The Alabama Association of School Boards recently presented former Auburn City Schools Superintendent Dr. Terry Jenkins with its prestigious Legacy Award.  

The award, presented Dec. 1 during AASB’s annual convention in Birmingham, acknowledges Jenkins’ devoted service and extraordinary contributions to public education over the course of his 50-year career as an educator.  

“We are thrilled to present this award to a true touchstone for education leaders,” said AASB Executive Director Sally Smith. “Dr. Jenkins is highly regarded by all who know him for the compassion and integrity he demonstrates in every situation and in his interactions with students, staff, colleagues and the community.” 

AASB created its Legacy Award to recognize visionary leadership in k-12 education and exemplary contributions to the association and to local school boards and has bestowed the honor only one other time in 2016.  

“Dr. Jenkins embodies the very essence of this award for the lasting impact he has made in k-12 education,” Smith said. “He also has been an invaluable resource for AASB as a consultant, assisting in numerous superintendent searches and sharing his experience and wisdom in trainings for new board members.”  

Jenkins served as superintendent of the West Point, Ga, School District and chief executive officer of Floyd County and Troup County school systems in Georgia before being appointed in 2000 as superintendent of Auburn City Schools. After retiring as Auburn superintendent in 2012, Jenkins was appointed by the Auburn City Council in 2016 to serve as a member of the Auburn City school board, a position he held through December of 2022. 

Jenkins has received a host of professional accolades throughout his career, including being named as a Superintendent of the Year in both Georgia and Alabama. Recently, Jenkins was inducted into the Alabama Educational Leadership Hall of Fame.

The Legacy Award presentation was one of several highlights of AASB’s 2023 Convention & Delegate Assembly which drew nearly 500 school board members and other education leaders to Birmingham Nov. 30 – Dec. 2. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey welcomed attendees to the opening general session Friday, Dec. 1, introducing members of the Governor’s Commission on Teaching and Learning who unveiled the commission’s recommendations and final report. The event also featured keynotes by educator and viral comedian Gerry Brooks and award-winning author, nonprofit founder and motivational speaker Jess Ekstrom.