Nicole Thorne Jenkins is a nationally recognized academic leader and former John A. Griffin Dean of the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. With more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership and institutional strategy, she specializes in guiding deans through complex transitions, organizational change, and long-range planning.

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During her transformative tenure at UVA, Nicole led a successful $325 million fundraising effort, reversed a decade-long budget deficit, financed and oversaw the construction of a 100,000-square-foot academic facility, and expanded undergraduate enrollment by more than 70%. She also launched market-responsive academic programs, cross-university partnerships, and future-focused initiatives in AI and interdisciplinary learning.

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Now through House of Eban and the Launch + Lead framework, Nicole empowers deans and senior academic leaders to build durable strategies, align stakeholders, and lead with clarity and purpose. Her work is grounded in lived experience at the highest levels of university leadership—and driven by a commitment to helping others lead boldly.