Her Story
About Denisha
Dr. Denisha Hendricks is an accomplished higher education and collegiate athletics executive with more than 26 years of progressive leadership experience. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Athletics at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she provides executive oversight for athletics, facilities management, human resources, information technology, auxiliary services, and key institutional initiatives. Throughout her career, she has also held senior leadership roles including Dean of Students, faculty member, department chair, Senior Woman Administrator, and Athletic Director, demonstrating a consistent record of guiding complex organizations toward growth, stability, and student-centered success.
Her areas of expertise include higher education leadership, athletic administration, organizational operations, strategic planning, student affairs, facilities management, human resources, and executive leadership. Dr. Hendricks is recognized for her ability to align operational effectiveness with student success outcomes, ensuring that institutional systems support both academic achievement and athletic excellence. Among her most notable professional accomplishments is her sustained impact on improving student-athlete academic performance, including increased grade point averages and graduation rates, as well as her leadership in expanding opportunities for women in athletics, developing youth sports initiatives, and overseeing facility renovations and recovery efforts following natural disasters.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Dr. Hendricks is deeply engaged in civic and professional service. She serves as International Chair of the Board of Directors for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she provides leadership in governance, finance, human resources, legal affairs, and organizational strategy. She is also actively involved with The Links, Incorporated and Phi Delta Kappa, reflecting her commitment to education, mentorship, and community service. Guided by a strong belief in servant leadership, she remains dedicated to mentoring future leaders, advancing opportunities for women in higher education and athletics, and fostering environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Denisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
Dr. Hendricks attributes her success to servant leadership, perseverance, faith, continuous learning, and a commitment to helping others succeed. Throughout her career, she has remained focused on developing students, supporting colleagues, and leading organizations with integrity. She believes that strong leadership is rooted in service, collaboration, and creating opportunities that allow others to reach their full potential.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to remain open to learning from every experience and every person you encounter, as growth often comes from unexpected places. While Dr. Hendricks did not identify specific mentors during the interview, her leadership journey reflects the influence of numerous educators, administrators, coaches, and professional leaders who have collectively shaped her path. She has embraced mentorship throughout her career, recognizing that guidance can come in many forms, and has consistently applied those lessons to strengthen her leadership, decision-making, and commitment to excellence.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering this industry is to trust yourself and your abilities, and to take initiative without waiting for permission or assignment. Step forward confidently, volunteer for opportunities, and act as though you belong in every space you enter—because you do. Consistently show up, do the work, and trust that your efforts will be recognized over time, as people are always observing dedication, competence, and leadership.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Dr. Hendricks believes that higher education and collegiate athletics are currently navigating significant challenges related to funding constraints, increasing operational complexity, evolving student needs, and ongoing organizational change. At the same time, she sees tremendous opportunities to drive innovation in educational delivery, enhance student-athlete support systems, and strengthen institutional effectiveness through strategic leadership and collaboration. These challenges and opportunities together create a dynamic environment that calls for adaptability, forward-thinking approaches, and a continued commitment to student success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Dr. Hendricks values integrity, servant leadership, accountability, excellence, collaboration, and lifelong learning. She believes leadership is about creating opportunities for others while maintaining high standards and fostering environments built on trust and respect. Personally, and professionally, she values family, faith, service, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of students, colleagues, and the communities she serves.
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