From College to Career FIG Instructor and Assistant
FIG Instructor: Leslie McLees
I am the Program Director for the General Social Sciences Program and a Senior Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Geography. I also co-teach CAS 417: Career Readiness, the class for students in the College of Arts & Sciences to translate their college experiences to career and personal lifelong success. As an academic advisor in Geography, students would ask me “What can I do with a degree in Geography?” My standard answers (Urban Planner, Hydrologist, Community Organizer, etc) were not the entry-level jobs that our students were prepared for, so I developed a course on career readiness for students in Geography. A few years later, I was asked to collaborate with the University Career Center to develop CAS 417, which launched in 2022. I also teach a wide variety of courses at UO and at Lane Community College, including introductions to biophysical geography and human geography, food systems, urban systems, and more. I enjoy teaching and helping students to learn about the world through different perspectives and showing how even an introductory class can help them develop lifelong skills. Outside of work, I have two daughters, a dog, and a cat who keep me busy! My younger daughter has intellectual disabilities and working with and for her has given me a deep perspective on the visible and invisible challenges that many people struggle with. I grew up outside of Seattle and have lived in Hawaii, North Carolina, and Tanzania. I enjoy being outside in (almost) any weather, feeling the rain or the sun, and watching my kids grow and learn about the world and themselves.
Hello! My name is Jordan, my pronouns are she/her, and I am the FA for the From College to Career FIG. I’m majoring in Environmental Design and planning on getting a master’s degree in sustainable architecture. I’ve lived in Oregon my whole life, and I’m excited to share the best of Eugene and the Pacific Northwest with you all! I love to get outdoors in my free time, whether it’s hiking, gardening, or riding my bike through Eugene. I’m a big fan of found art and jewelry-making, so if you ever have questions about the Craft Center on campus, I can help you out! I am also a regular at UO’s Swing Dance Club and have been learning dances like the Lindy Hop and the Charleston. I had a great time in my FIG during freshman year, so I’m glad to be part of the program again. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, I’m happy to help! Looking forward to seeing y'all in the fall!
Want to connect with your FA? Email figs@uoregon.edu to get connected!
