48-32:48
  • Involvement in central Illinois politics and environmental organizations: 32:48-35:47
  • Philosophy on enjoying nature free from distractions: 35:47-36:14
  • Marketing the Horticulture Center: 36:14-38:32
  • Proudest accomplishments: 38:32-40:30
  • Hopes for the Horticulture Center’s future; conclusion: 40:30-45:44

Interview with Jessica Chambers, Class of 1993

Share

COinS