- Georgia Military Institute: Jennings began his college career where he played football and studied electrical engineering. However, he eventually left to pursue his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.
- Georgia Institute of Technology: After some time serving in the military and running his own businesses, he decided to return to college to complete a degree in 1970s. It was during this period that he invented a new type of vacuum that eventually led to the founding of his company, Regal-Beloit.