Kris Jenkins, who hit the buzzer-beating 3-pointer that won Villanova's 2016 national championship, is back on campus in a full-time staff role.
Villanova Athletics announced Tuesday, Sept. 15, that Jenkins has been hired as the university's Athletics Operations Coordinator. He had already been on the job for roughly three weeks, according to The Villanovan, the student newspaper, which profiled him Sept. 9.
The role spans the full athletics department. Jenkins will support facilities, events and equipment operations, appear on live-streamed game broadcasts, contribute to social media video production, handle external relations for the Villanova Athletic Fund and work on student-athlete development programs.
Jenkins told The Villanovan his focus extends well beyond basketball. "Villanova basketball is in my blood, it's in my heart, so that'll always be there," he said in the Sept. 9 interview. "But, helping out men's and women's soccer if I can, helping out volleyball, helping out golf, baseball and softball … How can I help get their sport more visible?"
Jenkins is already visible on campus. He attended a men's soccer match against Fordham in his new role.
Vice President and Director of Athletics Eric Roedl called Jenkins "humble, approachable and engaging." Roedl said Jenkins is learning how the department creates the best experience for its student-athletes, coaches and fans.
Jenkins played 146 games as a Wildcat from 2013 to 2017, scoring 1,383 points and shooting .373 from 3-point range. He helped Villanova to 129 wins alongside classmates Josh Hart and Darryl Reynolds before graduating in May 2017.
After college, Jenkins pursued a professional career that included NBA Summer League stints with the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat. He played overseas in Germany, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, where a hip injury ended his playing days. Before returning to Villanova, he spent time advocating for student-athletes navigating Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals, giving talks on securing proper representation.
Jenkins, a native of Upper Marlboro, Md., said he also plans to work closely with the Villanova Alumni Association, attending and speaking at events to support the university.
