The Sedalia School District Foundation Alumni Committee is proud to announce Janet Wear-Enloe as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Janet Wear-Enloe graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in 1979. While at Smith-Cotton, she was a cheerleader (co-captain her senior year), active in Speech and Debate, Student Council, orchestra, and was a radio announcer. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from the University of Central Missouri. With more than 35 years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations and business development, she has an extensive list of professional accomplishments. Her civic leadership roles and activities include volunteer work with more than 20 non-profit and charitable organizations.
Wear-Enloe is currently the Director of Business Development for SSM Health in Mid-Missouri. She is the former Chief Marketing Officer for Jefferson City Medical Group, one of Missouri’s largest independent multi-specialty groups. For nine years she was Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism for the Strategic Communication Capstone Course. The first 14 years of her career, she worked as a video producer creating award-winning corporate communications content.
Janet is a community connector. She was the fourth woman in 118 years to serve as Board Chair for the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce. Janet also served as Board Chair for United Way of Central Missouri and co-chaired the community campaign, which raised a record sum. She served for three years as chair of the Fund Allocation committee for the United Way. During her term the organization added three new partner agencies and distributed record-setting funds to non-profits. She is past Board Chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson City and continues to be an active board member. Janet is Vice-President of the Board of Directors for St. Nicholas Academy, a faith-based residential learning facility to help children reach their fullest potential. Janet is also a past Board member of the Jefferson City Area YMCA and currently serves as a Trustee. Twice she co-chaired Mission JC, which is a morning of worship through service by coordinating nine churches, over 600 volunteers and over 60 projects. Janet is a past President of Zonta Club of Jefferson City and was instrumental in creating the Women of Achievement Yellow Rose Luncheon in 2000. Funds from the Luncheon have provided more than $400,000 in Second Chance Scholarships to women seeking to further their education. She has chaired the Luncheon twice and served on the steering committee since its inception.
Some of Janet’s professional accolades include the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman Award; “Live United” United Way of Central Missouri Volunteer of the Year Award; Women in Communication Springfield, Mo. chapter Member of the Year; second place for her video production in the Catholic Health Association of the United States Spirit Award; Communicator Award of Distinction; Women in Communication’s Best in the Midwest Award; and numerous Missouri Hospital Association “Show-Me Excellence” Awards.
Wear-Enloe says, “You are never too old to make new friends, try something new, or get involved. You learn so much from being an active volunteer in your community and pass on your life experiences as well.”