Terrence “J” Jenkins, co-anchor of E! News, actor and author, returned to his alma mater North Carolina A&T State University on April 24 to present a $100,000 endowment. Executives from NBCUniversal, the parent company of E!, joined Jenkins for a day of networking and professional development at the University.
In Jenkins’ honor, the department of journalism and mass communication declared April 24 ‘Terrence J Day.’ Campus events included a mentor’s breakfast and “Let’s Talk,” a networking session featuring Terrence J and moderated by N.C. A&T State alum and Vice President of News at NBC10 Philadelphia Anzio Williams.
“I am truly humbled to return to my alma mater and be in a position to give back to the same department and University that helped steer me on this incredibly rewarding career path. I’m inspired by the great work that NBCUniversal has contributed to N.C. A&T State and I am thankful to be able to work together with them on these important programs,” remarked Jenkins.
In March 2014, NBCUniversal established a partnership with N.C. A&T State to further develop initiatives to direct graduates of historically black colleges and universities into media careers. NBCUniversal donated $50,000 to N.C. A&T’s department of journalism and mass communication tosponsor the National Association of Black Journalists Multimedia Short Course held at N.C. A&T State and will continue a partnership with the university for four years.
“We are proud to join Terrence on this special day and continue our partnership with N.C. A&T State, which help prepare and equip students with the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive media industry,” said Craig Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, NBCUniversal.
NBCUniversal’s internship program, Campus 2 Career, one of the top 10 internship programs in the country according to Glassdoor, will also help in the initiative by linking students to positions within NBCUniversal, including news, research, TV programming and public relations. Campus 2 Career historically has strong relationships with HBCU’s like A&T, and has recently increased its presence on campus. NBCUniversal is recognized as one of the industry’s leaders in developing new talent and pursuing comprehensive, multiyear plans to recruit, retain and develop diverse employees and executives in every area of its business.
