Alumni Career Feature
Gaye Jenkins
We feature alumni with interesting careers from a variety of career areas. To find out more about the alumnus profession contact them via the e-mail provided. Or if you are interested in being featured, e-mail us at alumni@pct.edu.
- B.S., Applied Human Services, 1997
- gayejenkins@windstream.net
- Sullivan County Victims Services
Gaye's Background
Gaye Jenkins was a non-traditional student looking for a career change when she decided to further her education at Penn College. She enrolled in the College’s Project Choice program to discover the appropriate career path for her. She identified her strengths and took the advice of then Integrated Studies Assistant Dean, Veronica Music, and enrolled in the bachelor of science degree in Human Services. Gaye graduated from Penn College magna cum laude in 1997, earned a master’s degree in adult education, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Penn State University.
Sullivan County Victims Services
Gaye is the education coordinator at Sullivan County Victims Services in Laporte, PA. Sullivan County Victims Services serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes. The organization’s primary goal is to promote a violence free society by stopping the cycle of violence of all. As education coordinator, Gaye develops curriculum and presents prevention education programs and training to children, teens, adults, and professionals through Sullivan County. Writing is such an important aspect of Gaye’s career and she is thankful to her college professors for placing such an emphasis on its value.
Advice
Gaye encourages students to find the balance between a career they are good at and a career that is good for them. Early in her professional career she realized she needed both to be successful. Developing positive relationships with professors is also a must so they develop a better understanding of your strengths and weakness. They can have a significant impact on your college career and assist with the job search at the end of it. Gaye also stresses the importance of risk taking. Going to college as a non-traditional student was a major risk for Gaye but one that improved her life considerably.
Future
Gaye enjoys her work at Sullivan County Victims Services and knows she is making a positive difference in her local community. However, she would like to have a greater impact by applying her experience and knowledge in the field at the state level. Improving human service programs state-wide is a professional goal she would like to obtain in the next 5 – 10 years. As a part-time faculty member at Penn College, Gaye also shares her advice and knowledge with students. She realizes the potential she has to make a difference in their lives just like her professors did when she was a Penn College student.
