Velva Jenkins: Retired but still giving

LELAND -- Velva Jenkins’ youth can be described as rural idyllic, but her 32-year career from Brunswick Technical Institute's Small Business Center director to vice president of Continuing Education, Economic and Workforce Development at Brunswick Community College shows professional sophistication.

The recent retiree plans to remain in Leland giving back to regional nonprofit organizations that might benefit from her expertise in education and business administration

“God has just ordered my steps,” Jenkin says of her long and journey to becoming a college administrator, state and local community resource.

The daughter of the late Oliver and Mary Bellamy grew up on a large Brunswick County family-owned farm.

They grew soybeans, tobacco and corn. Chickens and cattle were part of her lifestyle, but Jenkins had bigger dreams: to become a New York fashion designer.

She entered the University of North Carolina Wilmington with that goal in mind but soon learned her art knowledge and skills were lacking.

The fashion world's loss was a gain for local higher education.

During her tenure at Brunswick Community College, she pulled in grants and donations of more than $1.4 million for economic and workforce development.

Gov. Roy Cooper awarded Jenkins the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, recognition for her services statewide and in Southeastern North Carolina, her exceptional career efforts, and numerous civic and nonprofit board memberships.

James Jarvis, director of the regional American Red Cross, says as a leader in the community Jenkins brings additional credibility to his nonprofit.

“Velva is chairman of our diversity committee and a valuable asset for our board,” he said.

She has assisted with fundraising, connecting the nonprofit with faith-based, African-American and and Hispanic initiatives, and taken a leadership role in developing a 2019 Blood Diversity Summit.

“She is so incredibly well respected,” Jarvis said.

A 2017 YWCA Woman of Achievement, Jenkins now serves on the board and aids with developing a better YWCA Early Childhood Education Center.

YWCA Director Charisse Hart expressed gratitude that Jenkins brings expertise from the Family Forward North Carolina Advisory Board.

“Their mission is to engage employers in adopting family friendly policies that improve child and family health and wellbeing,” Hart said. “I am glad she is from this area and understands the progress the region has made.”

Jenkins plans to spend more quality time with her family. Her husband Ron is a retired principal. They will travel and visit with their adult daughters Monique and Rowanty.

As a missionary, deaconess, and usher in Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Velva Jenkins is always actively helping others.