Meet the VP for Community Engagement & Partnerships

Jacqui Gore serves as the Vice President for Community Engagement & Partnerships at The University of Texas Permian Basin. In this role, Jacqui leads the university’s efforts to build strong connections and partnerships across the Permian Basin, overseeing strategic planning, event management, the Basin Sports Complex, and special projects.

Before joining UTPB, Jacqui was the Vice President for Advancement, Business & Governmental Relations at Odessa College from 2018 to 2023. During her tenure, she led successful fundraising campaigns, including the $50 million Wood Health Sciences Building, which opened in August 2024.

Jacqui’s career in communications and marketing spans over 20 years in the healthcare industry. She served as Vice President for Communications and Marketing at Medical Center Health System from 2010 to 2018, and as Director of Communications and Marketing at Odessa Regional Medical Center from 1999 to 2010.

A dedicated community volunteer, Jacqui has held leadership roles in numerous organizations, including serving as President of the Crystal Ball Foundation and the Junior League of Odessa, Inc. She has also served on the boards of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, Pink the Basin, United Way of Odessa, and March of Dimes.

Jacqui’s contributions have been widely recognized, earning her accolades such as the 2022 Campaign Worksite Coordinator of the Year by the United Way of Odessa, the 2011 Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest, and the 2000 Volunteer of the Year by the Permian Basin March of Dimes. She was also honored with the IASIS Healthcare 2007 Chairman’s Award.

A fourth-generation Odessan, Jacqui holds a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Journalism from Texas State University. She has been married to her husband Mark for 26 years, and they are proud parents of two grown daughters, Sydney and Hannah.

Fun Facts about Jacqui Gore

Lightning round:  

• • Favorite book: Little Women
  • Favorite movie: The Help
  • Favorite Sitcom: Seinfeld
  • Favorite music: Country
  • Favorite food: Mexican

When you aren’t working, what can we catch you doing?
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family, our Goldendoodle Hadley and our cat Hazel. I love college sports and especially enjoy cheering on Falcon athletics!

What do you value most about UTPB?
UTPB’s success is vital to the future growth of the Permian Basin. UTPB’s growth will help provide more workforce to the Permian Basin and can ultimately help diversify our economy.

What do you like most about West Texas?
I love the independent and entrepreneurial spirit and the grit that has helped the region succeed. I love the people.

What advice would you give your college self?
I would tell my college self to be patient with yourself and don’t be in such a rush to push through college.