City you live in: Prescott Valley, AZ
Current job/Employer: Vice President of Community Relations & Student Development at Yavapai College
A typical day in my life includes…Unfortunately no day for me is typical. I can begin my day talking about launching a new marketing and social media campaign for one of our academic programs. I would be interrupted because of a crisis situation with a student. I would then meet for lunch with elected officials, participate in one of my department meetings, have a discussion about recruitment or retention strategies.
I was born…Cleveland, Ohio
My favorite thing about my city…The peacefulness and serenity of the area. Many people have to travel to a location to escape, all I need to do is go home.
I’m currently listening to…I only listen to gospel and jazz.
My family…Wife of 19 years (Lesley) who is the Regional Director for the Northern Arizona Alzheimer Association, three sons (Rodney Alexander 30, Jayden Christopher 16, & Jayden Michael)
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…Tyler Perry. He is one of America’s newest self-made billionaires.
One thing I cannot live without is…good conversation with intelligent and inspiring people.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…a lawyer and sports agent.
I’m inspired by…people bold enough to live their dreams.
The one person who motivates me is…my family.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…to push pause or reset on the year 2020 and give people of dose of humility, respect, and honesty.
The perfect day would be…when The Ohio State Football team wins the National Championship
My first job was…Director of Communications for Cleveland (Ohio) City Council
My favorite escape…anywhere where there is beautiful water.
My life…is awesome, I’m living in a beautiful place, working in my best job of my career, working for the best president and the best boss I’ve ever worked for, and contributing to my college and community.
I’m currently working on…many major projects to help our institution create many competitive advantages as well as help improve both the quality of life and standard of living for those who live and work in Yavapai County.
Always…Be respectful
Never…Hate anyone or anything
Favorite quote: “It’s not ok to be ok!” author unknown. To me we can never settle, always strive for greatness.
My biggest dream is…to see my boys become successful leaders in their communities and in their field of study, which they choose.
My pet peeve(s)…people jumping to conclusions without the facts.
More about Rodney Jenkins:
Rodney Jenkins is currently the Vice President of Community Relations & Student Development for Yavapai College. He relocated to Yavapai County from Lock Haven, PA where he was the Vice President for University Relations for Lock Haven University. Mr. Jenkins has over 25 years of experience in developing and implementing effective public relations, communications, marketing, economic development, and fund development strategies.
Before relocating to Pennsylvania, Mr. Jenkins spent five years in the State of Georgia as the Director of Communications for Georgia’s Department of Administrative Services. He also worked as the Director of Communications & Marketing for the DeKalb County School District.
Mr. Jenkins began his career in the public sector providing in-home counseling and support services to children and families in distress. In the late 1980’s, after managing several successful local political campaigns for members of Cleveland City Council, he was appointed to become the Director of Communications and chief spokesperson for the Cleveland, Ohio’s City Council. Jenkins helped the members create better dialog with their constituency groups and the media.
As the Chief Public Affairs Officer for Cleveland, Ohio’s Mayor, Jenkins was the city’s chief spokesperson and managed several outward facing departments. He also developed and implemented proactive communicative strategies that improved both internal and external relations.
As the Corporate Marketing Manager with Cleveland Public Power, Jenkins’ primary role was to improve and expand corporate relationships with the public utility. He successfully helped sustain and improve the financial landscape of the utility. Today, Cleveland Public Power is one of the most successful municipal-owned utilities in the nation.
Mr. Jenkins is a dedicated husband, father, and man of God. He enthusiastically serves his family, community, and church. He has served on many community boards and commissions. Jenkins and his wife of 18 years currently reside in Prescott Valley with their two sons. He also has an adult son, Rodney Alexander Jenkins from a previous marriage who resides in Toledo, Ohio.
Mr. Jenkins holds both a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a Masters of Management degree (MBA) from David N. Myers University in Cleveland, Ohio.
