I am the state wildlife veterinarian for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The mission of the AGFC is to conserve and enhance Arkansas' fish and wildlife and their habitats while promoting sustainable use, public understanding and support. I serve two roles in the agency. As a veterinarian, I advocate for management approaches that will benefit the health of our state's fish and wildlife populations. I also serve as assistant chief of our research division.

pressing questions

The one thing I wish people knew about my field:

I rarely handle animals. People hear "veterinarian" and they think I must cuddle wild animals all day. I work mostly on population level management, research and policy. I love my job, but I think it’s different than most people envision.

Best advice I've ever received:

It was in regard to scientific writing, but it really applies to everything: Say exactly what you mean, not almost what you mean or approximately what you mean, then say it in as few words as possible.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day:

I love what I do. I go back every day with the hope that I am making the world a little better, laying the groundwork for our fish and wildlife resources to flourish long after I’m gone.

How I knew this was my passion:

I knew that conservation medicine was my passion the first time I opened a book about wildlife diseases. I was torn between wildlife management and veterinary medicine for my career, and that’s when I knew I could do both.

Best career moment so far:

My best career moment to date was the day I was offered my current position with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. It really felt too good to be true.

What makes Little Rock feel like home:

Little Rock feels like home because it is home. My husband and I were both born and raised in central Arkansas. After living out of state for 10 years, moving back has really made me appreciate Arkansas even more.

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about:

The Committee of One Hundred for the Ozark Folk Center is a wonderful group that promotes the mission of the OFC and supports several of its most popular programs. They are such a wonderful group of ladies.

If I could lunch with any woman, it would be:

I have always wanted to meet Dr. Mamie Parker. She’s from Arkansas and seems like a really dynamic leader and an advocate for diversity in conservation. I have so many questions I’d love to ask her.

It's all in the details...

Hometown

North Little Rock

First thing I do at the office

Check my email

Best coffee in town

Littlefield's Cafe

Binge watch

"Downton Abbey"

Last good read

"The Hundred-Foot Journey" by Richard C. Morais

Podcast recommendation

"VETgirl"

Best recent local discovery

Delicious Temptations

Latest splurge

Long weekend in St. Louis

Hobbies

Hunting, fishing, cooking

Most-used app

Noom

Jennifer is just one woman to watch in 2019

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women to watch 2019

Jennifer Ballard, DVM, Ph.D.

State Wildlife Veterinarian

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

women to watch 2019

Jennifer Ballard, DVM, Ph.D.

State Wildlife Veterinarian

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

pressing questions