March 7, 2025
Wheaton College is pleased to announce that Rev. Ricky Jenkins will serve as its 2025 Commencement speaker at this year’s May 10-11 undergraduate and graduate ceremonies. Rev. Jenkins is the Senior Pastor of Southwest Church in Indian Wells, California. Southwest is a thriving community of believers compelled by its vision to be a gospel-centered, multiethnic, intergenerational church that loves discipleship.
“We are thrilled that Ricky Jenkins has agreed to serve as this year’s Commencement speaker,” said Wheaton College President Philip Ryken. “Ricky brings an infectious joy, a love for the gospel, and a passion for our students and their future.”
From his beginnings in Pearl, Mississippi, to Oakland, California, to Memphis, Tennessee, and Chicago, Illinois, Rev. Jenkins has been preaching the gospel for more than 20 years. Fueled by Acts 20:28, he is called to pursue God passionately and pursue God’s people compassionately for the glory and honor of Jesus Christ. With a shepherd’s heart, his preaching weaves together biblical exposition, vivid illustration, heartfelt application, and humor to convey the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Jenkins is married to the joy of his heart, April Jenkins. Together they have three children—Camden, Grand, and Andi. Ricky is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on Southwest Church’s new Pastoral Residency program. The Jenkinses have been serving in the Coachella Valley since January of 2018. They enjoy opening their home to create safe spaces where the gospel can flourish and memories can be made. He has served since 2024 on Wheaton’s Board of Trustees, where his leadership is marked by love for students, encouragement to fellow leaders, and prayer for the College in its kingdom work.
To learn more about this year’s ceremonies, please visit wheaton.edu/commencement.