Jenna Pollard, a 2010 Saint Ben’s graduate with a biology major and Spanish minor, has built a fulfilling career blending sustainability, education, and craftsmanship. Originally from South Dakota, she initially considered colleges far from home but was drawn to Saint Ben’s welcoming community and strong connection to nature. She began as a pre-med chemistry major and softball player but soon transitioned to studying ecology and botany, aligning her education with her passion for sustainability. Through hands-on coursework in environmental studies, she developed a deep appreciation for nature and sustainable living, which would later shape her career path.
After graduating, Jenna sought to apply her knowledge in a tangible way. Instead of immediately pursuing a traditional career, she chose to immerse herself in sustainable living by moving to an off-grid organic farm with no running water or electricity. This experience laid the foundation for her future in timber framing, a centuries-old building practice that uses interlocking wooden joints instead of nails or screws. Today, she teaches timber framing at Avon Hills Folk School, helping others gain confidence in hands-on craftsmanship while promoting sustainability in construction.
Jenna’s passion for education and empowerment extends beyond timber framing. While at Saint Ben’s, she was actively involved in the Institute for Women’s Leadership, organizing camping trips specifically for women. Leading trips to the Black Hills and Camp Menogyn, she saw firsthand the barriers many women face in outdoor recreation and the transformative power of all-women spaces. These experiences fueled her desire to create inclusive learning environments where people feel supported in acquiring new skills. She now incorporates this philosophy into her timber framing classes, offering both mixed-gender and women-focused courses.
Reflecting on her time at Saint Ben’s, Jenna credits the institution with shaping her values of intentionality and sustainability. Her education influenced not only her career but also her lifestyle choices, reinforcing the importance of living with purpose. She also fondly remembers meaningful discussions with the Benedictine sisters, which broadened her perspectives on faith, sexuality, and community.
Jenna encourages students to be true to themselves and follow what excites them rather than adhering to external expectations. For her, this meant stepping away from a predetermined career path to forge a life that blends intellectual curiosity with hands-on craftsmanship. Through her work in timber framing and sustainability education, she continues to embody the values she cultivated at Saint Ben’s, demonstrating that a liberal arts education can lead to a meaningful and purpose-driven life.
Learn more by visiting the links below:
Timber Framing for FLINTA
Reframed – Patagonia
Against The Grain