Dr. Brandon Jenkins joins SCC to lead academics and workforce initiatives
Southeastern Community College welcomes Dr. Brandon Jenkins as the Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, and he begins his new role on June 23. With more than 17 years of higher education experience in the North Carolina Community College System, Jenkins is looking forward to leading the curriculum, workforce development and community needs of Columbus County.
Jenkins said that in every community college’s mission statement, there is always something about the college impacting the educational needs, the training needs and the cultural needs of humanity.
“This role is simply the conduit between the community, the businesses, the industries, the high schools and our campus,” Jenkins said. “As we march towards that mission, we have to make sure we are doing it in a way that meets everyone’s needs and working together to meet at the same point.”
Entering SCC with six previous leadership roles in his career, Jenkins is ready to meet the people of Columbus County, get immersed in the culture of the community and create lasting relationships in the place he will call his new home.
“I’m looking forward to the close-knit community that Columbus County offers,” Jenkins said.
In terms of the North Carolina Community College System, Jenkins’ favorite aspect is the diversity of its students. Serving high school students through senior citizens, Jenkins said that SCC is no different. He wants to serve those students, hear their stories and assist them in their academic and career goals.
Jenkins said that SCC President Dr. Chris English’s leadership was a big drawing point for him to SCC. After meeting English previously at a community college conference, Jenkins knew that SCC would be the right fit. Growing up in rural eastern North Carolina, Jenkins said he was no stranger to small town life where everyone knows each other.
“I am very excited about Dr. Jenkins joining our team here at Southeastern,” English said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge from curriculum development, understanding student services and is well-known throughout the state.”
English described Jenkins as a great leader with experience with NC Reconnect and our adult learner population. English said that Jenkins’ “innovation and forward thinking” and ability to empathize with others will amplify the work of the college.
“He is a great communicator, and that’s one of the things I learned about him early on,” English said. “He has a passion for students and the community college system’s mission to transform lives. He’s from rural North Carolina, so I think he’ll fit right in.”
On May 21, Jenkins toured SCC’s campus and participated in a meet and greet session with campus employees and Board of Trustee members. Jenkins observed the dedication of the employees and the impact they had on students. His visit further solidified his decision to join the Rams, and the college’s mission aligned with his goals.
“At a community college, you’re trying to be the economic engine for the local community that you serve,” Jenkins said. “So, getting your team to believe that and get on board is a moral imperative for the community. To help people improve, get an education and get those credentials that lead to workforce opportunities and sustainable wages for their families is the most important job you have.”
As the EVP, Jenkins explained that the most important part of his job is understanding the workforce needs of Columbus County, so that he can better serve students at any stage in their life. To increase enrollment numbers, Jenkins said that supporting the Career and College Promise program was one of the best ways to engage high school students looking to earn credits.
Jenkins graduated from Richlands High School in 1998, and he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Mt. Olive in 2002. Jenkins earned a master’s degree in sociology from East Carolina University in 2007, and he graduated from ECU in 2020 with a doctorate in higher education leadership.
Before coming to SCC, Jenkins served as the Vice President of Academic and Students Affairs at Wayne Community College from July 2021 until now. He was the Academic Dean of Arts and Sciences Division from January 2014 until July 2021. Jenkins was the Department Chair of Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences from August 2011 to December 2014. Jenkins started at WCC as the Lead Sociology Instructor and Honors Program Coordinator and served from January 2008 to August 2011.
Before entering higher education, Jenkins was the Juvenile Restitution and Community Service and Teen Court Coordinator from March 2004 to December 2007 with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Jenkins started his work as an Admissions/Outreach Coordinator at NOVA Behavioral Healthcare from February 2003 to March 2004.
