Jacob Jenkins
Camarillo, Calif., Sept. 2, 2016—The Pacific Coast Business Times has named Assistant Professor of Communication Jacob Jenkins, Ph.D., as one of its “40 Under 40” honorees.
Each year, the newspaper committee selects 40 community leaders under the age of 40 who are “part of a new generation of dynamic leaders who are re-shaping the leadership ranks and the economy of the Tri-Counties,” according to an article in the Pacific Coast Business Times.
Jenkins was nominated by recent CI graduate Spencer Wolfe, who is currently attending Pepperdine Law School, and Kellie Prather, a CI Communication major set to graduate in 2017. Jenkins conducted research with both students.
“I nominated Dr. J because I believe that he perfectly embodies what the award represents. He is a business leader in the community because he provides an inspiring learning environment and encourages his students to think outside the box,” Prather said. “His courses at CI directly benefit local non-profits by giving his students real-life experience through service learning projects. By allowing students to have this opportunity, he is helping create a fresh generation of leaders who are ready to benefit the business community.”
Jenkins and Prather are presently wrapping up a research study with two other CI students on the team. Their study explores the best way to build community within online and “blended” classes, which means it’s split between classroom and online work.
Their research is under review right now for possible presentation at the Western States Communication Association’s annual convention in February.
With five other undergraduate students, Jenkins and Wolfe recently completed a project on virtual collaboration, which was previously selected for presentation at the National Communication Association’s annual convention, and was more recently accepted for peer-reviewed publication within The International Journal of E-Collaboration.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a student of his,” Wolfe said. “Both for his engaging teaching style and real life experience with which he supplemented the class. As a colleague under his supervision for our research, Dr. Jenkins worked step-by-step with us so that we took ownership and initiative in our efforts to complete a very large study and the analysis that followed.”
In addition, Wolfe said Jenkins took an interest in their personal aspirations, offering assistance and advice.
Jenkins said he is humbled by this honor and the words of the students who nominated him, especially because he strives to inspire students the same way he was inspired.
“What first drew me to education was the positive impact my professors had on me,” Jenkins said. “The way they challenged me to test my own taken-for-granted assumptions, and to use my education as a way to give back to our local community. I’m honored to think at least a small portion of that inspiration has been passed on to my students here at CI. And I’m humbled to imagine the ripple effect their actions will have on Ventura County and beyond.”
Jenkins and the other 39 honorees will be celebrated at an awards ceremony Sept. 12 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Topa Tower Club in Oxnard.
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CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.