Dr. Jenkins was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in September 1975. He attended college at Northern Arizona University and Southern University prior to graduation. From NAU he received his doctorate in education leadership and from SU his bachelor of science speech pathology and bachelor of audiology. He has spent over twenty-five years working in the field of education but still continues to learn. Apart from the education he acquired, he also learned lessons and gained friendships. “I grew up in south Louisiana…where race is huge.” he says, “I played football with guys I didn’t speak to in the halls,” as that was normal then. Jenkins is still active in the Omega Sapphire Fraternity Incorporated and says that it was one of the most influential times of his life. “Everything I do for the fraternity, I do out of love for the people.” he states. He wanted to be part of a change, someone that made a difference through service for a community. “The best time of my life…college was it” says Jenkins. Through the partying and studying, Jenkins got up for class without fail. After earning his Doctoral Degree, he says “it wasn’t much of a big deal” until a student asked him for a letter of recommendation. “The first time I ever signed my name, Dr. Orante Jenkins, for that kid… Is probably when it meant the most to me,” he recalls. 

Prior to IRHS, he possessed the title of principal of Santa Cruz Valley Union High School for fifteen years. He says that he “started his career there in 06”. Governing a group of young people is not easy. “If I told you everyday was perfect…that would not be true,” however, “everyday was a learning opportunity”. Though he is now working with a new group of individuals, he continues to maintain the same attitude and affection for the community and school. “I am consistent when dealing with situations,” he says. Meaning he wouldn’t do for one, what he wouldn’t do for the other. He keeps in mind that though he may lead IRHS, it’s not only about him. “It’s bigger than me,” he states. To see progress, there has to be “perseverance”, “I show up everyday,” Jenkins says. As everyday may not be great, he claims to fall back on his why. “My ‘why’ is to help grow people,” he states. With that said, Jenkins hopes to “engage our educational community in growing every single day”. Jenkins hopes to translate his own experiences to the campus. He claims that his “community” was his first classroom.

On a more personal note, Jenkins lives his life off the four principles, “faith, family, fitness, and finance” he says. A typical day for him starts at 3:45 am. He claims it is “quiet” and “no humans are around”. he’s able to get some work done by going through and answering as many emails as possible. Getting used to a new job consists of a lot of learning, unfortunately binding Jenkins to his desk at times. From there, he goes on to be in the gym by about 4:30. Returning from the gym, he checks his family calendar, “whether it’s a game I have to go to after school…or another meeting”. Continuing his morning with the basic needs, he lets the dog out then leaves to arrive on campus by around 7:30 am. “The goal everyday is to have a better today than we had yesterday and to have a better tomorrow than we had today.” Jenkins states. With that mindset, he sets a day of productivity. “I like to spend my time interacting with students…just to see how those kiddos are doing.”, he’s usually present during passing periods, lunch, and before/after school monitoring students and even striking up conversation. Wrapping up his day at Ironwood, he heads home to start the “part two” of his day, on the “Dad and husband” side of things . He tries to spend as much time as possible being a father and husband to his three daughters and “wife of twenty-four years”. Jenkins says he strives “to do the best I can to serve the people I’ve been entrusted to serve,” but makes sure that by the end of the day he doesn’t partake in anything that isn’t Orante, “If I can’t be Orante Jenkins, I’d go crazy”. His eventful days usually wind down earlier than most, by 9 p.m. Jenkins is also a priest, as his family attends the Missionary Baptist Church. Jenkins claims, “I am not who I am because of what I do, I do what I do because of who I am.” and he will continue to do so and people depend on him. 

Being principal of IRHS, Jenkins hopes to leave a positive impact on the students and staff while he sets a goal for himself. “It is my goal that every student becomes a learner and a thinker…if you can learn and think, you can be whatever you wanna be,” he assures.