UMBC Management of Aging Studies - Undergraduate Programs
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From Cybersecurity to State IT Director: Alumni Spotlight on Jonathan Jenkins ’22 Management of Aging Services

How Jonathan Jenkins ’22 leads IT at MD Dept of Aging.

UMBC Management of Aging Studies - Undergraduate Programs November 6, 2026 at 10:34 AM

Before enrolling at UMBC, Jonathan Jenkins ’22 served six years on active duty in the U.S. military and gained extensive experience in information technology and cybersecurity. When he took an elective course on aging during his first year, he discovered a new calling: applying data and technology to improve the systems and policies that support people as they age.

Jonathan changed his major to the Management of Aging Services (MAgS). Guided by the Erickson School of Aging Studies faculty like Dr. Robin Majeski and Joseph DeMattos, Jonathan secured an internship with Maryland Access Point (MAP) at the Maryland Department of Aging. The internship allowed him to bring his technology background into state government, helping modern database systems better deliver community services.

Jonathan’s journey demonstrates why aging studies is a vital interdisciplinary field for students across all disciplines—including computer science, data analytics, information systems, business, and healthcare. As technology in the longevity sector continues to evolve, professionals are needed to modernize aging services and build better systems for the future.

As Jonathan puts it:"It’s not an industry that’s specifically for older adults. You’re advocating for the future of longevity associated with life... At the end of the day, it is a service for all."

Read Jonathan's Full Alumni Spotlight Story Here

An Erickson School of Aging Studies Alumni Spotlight flyer featuring a headshot photo of Jonathan Jenkins (’22), B.A. in Management of Aging Services from UMBC, currently serving as IT Director at the Maryland Department of Aging. The graphic includes the following text sections: - Header: The Erickson School of Aging Studies, UMBC logo and "ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT". - Featured Profile: Jonathan Jenkins, ’22, IT Director, Maryland Department of Aging | B.A. Management of Aging Services, UMBC. - The Impact of Erickson: "My education at UMBC’s Erickson School of Aging Studies helped me recognize gaps between aging programs and the people they serve. It encouraged me to use my technology and data skills to help address those challenges and improve services. I was empowered in my undergraduate education to keep moving forward in the industry." - Jonathan's Advice to Students: "Aging services needs people with technology skills. From modernizing outdated systems to using data and AI in innovative ways, there are opportunities to improve how services are delivered, support the professionals providing them, and help people as they age." - Call to Action: A QR code on the bottom left paired with the text "READ JONATHAN'S STORY".

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