Meet a Colleague: Jason Rodocker

Meet a Colleague: Jason Rodocker Jason Rodocker serves as associate dean of students.

W&L News Office
May 1, 2024

Q. How long have you worked at W&L?
I have worked at W&L for 19 years.

Q. What do you like most about working at W&L?
I work in higher education for the personal and professional development of self and others. I'm thankful to be surrounded by people who are caring and capable. Our students are going to be leaders in their communities and I'm hopeful we have in some way prepared them to be even more ethical and effective than they would have been otherwise, and thus have a positive ripple effect on the world.

Q. Where is your favorite location on the W&L campus?
The basketball courts in the gym are my favorite - but I also enjoy Woods Creek Trail, the disc golf course and the theaters.

Q. Where did you grow up?
I grew up near Indianapolis, Indiana and I am a proud Hoosier.

Q. What advice do you have for students (or parents)?
For students, I'd say go to class, complete things on time and communicate proactively. For parents, I'd say ask their student questions, encourage their student to utilize resources and opportunities, and always require their student to take the lead on communicating.

Q. What is the most adventurous thing that you have ever done?
Some highlights include playing basketball in 21 states in 17 days during a cross country road trip; staying out all night in Florence, Italy, Monte Carlo, Monaco and Sydney, Australia (three different trips); hitchhiking in Naxos, Greece on my honeymoon; and repelling from over 50 feet up on multiple occasions.

Q. What's your favorite thing to do when you're not working?
My family is my top priority. I love spending time with my son Caleb (9), daughter Jill (7) and wife Lisa. I coach several youth sports and teach family card games. I enjoy traveling, sports, recreational games, movies and comedy.

Q. If you could live anywhere, where would you build your dream home?
I would have a home great for hosting parties and guests somewhere with excellent spring and fall weather; then travel much of the winter and summer.

Q. What book are you reading now?
I recently enjoyed reading "River of Doubt." Most of the books I read now are to my kids at night. We enjoy anything by Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson, etc.), but I most enjoyed reading them "My Father's Dragon."

Q. What music are you listening to these days?
Hamilton (and other things by Lin Manuel Miranda), Disney songs and more Taylor Swift than I would have expected. I grew up mostly listening to Country, but I now enjoy a wide variety. Some favorites are Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Buffett, Matchbox Twenty, Kenny Chesney, Jason Mraz and Tyrone Wells.

Q. What is the website you visit most often and why?
ESPN.com because I passionately love sports, especially any team from Indiana.

Q. What is your desert island food?
My favorite meal is probably salmon with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, but my go-to is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Rum and coke on an island would be good as well.

Q. Tell us something most people don't know about you.
Some interesting things: I wanted to be an architect growing up and love designing house plans; I won a high school state championship in discussion; I played varsity golf in college; I was homecoming king in college; I have won intramural championships in ultimate frisbee, volleyball and basketball; I worked for the Governor of Indiana before grad school, have a J.D. (law degree), have played in the same Tuesday poker game and lunch time basketball game for nearly 20 years, have been to 48 states, got married at House Mountain Inn and attend Rockbridge Church.

Q. What is your secret talent?
I am particularly good at estimating, a fairly good dancer, good at writing poetry and excellent at making dad jokes.