John Jenkins, publications coordinator, knows a lot about the ghost stories of Augusta State. He has even encountered the paranormal since he began working in the Office of Public Relations and Publications in one of the oldest buildings on campus. “There have been many times when I’ve heard a chair squeak in the office next to mine, and assuming it’s one of the designers, I’ve entered the office, chattering away about a project, and found no one there,” he says.
Ghosts are not all that piques Mr. Jenkins’ interests. His love for animals and general concern for their well-being led him to volunteer with the Aiken Cat Alliance. As a volunteer, he serves as a foster parent for animals that are in need of a temporary home, but not every animal he fosters stays temporarily. Three dogs, four cats, and two feral cats now call his house home.
“About three years ago, a friend told me about five stray puppies that had turned up in his brother’s yard. The brother had been successful in finding homes for three of them; however, the other two were being taken to the Aiken County Shelter. It wasn’t what I considered a “logical” move on my part: I was strapped for cash, working part-time after a layoff. But I called my friend, and asked him to have his brother bring the pups to my house and I’d help find them a home. They’ve never left, and I have no regrets,” he says.
When he is not caring for animals, he enjoys reading or listening to music. The last book he read was A Werewolf’s Guide to Life. He prefers horror shorts, but says a good parody, like the Werewolf’s Guide, is a lot of fun and functions as much-needed comic relief.
And his interest in music is diverse. “I listen to everything from Classical to Heavy Metal,” he says. He attributes much of this diversity to managing a music store while living in Savannah.
Mr. Jenkins has done some traveling abroad and has plans to go back again. In 2001, he took a European Tour. Every country had its own flare and charm, but he says he liked Florence, Italy, the best. However, now that he has so many animals to care for, it makes traveling harder. Right now, he is looking for vacation spots that will accommodate his pets as well.
Returning to college at the age of 30, he graduated from ASU in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in English. He says he enjoyed every experience while attending and is thrilled to be a part of ASU again.
“My job as publications coordinator gives me a chance to work with some talented people in our office and throughout the university. And, I find reward in knowing that I’ve played some part, no matter how small, in ASU’s contribution to education, the arts, and community.
Name: John Jenkins
Time at ASU: 3 years
Position: Publications Coordinator in the Office of Public Relations and Publications
Before ASU: Mr. Jenkins worked as a radiochemical analyst for SRS
Little known fact: Swimming in a lake with his dogs is his favorite activity.
Jan 27, 2010
Profiles