SALISBURY, N.C. — The president of Livingstone College is retiring this year after leading the school in Rowan County for nearly two decades.

What You Need To Know

  • Jimmy R. Jenkins Sr. is retiring after leading Livingstone College for 16 years

  • Livingstone’s enrollment grew 35% over Jenkins’ tenure

  • The school will conduct a national search for the next president

Jimmy R. Jenkins Sr. spends part of his day walking around the campus of Livingstone greeting students. The self-proclaimed “student’s president” prides himself on creating what he calls a “holistic environment.”

“I think no student [at Livingstone] can say that they don’t know me because I’m always available,” Jenkins said. 

Jenkins is also saying goodbye to the school he’s helped lead for 16 years. He’s preparing for his retirement to spend more time with his wife and kids. 

“As God said, I’m not getting any younger,” Jenkins said, laughing. “I wanted to be able to spend some years with [my family] and enjoy some of the things that [my wife] and I dreamed of doing together.” 

A native of Selma, North Carolina, Jenkins has been leading HBCUs for many decades. He served as chancellor at Elizabeth City State University before coming to Livingstone in 2006 at a time when the college was on the verge of closing.

Jenkins helped change the school's course. His work on campus is visible in new buildings, major renovations and stones that share an important message.

“These stones are scattered throughout the campus with this quote on it: ‘You can get life out of a stone at Livingstone,'” he said. 

During his leadership, the campus saw its first major construction in more than 40 years. Jenkins helped create the Honors Hall, an apartment-style building for new students with high grade-point averages.

“That makes a difference because they will be a magnet for other students as well,” Jenkins said.

Livingstone’s enrollment grew 35% over his tenure. His accomplishments earned him The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor of community service, from then-Gov. Pat McCrory in 2016.

“I felt that this was an award that was so gratifying because it was unexpected,” Jenkins said. 

A wall in his office paints a picture of his legacy, with awards and messages from governors and former first lady Michelle Obama.

“I think how blessed I am to be able to be in a place where I’ve been able to make a contribution in life,” Jenkins said. 

What keeps him going all these years are the people he helps transform.

"The sparkle in the eye of students and the ability to be able to help them realize their dreams,” Jenkins said. 

As he gets ready to write his next chapter, he wishes to pass the torch to someone who will enhance the school’s mission.

“What my hope is that the next leader will be able to stand on my shoulders and carry the institution to another level,” he said. 

Livingstone College’s board of trustees governance committee plans to conduct a national search for the next president. In the meantime, Jenkins will remain president until his successor is appointed.

The college is also preparing a series of events to celebrate Jenkins’ tenure.