An award-winning educator and researcher, Nicole Thorne Jenkins is an expert in the areas of financial reporting, organizational strategy, and valuation. Dean Jenkins joined the McIntire School in July of 2020 following her tenure as the Von Allmen Chaired Professor of Accountancy and Vice Dean of the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky. As Vice Dean, she spearheaded a strategic planning process; developed and implemented the college’s first diversity, equity, and inclusion programmatic plan; and collaborated with faculty to design and launch both standalone and interdisciplinary academic programs. 

With bachelor’s degrees in both Accounting and Finance from Drexel University, Dean Jenkins began her career in the audit department of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). She earned her PhD from the University of Iowa and served on the faculties of Washington University in St. Louis and Vanderbilt University. She is a Certified Public Accountant, holding a certificate in leadership from Stanford Graduate School of Business, and is a former President of the Financial Accounting and Reporting Section of the American Accounting Association. 

Dean Jenkins has published articles in numerous academic journals; is a sought-after speaker and business consultant; and serves as an expert witness in matters related to financial reporting, valuation, and estimation of damages. Currently, she serves on the board of the Montpelier Foundation as Treasurer, on the Board of Governors of Beta Gamma Sigma, and on the board of Strada Education Network. She has also served as a CREF Trustee.

Dean Jenkins and her family reside in Charlottesville, VA.