Contact: Kimberly Osborne (304) 766-3363 kosborne@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins will be inaugurated as the 11th president of West Virginia State University (WVSU) on Friday, March 17, the University’s Founders Day. The investiture ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. in the P. Ahmed Williams Auditorium of Ferrell Hall.
“On behalf of the entire State family, we look forward to welcoming past, present and future Yellow Jackets to campus to honor Dr. Jenkins on his inauguration as the 11 president of West Virginia State University,” said Dr. Ann Brothers Smith, chair of the WVSU Board of Governors. “Dr. Jenkins brings with him a vision, energy and dedication to student success that we are confident will carry the University forward to an exciting future where it is recognized nationally for its quality education, innovative teaching, and experiential learning.”
The investiture ceremony will feature remarks from a variety of state political and higher education leaders including: U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.; Dr. Paul Hill, chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission; Gayle Manchin, cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts; and Dr. Ann Brothers Smith, chair of the WVSU Board of Governors. The ceremony will also feature representatives of other higher education institutions in West Virginia.
Dr. Phyllis A. Gray-Ray, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, will deliver the investiture ceremony’s keynote address. Gray-Ray is a longtime mentor, colleague and friend of Jenkins.
Following the investiture ceremony at approximately 3:30 p.m. a ceremonial tree planting will take place. A reception honoring Jenkins, and in celebration of the University’s 126 anniversary, will immediately follow at the James C. Wilson University Union. Beginning at 4:30 p.m. tours of campus will depart from the University Union.
A native of Washington, D.C., Jenkins began his tenure as president on July 1, 2016. Before joining WVSU, Jenkins served as Senior Associate Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Services at the University of Central Florida (UCF), the nation’s second largest university. Jenkins’ higher education experience also includes serving as Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Dean of Students at the University of Houston Clear Lake; Associate Dean of Students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington; Assistant Dean of Students at Northeastern Illinois University; Area Coordinator at Virginia Tech University; and Admission and Financial Aid Advisor at Jackson State University. Prior to his career in higher education, Jenkins served in the United States Army as an Air Defense Artillery Specialist. Jenkins has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice/sociology from Fayetteville State University, a master’s degree in criminology from North Carolina Central University and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech University.
Jenkins is married to Toinette Jenkins and has three daughters.
More information about the Inauguration can be found at , by emailing or by calling (304) 766-5700.
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