A professor, author, speaker, and the Fletcher Jones Endowed Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson’s lifelong journey in the exercise of intellectual community and socratic dialogue began years ago.

From entry-level appointees to a cabinet secretary, from tacticians to advisors, from the departments of Defense and State to Education and Commerce, our alumni are in the arena.

On November 5, 2025, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced his appointment of Barrett Bowdre (John Jay, Fall 2010) as Solicitor General of Alabama.

Ross Hougham, Fall ‘17 alumnus and newly president of the John Jay Institute, reflects on the significance of his time spent as a fellow and what the John Jay’s mission of public service continue to mean in his own life as well as the life of alumni across the country.