Miami University names Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins spring commencement speaker Former president of League of Women Voters, voting rights activist to speak May 15 Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, in her 1974 Western College yearbook photo (left) and now (images courtesy Jefferson-Jenkins). Miami University President Greg Crawford has announced that Dr. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins will be the commencement speaker at Miami’s spring ceremony. The university has not yet announced a decision on whether the ceremony, slated for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 15, will be in-person or virtual as officials continue to monitor the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and the feasibility of large gatherings. Jefferson-Jenkins, a 1974 Western College for Women graduate, was elected as the 15th national president of the League of Women Voters in 1998, serving two terms and also chairing the League of Women Voters Education Fund. She was the first woman of color to be elected president.