Philander Smith University Announces Dr. Tionna L. Jenkins as New Board Chair
Little Rock, Ark. (June 10, 2024) — The Philander Smith University Board of Trustees has announced its
new slate of officers, with Dr. Tionna L. Jenkins elected as Board Chair effective June 1. A Little Rock
native, she is a distinguished public health executive, professor, and entrepreneur who has served on
the institution’s board since 2018.
With 20 years of public health policy experience, Dr. Jenkins has made significant contributions in her
roles as a senior advisor with global foundations and leaders, including the Clinton Foundation, the
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and several presidential libraries. Additionally, Dr. Jenkins and her
husband co-own Plate It Healthy, a public health and wellness company offering plant-based and vegan
meals through their food truck, along with wellness consultative services. They also run O’nita Lee Foods
and Products, an e-commerce business that sells small-batch jams, granola, and cookies.
Her academic achievements include a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Arkansas, an MPH
from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and a B.S. from Philander Smith College, now
Philander Smith University. She also holds certifications in plant-based nutrition and diabetes
management from Cornell University and Emory University.
As a 2001 alumna and proud fourth-generation HBCU graduate, Dr. Jenkins has remained actively
involved with the university. As a student, she was initiated into the Gamma Alpha Chapter of Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and served as president of the Natural and Physical Sciences Club, among
other leadership roles. She was also crowned and served as Miss Black and Gold 1998-1999, Miss
Philander Smith College 1999-2000, and Miss United Negro College Fund (UNCF) 2000-2001.
Other newly elected Philander Smith University Board of Trustees officers include Dr. Patti Freemyer
Martin, Vice Chairman, and Rev. Mark Norman,’94, Secretary.
