Jensen Garners `Women of Influence' Award

Jensen Garners `Women of Influence' Award

May 1, 2014

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa associate head women’s basketball coach Jan Jensen is a recipient of the `Women of Influence’ Award by the Corridor Business Journal.

The `Women of Influence’ awards identify women who have made a difference in the Corridor and who are representative role models as leaders in their fields and community. This award is given to a select group of women each year from a large pool of talented nominees. The honorees were chosen by a selection committee composed of last year’s honorees.

“It was flattering to be recognized and mentioned alongside the other women that have received this award before,” said Jensen. “There are so many great volunteers in different roles.

“Our athletics department and University understand the importance of working with our community. Our missions share the same values, and we emphasize volunteer work. It makes working here special.”

Jensen completed her 14th season on the Iowa women’s basketball staff in 2014, her 11th as associate head coach. A nationally known presence on the recruiting scene, Jensen serves as the recruiting coordinator and also works with the post players. Jensen completed her 25th season in women’s college basketball as a player and coach in 2014.

The native of Kimballton, Iowa, has helped guide Iowa to 13 postseason appearances, including 11 NCAA Tournament berths. Iowa is 1-of-14 teams nationally — the only Big Ten team — to appear in the last seven NCAA Tournaments (there are 343 Division I teams).

“I am very happy that Jan was recognized for her outstanding leadership,” said UI head coach Lisa Bluder. “She has been such an asset, not only for her contributions to the Iowa women’s basketball team, but her positive contributions in our entire community.”

Off the court, Jensen is a leader in fundraising for the United Way of Johnson County. The 2006 campaign totaled over $2 million — with a nine percent increase in donations and a 9.7 percent increase in the number of donations. In 2006, she was a recipient of the Corridor Business Journal Forty Under 40 Award. In March 2007, Jensen was named the United Way of Johnson County Volunteer of the Year for her leadership of the Emerging Philanthropists Society and the Healthy Kids School-based Clinics Initiative. She served as a co-chair for this year’s United Way fundraising campaign — the campaign totaled over $2.5 million — and serves on the United Way board and the Shelterhouse board, in addition to working with other groups in the Iowa City community.