DeAndre Jenkins was excited to graduate from college and begin his career so that he could . . . go back to school.
Jenkins’ story is not the typical tale of a student returning to change his major or work on a graduate degree. Instead, Jenkins’ desire to return to school is motivated by a long-held love – football.
Jenkins graduated from Southern Arkansas University with a degree in marketing in December 2014. He was also the starting running back for the Mulerider football team.
However, after graduating and taking his first “real job,” Jenkins had one semester of eligibility remaining as a student-athlete. He plans to use that this fall for the Muleriders.
“Whatever opportunity presents itself, I’ll be open to it,” said Jenkins on his desire to display his football talents one more time, with the hope of maybe extending his athletic career past the college level. “I’d definitely have to have a breakout season.”
The Mountain Pine native was named as an All-Conference Honorable Mention in the Great American Conference after rushing for 850 yards and five touchdowns during the 2014 season.
Because he only has one semester of eligibility remaining, Jenkins could not practice with the team during spring training or take part in the spring game. Even though he can’t participate in team workouts, Jenkins is staying in shape. He hits the gym on his own time with workouts designed by the Mulerider coaching staff.
After completing his degree in Marketing, Jenkins interviewed with five companies about a job and received five offers. He chose to take a position as an Engagement Specialist with Accent, which works with Sprint.
“I think being in the College of Business helped me find a job the way I did,” he said. “I felt like the College of Business really prepared me – for the interviews and for the job. I feel like the school prepared me with real world experience.”
Jenkins began his college career at SAU as a mass media major. It was only by chance that he changed his major to business. During his sophomore year, he registered for a course on personal health, which just happened to be taught in the business building.
“I saw a poster in the building that caught my attention. The students were all dressed professionally; the guys were all wearing coats and ties. Deep down, I think I always wanted to be the type of person who wears a coat and tie every day,” said Jenkins.
When he returns in the fall, Jenkins hopes to begin work on his Master of Business Administration while simultaneously pursuing his dreams on the football field.
“It’s a really cool opportunity,” he said.
Dr. Lisa Toms, dean of the College of Business, is just as excited to have Jenkins back on campus.
“DeAndre was an outstanding student in the College of Business,” said Toms. “I think his professionalism, dedication, and work ethic can all be seen in the fact that’s he’s able to balance a career job with the training needed to play football on the college level.”
Jenkins is a 2010 graduate of Mountain Pine. He is the son of Winfred and Sharon Alexander, who are also excited for his opportunity to return to the football field.
“They are really supportive. They want the best for me.” Jenkins said both have been his biggest cheerleaders on the field and in the classroom.
“The funny thing is, I don’t even get to keep my cap and gown. My mom kept my cap and gown after I graduated from high school. After my college graduation, I think I only saw my cap and gown for a few minutes,” he said with a laugh.
Jenkins won’t be putting on a cap and gown again this fall. However, he is looking forward to putting on a football jersey again – even if it’s only for one more season.
