Be Relentless: An Interview with Jerri Green
English alumna Jerri Green (ʼ99) sits down with Meghan Pinkston (Class of 2027) to discuss how her time at UT taught her the skills she needed to navigate her career as a lawyer, Chief Public Defender, Memphis City Councilwoman, and, now, gubernatorial candidate.
Meghan Pinkston: Why did you originally decide to major in English?
Jerri Green: From an early age, I always loved reading, so I naturally gravitated toward the humanities. At the time, I was planning on going to law school, and an English degree was highly recommended to me as one of the best foundations for a legal career. It teaches you how to analyze complex texts, think critically, and communicate effectively—all essential skills for any aspiring lawyer.
MP: What skills did you gain in your time at UT that have helped you in your career, both in law and in politics?
JG: Beyond the academic foundation, one of the most lasting lessons I took away from my time at UT was the value of hard work—a principle I learned from the legendary Pat Head Summitt. Whether in law or in politics, success requires a relentless work ethic, grit, and the dedication to prepare for every possible scenario. The culture of excellence at UT really instilled that drive in me.
MP: Are there any classes or professors that were particularly impactful or inspiring during your time in the English department at UT?
JG: I will never forget the professor who taught my Shakespeare courses—I actually took his class for two semesters because he was so incredible. He taught the class in iambic pentameter. He didn’t just teach us the material, he taught me to truly appreciate the English language. I looked forward to his class every single week. I also really enjoyed my Southern Literature and Early American Literature courses, as well as the poetry writing classes, which allowed me to tap into my own creative voice.
MP: What does a day in the life of a gubernatorial candidate look like?
JG: No two days are exactly the same. Some days, you stand in front of crowds of thousands of people, and other days you have intimate conversations in a local coffee shop. I often have people crying on my shoulder because they struggle to make ends meet. In those moments, I get the opportunity to show them that there is a leader who genuinely cares about them. Other days are more humbling, such as when I receive postcards that simply say, “Do better.” Ultimately, I have the incredible privilege of traveling across this beautiful state, offering real hope that life and politics can be better than this. I get to remind them that their leaders have a responsibility to serve every Tennessean, not just the wealthy and well-connected.
MP: Has your English degree supported you in your public service career?
JG: Absolutely. The writing and communication skills I honed at UT have taken me incredibly far in this journey. Whether I am drafting op-eds, developing comprehensive policy platforms, or writing stump speeches that need to resonate with a diverse crowd, my English degree is at work. Being able to craft a clear, compelling narrative is at the heart of reaching people and bringing them together.
MP: What advice would you give to English majors aspiring to work in politics or run for office?
JG: Challenge yourself by reading works from authors who have entirely different backgrounds and stories than your own. Literature builds empathy, and you cannot effectively represent a community if you do not understand the diverse perspectives within it. Above all, never lose your love of learning—public service requires a constant willingness to listen, adapt, and educate yourself.
MP: What challenges do you encounter in community-facing positions like being a city councilwoman or running for governor? Are there skills you gained in your time studying English that have helped you navigate these challenges?
JG: Being in the public eye comes with a very different kind of pressure than writing a 25-page research paper, but it is intense pressure all the same. Whether I am sitting on a city council or speaking on the campaign trail, I have to be able to clearly express my views, persuade my audience, and make my points both concise and impactful. Synthesizing complex information and communicating it persuasively under pressure are exactly the kinds of critical skills I learned while studying English.
Note: This interview is a profile of an English alumna and is not intended as a political endorsement.
Jerri Green (‘99) is a mother of three, Chief Public Defender, and current Memphis City Councilwoman running to be the next Governor of Tennessee.
Meghan Pinkston (Class of 2027) is a Knoxville native pursuing a BA in English with a concentration in Publishing at the University of Tennessee. She works as a consultant in the Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center and enjoys getting to share her love for reading and writing with other students. When she is not in the library, you can find her going to concerts, scuba diving, and writing.
