Graduate programs in College of Management named the Jenkins Graduate School

On September 21, 2007, the graduate programs in North Carolina State University’s College of Management were named the Jenkins Graduate School of Management, in honor of Benjamin (Ben) P. Jenkins, III, vice-chairman and president of the General Bank at Wachovia Corporation (retired).

About the Jenkins Graduate School

The Jenkins Graduate School includes the Master of Accounting and Master of Business Administration programs in the NC State College of Management, and the Graduate Economics Program offered jointly by NC State’s colleges of agriculture and life sciences and management.

Ben Jenkins biography

Ben Jenkins, former vice-chairman and former president of the General Bank at Wachovia Corporation, currently holds an executive position with Morgan Stanley. He received the inaugural Person of the Year Award from the NC State College of Management in 2008.

He has been in his current position at Wachovia since 1999, providing executive leadership to General Bank Wachovia Corporation, which includes retail and wholesale activities such as branch delivery; commercial, business and community banking, Wachovia Dealer Services, real estate and related financial services, and corporate customer service excellence.

Jenkins previously held leadership positions with First Union banks along the eastern seaboard, from Florida to Maryland. He earned his bachelor’s degree in textiles chemistry from NC State in 1968. After earning his MBA from the University of Alabama, began his professional career at Wachovia.

Jenkins also serves in several community leadership roles, including vice chairman and member of the board of trustees of Presbyterian Hospital, member of the board of trustees and chairman elect of Queens University, and member of the board of directors for the Charlotte Symphony.

He also is a member of the NC State College of Management Achieve Campaign Steering Committee.

Naming the Jenkins Graduate School of Management

On September 21, 2007, the graduate programs in North Carolina State University’s College of Management were brought under one name – the Jenkins Graduate School of Management. The programs were named in honor of Benjamin (Ben) Jenkins III, vice-chairman and president of the General Bank at Wachovia Corporation.

In his remarks at the naming celebration, Jenkins said:

“I think the College of Management’s graduate programs have the potential to be among the top two to three graduate schools of business for technology-oriented students.

“It’s not just the technical skills that you need to be successful; it’s the people skills. Management programs round out a person’s prior education, providing the skill sets needed for success in business today. This is what I think the college and this graduate school can offer to technology-based graduate students. That’s why I’m so excited about this honor,” he said.

He also stressed his family ties with NC State. His father was a county extension agent, and Jenkins recalled going to NC State football games as a youth. “I have always loved NC State,” he said.

Jenkins’ involvement with the college also reflects the college’s role in helping to support business and economic development in the state.

NC State has a long history of responding to the needs of North Carolina, particularly when it comes to building partnerships and supporting economic development,” said Chancellor James Oblinger.

“I believe that common purpose is the foundation for our long-standing relationship with Ben Jenkins. We are proud to have Ben, Wachovia and The Wachovia Foundation as partners and grateful for their support.

“Our College of Management is relatively young, but growing rapidly in enrollment and national stature. This naming gift will support that continued growth,” Oblinger said.

Ira R. Weiss, dean of the college [above, right], commented on the connection between Jenkins’ career and the college’s mission.

“His career path – transitioning from a technology-focused undergraduate degree to senior leadership positions with Wachovia – parallels the transition that many of our technology-oriented graduate students seek in coming to our programs,” he said.

“This is a tremendous and well-deserved honor for Ben, who is one of the best leaders I know,” said Wachovia Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ken Thompson. “He has built a world-class banking operation that consistently delivers outstanding performance. He has also mentored and developed countless teammates by setting an example of personal excellence and enthusiasm for the business.”

“As this fine school develops future leaders, it will benefit from Ben’s involvement and support for years to come.”