Marsy’s Law for Georgia honored Dr. David Jenks for his part in creating a Victim Services Certification curriculum at the institution
Atlanta – November 12, 2026 – Victims’ rights advocacy group, Marsy’s Law for Georgia, gathered in Macon yesterday to recognize Middle Georgia State University (MGA) Provost Dr. David Jenks for his part in creating the Victim Services Certification curriculum as part of the institution’s School of Education and Behavioral Science. Graduates of the program will embark on careers having already applied textbook theories to real-world applications.
Dr. Jenks was previously the founding chair of the Department of Criminology at the University of West Georgia and has spent more than two decades in higher education and has extensive experience in developing victim services programs. Prior to his career in Georgia, Dr. Jenks spent eight years volunteering as a crisis intervention specialist and worked with local police in Ohio, North Carolina and California. His advocacy spanned the Atlantic Ocean where he helped modernize victims’ services in numerous agencies across multiple countries in Eastern Europe.
After helping to develop the victim services curriculum at the University of West Georgia, Dr. Brittani McNeal enlisted Dr. Jenks to create a similar program at MGA following her transition to her new position as Associate Professor and Program Director of Doctor of Science in Public Safety. Together with Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia Victim Services Director Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon, the team designed a comprehensive syllabus for future victim service providers.
“I am incredibly proud of the dedication and vision Dr. Jenks has brought to the development of this new Victim Services Certification program,” said Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon. “As the university continues to expand opportunities for workforce development, this program represents an important investment in preparing the next generation of victim services professionals. Through quality education and practical training, students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to support victims and survivors while making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.”
MGA offers high-quality educational opportunities and is a leading public university in Georgia offering more than 70 areas of degrees at the doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s levels with select career-oriented associate’s degrees and certifications.
“I want to thank Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon and Dr. Brittani McNeal and all those at Middle Georgia State University for their dedication to educating both the students and the public on the importance of victim advocacy,” said Dr. David Jenks. “I am honored and humbled to accept this award from Marsy’s Law for Georgia on behalf of a true team effort from the advocates at Marsy's Law for Georgia and the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences that created this impactful program.”
This year, Marsy’s Law for Georgia awarded champion awards in October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia Victim Services Director Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon, the four Georgia chapters of Bikers Against Child Abuse and Ahimsa House. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in April, Marsy’s Law recognized the Georgia Office of Victim Services Director Keir Chapple and Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett. Past recipients of the Marsy’s Law Champion Award include U.S. Sen. John Lewis, U.S. Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock, Rep. Lucy McBath, Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and Georgia’s First Lady Marty Kemp. Additional recipients will be announced throughout the year. To nominate a crime victims’ advocate for consideration, please contact Frances Chang at fchang@c21pr.com.
View additional photos from the event here.