Jenkins began her career at Southeast in 1993 when she was employed as a switchboard operator while completing her undergraduate degree. She graduated cum laude in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in family studies and social work. Jenkins then went on to earn a master’s degree in community counseling from Southeast in 2009 before becoming a licensed counselor in June 2010.   

Jenkins has a great deal of professional experience, including with many of the counseling services throughout the region such as the Community Counseling Center where she was the intake therapist before being promoted to director of outpatient and emergency services. She also served as a diversion day treatment therapist and substance abuse specialist before opening her own practice in 2017.    

Jenkins returned to her alma mater in November 2017 as a counselor for the University. She was promoted to assistant director for the Center of Behavioral Health and Accessibility in 2020 before going on to become the interim director in 2022.  

“Dinia has a proven track record of investment in our students and supporting them through the many challenges they face during their time as Redhawks,” said Trae Mitten, Southeast Dean of Students. “Her leadership will provide vision and stability for the Center for Behavioral Health and Accessibility as the staff continually strives to assist our students with a variety of counseling, accessibility, and mental health needs.”