James Jenkins, D.D.S., assistant professor, adult restorative dentistry, and director, dental alumni affairs, for the UNMC College of Dentistry Alumni Association, will receive the Spirit of Community Service Award at the annual Faculty Senate Awards ceremony at 3 p.m. today in the Durham Research Center Auditorium.
Dr. Gold to speak at meeting
UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., will give his annual address to the faculty, titled “Healthcare 2050,” at the annual faculty meeting at 3 p.m. today in the Durham Research Center Auditorium. A reception, hosted by Chancellor Gold, will follow the event.
The ceremony will be broadcast through ZOOM and can be accessed from desktop computers or at the following sites at UNMC’s non-Omaha campuses:
- College of Nursing-Lincoln, Room 336
- College of Dentistry-Lincoln Dixon Auditorium, Room 1145
- College of Nursing-Kearney, Health Science Education Complex, Room 102
- College of Nursing-Norfolk, Room 189
- Scottsbluff – College of Nursing, Regional West Medical Center, Room B132
- Name: James Jenkins, D.D.S.
- Title: Assistant professor, adult restorative dentistry, and director, dental alumni affairs, for the UNMC College of Dentistry Alumni Association
- Joined UNMC: part time 1997, full time 2002
- Hometown: Lincoln, Neb.
How did you start in your community service activities?
I have always supported charitable organizations. In the early 2000s, I was asked to be a faculty representative for dental students going to Honduras for a charity dental clinic. Soon, I was asked to be in charge of dental students at the Kansas Mission of Mercy (a large, all-weekend dental charity event). It was such a wonderful experience, I helped bring the event to Nebraska. Our first Nebraska Mission of Mercy was held in North Platte, and has since been held every year or two in different communities across our state. I also love to take our students to neighboring states’ Missions of Mercy and have been involved in dental missions to Haiti since 2009.
I also participate in UNMC’s SHARING Clinics, held in Lincoln and in the panhandle communities and volunteer with students to care for our poor and homeless community members.
Why do you feel community service is important?
I follow the Golden Rule. The dental profession has been so good to me and giving back to the community is the right thing to do. I see wonderful changes in many of our patients here and in Haiti and Honduras, some of whom never have seen a dentist before. I’m happy to help them have a better, pain-free life.
List three things few people know about you.
- Married for 32 years to Kathy, three kids all married (yay!) and two grandkids that I spoil all I can.
- I have always loved and played music, and currently play in a dentist rock and soul band, named “Raw Nerve.”
- Die-hard football fan: Huskers, Chiefs, and Packers, in that order.
- I have been all my life and continue to be an aquarium enthusiast, a leather crafter, and a huge “Star Trek” (the original series) fan.
Well done good and faithful servant.
Congratulations Jim! Thanks for bringing a sense of humor to all you do and for representing the College of Dentistry so well! It is a pleasure to work with you!
Congratulations Jim! Well deserved recognition!
Way to go!!! Much deserved.
Congrats Dr. Jenkins! Amazing Dentist and member of the community.
You are most deserving, Dr. Jenkins!
You serve our community well – and its an honor to have you as a lifelong friend of our family.