November 3, 2025
Shawnee State University has announced the appointment of Jessica Bentley as director of human resources. Bentley, a Portsmouth native and 1998 graduate of Portsmouth West High School, brings more than two decades of service and leadership to her new role.
Bentley served more than 23 years as a U.S. Navy military police and security officer, retiring earlier this year. She returned to Portsmouth with her husband, both Portsmouth West graduates, fulfilling a long-held goal to come home for the right opportunity.
“This job turned out to be that opportunity, and I am grateful to be here,” Bentley said. “There is nothing more important to me than the safety, security and education we can provide for our future. Every role at the university, no matter how big or small, supports someone’s future.”
Bentley holds a nursing degree, a bachelor’s degree in business healthcare management and a master’s degree in human resources and management.
As director of human resources, Bentley oversees job classification, policy development, employee benefits and new programs to foster staff morale. She is committed to mentoring and guiding colleagues and is passionate about building initiatives that support the university community.
“In order to work in HR, you have to care about humans. You can’t do this role and not care,” Bentley said. “We are really striving to streamline processes, to make them effective for the staff, to the best of our ability. And this department cares.”
Bentley credits her team for their dedication and hard work, often behind the scenes, to ensure university operations run smoothly. “Even as a small department, they are always striving to improve processes and provide the best support possible for our staff,” she said.
For more information about Shawnee State University and its Human Resources Department, visit shawnee.edu/human-resources.