Dr. Sebetha Jenkins-Booker
Chair Emeritus
Chair Emeritus
Dr. Jenkins-Booker, former president of HBCU Jarvis Christian College, was the first to validate and embrace the Arlnice mission to uplift HBCU students. Inspired by her mother, a one-room school principal in rural Texas, Dr. Jenkins-Booker dedicated her professional life to education.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in English at Jackson State University in Mississippi and received her Master’s in English Education from Delta State University. In 1978, Dr. Jenkins-Booker was awarded a doctorate in educational administration from Mississippi State University (MSU), and became the tenth president of Jarvis Christian College on January 1, 1991.
Prior to her appointment as president, Dr. Jenkins had a distinguished career as an educator and college administrator. From 1986 through December 1990, she was Assistant to the President and Director of Minority Affairs at The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. From 1960 through 1986, she worked in the field of education in Mississippi, primarily at Coahoma Junior College and then at MSU where she was in charge of minority affairs and later Assistant to the President. She has been recognized with numerous awards from local, state, and national organizations.
Dr. Jenkins has gained national recognition while serving as President of Jarvis Christian College. Her stature has been recognized by her appointment to a number of prestigious professional organizations, commissions, and boards. Of particular interest, she has served as a board member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas; American Council on Education, Commission on Adult Learning and Educational Credentials; Association of Black Women in Higher Education; The Christian Church Foundation Board; The General Board of The Christian Church; The Council of Independent Colleges; National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education and Texas Discovery Gardens.
In the midst of tender reminiscence and fond reflections, we acknowledge Dr. Jennifer Arlnice Jenkins Diotallevi. Dr. Jenkins Booker’s world is adorned with unwavering love and blessed by her cherished family, including her husband, Charles Booker, and her beloved daughter, who graced this world with her radiant presence. Together with her husband and their three beautiful daughters, their familial bond forms a tapestry of enduring love and cherished memories, a testament to the profound impact of Dr. Jenkins Diotallevi’s life and legacy.