The West Virginia State University Board of Governors named Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins, a seasoned higher-education leader, and a United States Army veteran, as its 11th president today following a national search. Next, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission will have to approve the contract.
“I am humbled to be selected as the 11th President of West Virginia State University,” Dr. Anthony Jenkins said in a statement, according to the school’s website. “Throughout my career, I have focused my efforts and energy on students and ensuring their path to earning a college education is accessible and, most of all, challenging and rewarding.”
He added, “I am truly honored to join a family—the State family—which is as dedicated to student-centeredness and access. On behalf of my wife, Toinette and our daughters, Ashley and Alicia, thank you for welcoming us, and we look forward to serving and leading all Yellow Jackets in the Kanawha Valley, state and region to a prosperous future.”
A Washington, D.C. native, Jenkins served in the specialist air defense artillery position in the United States Army and is a graduate of Fayetteville State University, the news release read. According to his LinkedIn page, Jenkins served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at University of Maryland Eastern Shore from 2011-2015, and as Sr. Associate Vice Present at University of Central Florida prior to becoming president of WVSU.
“This is an exciting day for West Virginia State as we continue our momentum of student-centered growth, passion for community service and continued quest to provide access to higher education for all people under the leadership of Dr. Jenkins,” said Dr. Ann Brothers Smith, Chair of the WVSU BOG. “On behalf of the entire State family, I extend a warm West Virginia State welcome to Dr. Jenkins, Toinette, Ashley, and Alicia, as we are eager to advance to the next chapter of opportunity for the University and its students.”
