An induction into the West Chester Hall of Fame signifies a life devoted to service, accomplishment, and perseverance; Dr. Ronn Jenkins, the diving instructor at West Chester University, is all of that and more.Dr. Jenkins is being inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, after a long career in the diving world filled with numerous recognitions, positions, and honors.
A West Chester Alumni, who attended Bucknell for his masters, Jenkins learned to dive as a young boy. In his hometown York, he spent much of his time in the YMCA pool learning the ropes of the sport.
West Chester noticed Jenkins’ outstanding performance in the pool while he was at William Penn High School, and recruited him to the then West Chester State Teacher’s College. His resume at West Chester included the PSAC and Middle Atlantic Conference champion, as well as record holder in the division, and being named the Middle Atlantic Conference Most Outstanding Athlete his Junior year. He also excelled in the classroom too, being the vice president of his class his junior year.
After earning his masters degree, he came back to his Alma Mater West Chester to be the assistant dean of students. He would later become the assistant to the President there. Jenkins attended U-PENN to finish up his doctorate, and would continue to work at West Chester as the director of the advising center and the chair of the department of educational services.
Ever since his return to West Chester though, he has always kept up with his true passion; diving. He has volunteered as the diving coach all that time, producing many PSAC and NCAA champions, as well as countless All-Americans.
Dr. Jenkins has been recognized nationally, serving on some of the most prestigious boards such as the NCAA Swimming and Diving Committee, the National YMCA Swimming and Diving Committee, and a chairperson on the United States Diving Committee on Diversity.
In 1995, Jenkins was named the NCAA Men’s Diving Coach of the Year. The next year, he was chosen as the Diving Officials Coordinator for the Diving World Cup. Later that year, he did that same job at the Olympic Games in Beijing.
“I attribute my success to my students (both in the pool and in the classroom); my mentors, and a true passion for diving, coaching, and learning,” Jenkins said on his diving career and success.
Jenkins has proven that he is worthy of a spot in West Chester’s legacy forever. He has mentored both in the pool as well as in the classroom. He has helped mold the Golden Ram swimming and diving team into the dominant force that they are today. Dr. Ronn Jenkins is more than worthy of this recognition.
Ryan Frisco is a second-year student majoring in Communication studies with a minor in Journalism. He can be reached at RF648257@wcupa.edu.