Jess Metzmeier
Vice President for Engagement and Advancement
Offices & Programs
Education
BA: Anthropology/Sociology and Religion, Centre College;
MA: Social Service Administration, The University of Chicago;
PhD: Leadership in Higher Education, Bellarmine University
Jess Metzmeier serves as Vice President for Engagement and Advancement at Centre College and is a member of the President’s senior leadership team. As the College’s chief advancement officer, he leads four distinct areas: the Center for Career and Professional Development, the Office of Alumni Engagement, the Office of Development, and CentreWorks.
In this role, Metzmeier focuses on strengthening the connections that support students during their time at Centre and long after they graduate. His work brings together career development, leadership formation, alumni mentorship, and philanthropy to help students explore opportunities, build confidence, and prepare for life beyond Centre.
Before assuming this role, Metzmeier served as Centre’s Vice President for Career and Professional Development. He previously spent 16 years at Bellarmine University in senior leadership roles focused on partnerships, philanthropy, and community engagement.
Metzmeier’s connection to Centre runs deep. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology/sociology and religion from Centre College in 2004 and it was here that he met his wife, Sarah (Hermann) Metzmeier, also a 2004 graduate. He also holds a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from Bellarmine.