Former ESCC President Dr. Richard Jenkins Passes

Your Eastern Shore Community College is saddened to learn of the passing of former ESCC President, Dr. Richard Jenkins.

Dr. Jenkins became the second president of Eastern Shore Community College in February of 1996, succeeding Dr. John Fiege. During Dr. Jenkins’ tenure, the college experienced enrollment growth, and he elevated ESCC’s visibility as an appreciated community resource. 

Dr. Jenkins was a catalyst for the creation of the ESCC Foundation, as well as the development and construction of the college’s Workforce Development Building. Even after his presidency, he continued to be a generous and loyal supporter of the Foundation and was often in attendance at milestone moments in the college’s recent history, including the groundbreaking of the new Academic Building in 2017 and the 50^th Anniversary Celebration in 2021.

Dr. Jenkins served as ESCC President for ten years, retiring in 2006 after 38 of service with the Commonwealth of Virginia. Dr. Jenkins was regarded by many as a visionary, thoughtful leader with a passion for helping students and building meaningful relationships. 

Looking back on Dr. Jenkin’s career, he earned his B.A. degree from East Carolina University and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Virginia,  then began as Assistant Professor of History at the Eastern Shore Branch of the University of Virginia, ESCC’s predecessor, in 1968. 

In 1970, the Eastern Shore Branch was transferred from the University of Virginia to the Virginia Community College System and renamed Eastern Shore Community College.   During the 1971-72 academic year, Dr. Jenkins served as Acting Dean of Student Services at Eastern Shore Community College.  The following year he was elevated to Dean of Student Services, a position that he held for approximately 25 years. In February 1996, Jenkins succeeded Dr. John Fiege, becoming the college’s second president.  

During his retirement years, Dr. Jenkins stayed very engaged in civic organizations and was especially active in his support of Camp Occohannock on the Bay. 

Current ESCC President Dr. Daryl Minus commented, “We offer our sincere condolences to Dr. Jenkins’ family, friends, and colleagues.”