Jennifer Bettis grew up in Quincy, where volunteering and giving back were staples in her family's life. After graduating from Quincy University with a bachelor's degree in business management, Bettis moved to Springfield to attend graduate school at University of Illinois Springfield. She was part of the Graduate Public Service Internship program and earned a master's degree in interpersonal and organizational communication. Springfield has now been her home for 25 years, and she has given back through her professional career and extensive volunteer service.
Bettis is grateful for the GPSI program, which led her to a successful career in fundraising and donor relations. She was the first GPSI intern at SIU School of Medicine's foundation office and was involved with the first Denim and Diamonds gala to support cancer research at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine, along with many other fundraisers.
She remained at SIU three more years following her two-year internship. "That is where my path to fund development really took shape," says Bettis. She worked with women powerhouses who still influence her today and was inspired to nurture other women.
After SIU, Bettis joined Sacred Heart-Griffin High School and was the director of advancement for 17 years. The position had a strong appeal since she had attended Catholic schools growing up in Quincy. In 2021, she decided to try something new and accepted a position at UIS. Bettis has come full circle, now serving as the UIS director of development, focusing on corporate and foundation relations and alumni engagement in the western U.S.
"Jen has spent her 25-year career connecting donors with causes they care about, working with them to make a lasting impact and experience the joy of giving," said Jennifer Sublett, who nominated Bettis for Women of Influence.
Bettis became a Certified Fund Raising Executive in 2011, the most advanced credential in the field of fundraising. It requires adherence to the highest of ethical standards, and she maintains her certification through ongoing professional development activities.
Bettis is a match-maker who helps others realize their philanthropic goals. She describes her job as listening to people talk about their passions to see if there is a connection to a UIS program. Her advice is to be authentic and care about people.
Known for her warm smile and pleasant disposition, Bettis enjoys hearing how she has touched someone's life and the ripple effect it had. For years Bettis volunteered as a spiritual mentor to SHG students at annual retreats, sharing perspectives on her faith and life lessons. Among all of the adult mentors, she was always a student favorite. When asked about her proudest accomplishments, she modestly cites a young woman at SHG telling her, "There you are with a big smile on your face, and that put me on the right path to have a good day." Others remark how Bettis is the first to help a friend or colleague in times of need.
In addition to helping others in small ways, Bettis takes on high-level leadership roles with multiple organizations, including Springfield Art Association, Illinois Women in Leadership and Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is a 14-year member of Young Philanthropists and belongs to other organizations that help women and girls.
Bettis has been involved for more than a decade in a number of roles with IWIL, a group that empowers women, promotes professionalism and develops leadership abilities. She has served as an IWIL board member, board president and chair of the annual Women's Symposium.
Bettis is the longest-serving SAA board secretary and has spent multiple years on the executive committee, including president. She is an active volunteer for the SAA's annual Edwards Place Fine Art Fair, leading the effort to provide meals for participating artists. Bettis' nominator wrote, "Her warm hospitality always brings a smile to the artists' faces when they see the amazing culinary delights she creates. That is no small job, and she easily enlists volunteer help from friends who are inspired by her dedication and commitment."
SAA executive director Betsy Dollar says Bettis doesn't just occupy a position but actively participates. Dollar also observed how Bettis mentored the SAA development director, helping her hone her skills. "She has her finger on the pulse of what's going on in the nonprofit community. She's very deserving and a good choice for Women of Influence," said Dollar, a former WOI recipient herself.
"Those who know Jen see her loving acts of kindness to all – she is a genuine, inclusive, joy-filled and caring person," said Sublett.
Bettis says it is not hard to help others, but you have to be intentional. "The women I've worked with or volunteered with have embraced me, invited me in, encouraged me and taken me out of my comfort zone." She wants to do the same for other, younger women by emulating the women who helped build her up.
Bettis said she is humbled to be recognized and grateful for her life in Springfield. She met her husband here and UIS launched her career, allowing her to meet women who have nurtured and inspired her along the way.