Jason Jolley

It’s an honor to be nominated for a position on ATA’s Board of Directors. I would like to share how my background and experience in language education, professional translation, higher education leadership, and nonprofit service have positioned me to give back to an organization that has benefitted me so much over the years.

I define myself as a language educator with a focus on translator training. I’ve taught Spanish at the university level for over 25 years, developing and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in translation. As a researcher, I’ve authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed articles on the intersection of machine translation and language teaching. I’ve also worked extensively as a Portuguese>English and Spanish>English translator in the investor relations segment. This experience, along with ongoing professional development from ATA and my regional chapter, has helped me understand and respond to the evolving needs of students interested in careers in the language services industry and the dynamics impacting university language and translation programs.

In addition to my language teaching, research, and translation work, I have extensive leadership experience in the higher education and nonprofit areas. As an associate dean and department head at a large public university, I’ve navigated the complexities of higher education, contributing to strategic initiatives that drive institutional growth. In the nonprofit professional development arena, I’ve chaired the board of the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, served as treasurer and board member of the Mid-America Chapter of ATA (MICATA), and collaborated with leaders from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. These opportunities have honed my skills in strategic planning, budget management, personnel oversight, and collaborative vision-setting.

My commitment to ATA is underscored by my participation on the Education and Pedagogy Committee, where I’ve contributed to initiatives aimed at enhancing educational resources and professional development opportunities for translators and interpreters. I’ve also shared my insights through articles in The ATA Chronicle and presentations at the conferences of both ATA and MICATA, emphasizing practical, hands-on approaches to translation education and practice.

If elected to the Board, I would happily serve in any capacity. However, given my experience and background, I would be especially interested in helping to:

  • Provide high-quality resources for translation and interpreting educators and students in training programs of all kinds.
  • Enhance mutually beneficial connections between ATA and professional associations for language educators.
  • Promote ATA-backed research that explores the evolving roles of generative AI and machine translation in the language services industry.

I’m enthusiastic about nurturing the next generation of language services professionals, ensuring they have access to robust professional development and mentorship opportunities. If you agree my experience as a translator, language educator, university administrator, and nonprofit board member would help ATA continue to pursue these and other important goals, I would be most grateful for your vote.