Julius Jenkins, who served as president of Concordia College from 1980 until 2007 will receive president emeritus status during the inauguration banquet of the seventh president, Wednesday, May 5, at 5 p.m. in the Julius and Mary Jenkins Center.

The college’s board of regents recently voted in favor of awarding the status to Jenkins, whose 27 years is the longest presidency in the school’s history. Jenkins held various positions at the college as well, including dean of academic affairs and assistant to president Willis Wright.

During his tenure as president, Jenkins expanded Concordia from a junior college to a four-year, baccalaureate-granting institution with majors in early childhood education, elementary education and business administration.

Additionally, his tenure resulted in the growth of student enrollment, the initiation of a football team and an increase in fundraising, which led to the construction of several new buildings.