(Jason Halley / University Photographer)
Len Jessup has been scribbling down his thoughts for decades, whether journaling in Moleskin notebooks, typing up notes in Microsoft Word, or telling stories as a kid. One jotted scrawling has stuck with him—a reminder that at the end of his life, he wants to be sure to look back and know he did as much good for as many people as he could, and that he never shied from opportunities to do that.
A few years ago, Jessup (Information and Communication Studies, ’83; MBA, ’85) decided to compile his reflections, mostly for his children, and weave together his most profound and reflective thoughts, as well as personal stories. He sat on it for a year, shared it within his closest circles, and sat on it some more.
His children, while supportive, were not really interested. But Forbes was.
The retired university administrator and educator was approached by Forbes Books with a proposition. In reading it, the editors said Jessup wasn’t famous enough for a memoir, but they recognized in his story a theme that others had witnessed in him throughout his career—his sentiments of leading to serve and uplift others.
With a structure in mind, he put pen back to paper and revised his book in the spirit of a favorite author, Mitch Albom, with short snippets of wisdom forming a slim guide he titled Self Less Leadership. In it, he argues selfless leaders can maximize impact by guiding teams, not controlling them. He stresses the power ofconstant learning, surrounding yourself with people far smarter than you, and service to others.
The book has become an Amazon bestseller, and Jessup has had great success on a nationwide speaking tour. In January, he brought his talk back to his alma mater to share it with students, faculty, and staff, acknowledging the visit brought back many memories of where his leadership journey took root.
He credits faculty like Bernie Hinton, Jack McKenna, and Jim Owen for nudging him in unexpected directions, starting with Chico State’s MBA program after he finished his undergrad degree. There, he led the Graduate Student Association and was inspired to apply for a PhD at the University of Arizona, thinking he’d find his way back to teaching business.
Instead, he became a two-time business school dean, two-time university president, and a startup investor. He retired in 2024 from his role as president of Claremont Graduate University. Now, with “published author” among his already-lengthy list of credentials, he’s enjoying the chance to inspire and support others once more. His motivation is simple: to help others become great leaders to influence their teams and improve their spheres of influence.
“I have to make sure people find personal fulfillment and meaning from the work they are doing so they will know for themselves that it was a life well spent,” he said. “You leave a legacy you hope that is positive.”
That desire to do good is what drove Jessup—as someone who admits he borders on the line between introvert and extrovert—through a career filled with 14-hour days, incredible influence, and intense decision-making.
“When you are passionate, you derive energy from that,” he said. “You start to see you could have a real impact, and see that things you are doing are making a difference.”
Admittedly, it wasn’t the path he saw for himself before his time at Chico State. A first-generation student raised in the Bay Area but who relocated with his family to rural Fort Jones in Siskiyou County as a teenager, he was unsure about college. He attended College of the Siskiyous and played baseball, and when his friends started to transfer to four-year universities, many were headed to Chico.
“It was the perfect place for me to come into myself as an undergraduate—student-focused, beautiful, and just close enough to home,” he said.
Little did he know he would discover his true strengths, as the seeds were planted for a career in business, academia and, ultimately, leadership. In reflection, he says he often finds himself marveling with gratitude to have built a career based in lifelong learning and uplifting other people.
“It’s less about my legacy—it’s about the people I am responsible for, so they know when they get to the end of their path that their legacy is secure,” he said.
Ashley Gebb
A proud alumna, Ashley Gebb (Journalism, '08; MA, Interdisciplinary Studies, '23) is the executive director of University Communications. She leads its exceptional communications team, manages the Chico State brand, and directs marketing, storytelling, and crisis communications.
