Jaycie Jenkins received the Delta Kappa Gamma’s 2024 Outstanding Student Teacher Education Award from Milligan University. Jenkins noted that throughout her placements in local schools at Happy Valley, Towne Acres, and Boones Creek, she had superior mentors! Dr. Billye Joyce Fine was one of Jenkins’ Milligan Teacher Education Professors and shared, “Jaycie is a star in the classroom and on the court.”

Jenkins is from Gray, and has been surrounded by educators her whole life; her mother, sister, and cousins are all teachers. She graduated from Daniel Boone High School, where she was on the volleyball, basketball, and softball teams; in addition, she was in the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and FCA.

Jenkins has been a basketball player at Milligan for four years and will graduate with honors. At Milligan, she has been on the Milligan University’s Dean’s List all four years. In 2022, she received Academic All-District First Team by CoSIDA, Academic All American Second Team by CoSIDA, WBCA NAIA All American and NAIA All-American Honorable Mention. In 2024, she received the NAIA Academic All American, CSC Academic All District, and WBCA NAIA Coaches’ All American Honorable Mention. 

After graduation, Jenkins will return to Milligan to study for her Master’s in Education and will be playing basketball.

Delta Kappa Gamma Society is a professional honorary society of women educators, which promotes professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education. Dr. Fine has been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma since 1972. While living in Florida, Dr. Fine served as president of her chapter and state officer, as well as presented workshops for the teaching organization in Florida and other states. Serving with DKG in Tennessee, since 2001, Dr. Fine has been honored with the Order of the Rose, which recognizes members for achievement and involvement at the chapter and state levels.