COLLEGE PARK — The University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism has appointed alum and Board of Visitors member John A. Jenkins ’72 as its inaugural entrepreneur in residence, Dean Rafael Lorente announced Wednesday.
This appointment is in recognition of Jenkins’ significant experience as a journalist, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Jenkins will spend five days per semester in residence at Merrill College, during which time he will meet with students and faculty, provide guest lectures in classes and more. He will additionally offer advice to Merrill College leadership and faculty on programs and strategy with an eye toward helping prepare students for greater success after graduation.
“We look forward to embedding John in our college at a time when our students must learn to navigate an industry whose business model is in flux,” Lorente said. “We believe that his insights and support will help transform the profile of our graduates, preparing them to enter a rapidly evolving field.”
Jenkins co-leads the predictive-AI startup PoliScio Analytics, which he co-founded in 2022. Jenkins previously founded Law Street Media and served for 15 years as president and publisher emeritus of CQ Press. He also previously held executive positions with Ziff Davis, France Telecom and The Bureau of National Affairs (now Bloomberg Industry Group).
As a journalist and author, Jenkins’ work appeared in such major publications as The New York Times Magazine, where he was a regular contributor from 1983-87; GQ (American and British editions); The Washington Monthly; and The American Lawyer. He is a four-time recipient of the American Bar Association’s Silver Gavel Certificate of Merit, one of the highest awards in legal journalism, for his coverage of law and the courts.
He is also the author of four books, the most recent being “Summer of ’71: Five Months That Changed America,” which was published in July by Kensington and distributed by Penguin Random House.
For more information, contact:
Josh Land, Director of Communications
joshland@umd.edu