Kish’s longest-serving president was actively involved with the College since its inception. Before serving 22 years as Kish’s President, Dr. Norman Jenkins started at the College before it officially opened, serving as the head of the Student Services department. He later served as Dean of Students and Executive Dean. Under Dr. Jenkins’ leadership, Kish saw the addition of a new Science and Health Care Wing, maintenance building and the C-Wing — all while providing sound financial stewardship. Academically, Dr. Jenkins focused on developing coursework and curricula to meet the ever-changing needs of the Kishwaukee College District. Dr. Jenkins was instrumental in the development of Kish’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter — an honor society for two-year colleges — and earned the national organization’s Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction in 1998. During his time as President of Kish, Dr. Jenkins served as President of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents. In 2019, Dr. Jenkins received the John C. Roberts Community Service Award and was appointed as an Emeritus Board member on the Kishwaukee College Foundation Board in 2023.

Served: 1978-2000