There are no words I can write that will suffice in describing the greatest leader that eastern NC has ever known. No man ever lived has been more loved east of I-95 and more hated west of I-95 than Dr. Leo Jenkins. This alum of Rutgers University with a BS in Education left his teaching position at his alma mater to come to a rural NC town and accept a position as Dean of ECTC, East Carolina Teachers College. He eventually became the President of our school and father to ECU football. Recently, the enemy (UNC Board of Governors) shockingly awarded posthumously their highest honor by presenting the University Award to Dr. Jenkins. I'd like to share with my future conference friends and fellow alumni this PBS video. In this film lies the true spirit of ECU. No documentary would better explain to our soon-to-be conference brethren the heart and soul of ECU.

http://video.pbs.org/video/2365223367/

We didn't even walk the earth at the same time, yet I have a great deal respect for this man and what he did for our school. I've even run into his kin (can't remember if they were his grand kids or in-laws grandkids) and they continue to speak highly of him and tell stories passed down from other family members.

I hope I have this right..it will be sad if I don't, but I believe someone once told me "Two of Leo Jenkins' accomplishments are bigger than the entirety of most president's careers. 1. He know that Medicine was the future, and he fought UNC and the state for ECU's med school. 2. He knew that football would become the biggest sport in the future (a very difficult view to have in that time in NC) so he built up ECU football."

I had the honor of waiting on Dr. and Mrs. Jenkins while working at the Greenville CC while in school. He could talk to a waiter in school or the President of the United States and make either feel equally as important. Truly one of the finest men I ever met.

It took them 25 years after his death to bring themselves to the point of being able to admit to themselves he was right and they (UNC) were wrong.

God rest his soul!

Great video.

I lived near Leo's son Jeff for many years. Great man, great family.