DAA Winner: Jess Womack, '65
Jess Womack is the epitome of a liberal arts education that has lasted a lifetime. A biology major and Dean's List student, Womack discovered diverse interests that included the Albion College Players, the Black Student Alliance, and student government. He was elected vice president of the Student Senate and was later president of his class. His passion for humanitarian service has spanned decades and continues to benefit society.
Womack proudly served his country as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya, and as a platoon sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. After earning his law degree from the University of Michigan, he began his career with the Ford Motor Company and later was appointed senior corporate counsel in environmental affairs for the Atlantic Richfield Company. With a lifelong interest in education, Womack later accepted a role as deputy general counsel for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Currently he is an interim inspector general for LAUSD.
Womack's volunteer leadership has benefited countless organizations, including the Los Angeles Conservancy where he served as vice president, the Environmental Law Institute board, and the California Lawyer legal journal as an advisory board member. His love for Albion College resulted in his longtime service to his alma mater, first on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, which ultimately led to his appointment to the Board of Trustees at Albion College. His passion for Albion continues today as he spearheads volunteer College enrollment efforts with Southern California alumni. His personal visits to more than 25 private high schools in Southern California last fall alone only underscores his unqualified commitment to Albion College.
His career is filled with awards and accolades. As president for the ACCA Southern California Chapter, he was recognized as an ACCA Diversity Award winner. Womack also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Los Angeles Conservancy, and received a similar award as president of the John M. Langston Bar Association.
He and his wife, Beverley, reside in Sherman Oaks, California.