William Louis Jenkins

William Louis Jenkins (Bill) beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and man of quiet strength passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 26, 2025 at age 88.

It is with profound love and deep sadness that we honor the life of Dr. William Louis Jenkins, whose distinguished career in veterinary medicine and higher education left an indelible mark on students, colleagues, and institutions alike.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Jenkins pursued his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Ondesterpoort, University of Pretoria. He then went on to complete his PhD at the University of Missouri in 1970. Returning to South Africa he joined the faculty at the school of veterinary medicine at the university of Pretoria. In 1976, he came to the United States joining the faculty at Texas A&M University Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Jenkins later accepted a leadership role at Louisiana State University (LSU) where he served as dean of the school of veterinary medicine beginning in 1988. In 1993, he assumed duties as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs; and in November of 1996 he was appointed chancellor. In 1999, Dr. Jenkins became president of the entire LSU system-a multi-campus enterprise including several institutions and public hospitals-a role in which he guided expansive academic and institutional growth: in addition to playing a major role in leading the campus and community through the Katrina Recovery efforts in 2005. Even after his formal retirement in 2007, his sense of duty and loyalty brought him back; in 2012 he accepted the call to serve as interim system president and, when needed interim chancellor-helping shepherd the university during times of transition.

Bill, a fervent Catholic, lived his life as a servant leader with integrity, kindness, and a deep loyalty for the people he cared for. Bill’s greatest joy was his family. He was married to his beloved bride, Peggy, for 64 years. Together they were blessed with their children, Sharon along with her husband Robert, Gwynn, Anthea and her husband Jon, as well as Warren and his wife Lauren. He was a devoted grandfather to Genevieve and her husband Christopher, Andrea together with her husband Brian, Collin, Mitchell, Natalie alongside her husband Andrew, Blake, Taylor, Garrett, William, Will, and Audrey-and his great-grandchildren-Brynn, Adeline, Scott, Liam, and Emilia.

We entrust Bill to the mercy of our Lord, confident in Christ’s promise of eternal life. May perpetual life shine upon him and may his soul, and the souls of all of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

For those friends who will be unable to attend Bill's services will be live streamed at the following link:

William Jenkins Livestream

Family and friends are invited to gather in prayer to celebrate Bill’s life on Friday, December 12, 2025. A rosary will be held at 10:15am followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00am at Good Shepherd Catholic Community. A reception will immediately follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at the link listed below. Donations through this link will be directed to the Vet Med Philanthropic Partners Fund, which addresses our areas of greatest need. These funds are often used to enhance student scholarships to help ease the financial strain on our students. The Philanthropic Partners Fund is also used to provide support for faculty and equipment so that we can continue improving and saving lives and enhance the student experience in the classroom.

Vet Med Philanthropic Partners Fund