Joseph A. Jennings
Rector of the Board of Trustees, University of Richmond, 1987-1991
Joseph A. Jennings, born in Richmond, received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Richmond in 1949 following his service in the United States Air Force. He received an advanced degree from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University in 1952. Mr. Jennings was the recipient of the University of Richmond’s Board of Trustees’ Distinguished Service Award in 1978. He also received an honorary doctor of commercial science degree from the University in 1980 and an honorary doctor of laws degree from Virginia Union University in 1981.
Mr. Jennings distinguished himself in his community as a leader and respected businessman during his 47-year career, retiring in 1986 as chairman of the board of United Virginia Bankshares, now SunTrust Banks, Inc. In 1983, a grant from United Virginia Bankshares was made to the University of Richmond to establish the Joseph A. Jennings Chair in Business in recognition of Mr. Jennings’ years of service to the University. Jennings also established the Joseph A. Jennings Scholarship in 1989 at the University for students from Virginia with financial need.
Jennings has served as a director of Universal Leaf Foundation and the GE Foundation. He has been a trustee of Hollins University, the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, St. Christopher’s School, St. Catherine’s School and Union Theological Seminary.
Mr. Jenning’s son, Joseph A. Jennings III, received an M.B.A. degree from the E. Claiborne Robins School of Business in 1993.