Honorary Doctorate Awarded to Local Healthcare Pillar Jovine Fifer Hankins

Samuel Merritt University (SMU) is proud to announce the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, on Jovine Fifer Hankins, Providence ‘53, RN, PHN, BSN, MEd, FCN, recognizing her outstanding contributions to nursing, education, and public health. The award, bestowed by the SMU Board of Regents, celebrates Dr. Hankins’s lifelong dedication to improving community health and education.

Raised in West Oakland, Dr. Hankins' journey of service began at Prescott Elementary and Prescott Junior High. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to earn a degree in Nursing from Providence College of Nursing, and dual bachelor’s degrees in Nursing Education and Public Health Nursing from the University of California, Berkeley. She furthered her education with a master’s degree in Education, Administration, and Supervision from the University of San Francisco, alongside a Secondary Teaching Credential.

Dr. Hankins has been a beacon of leadership and innovation in her field. Her career includes coordinating multidisciplinary teams,

supervising health services for more than 100 schools and 52,000 students and managing nursing services for 55 schools. She has expertly navigated complex healthcare issues and laws, and led a diverse team comprised of certificated teachers, audiometrists, paraprofessionals, and clerical staff.

Beyond her administrative expertise, Dr. Hankins has excelled in community engagement, utilizing radio, newspapers, and television to amplify her impact on health education and public awareness. As a consultant in Health Education, her insights have guided many, making her a revered figure in her field.

This honorary degree acknowledges not only Ms. Hankins’s past achievements but also her ongoing contributions to community welfare and education. SMU is honored to celebrate her as a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, reflecting her commitment to excellence, innovative spirit, and compassionate leadership.