Tammy L Henderson
Dr. Tammy L. Henderson is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Innovation and a Professor in Family and Community Medicine at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. In this capacity, she shapes institutional strategies that promote academic freedom, community-engaged innovation, and justice. Her leadership extends beyond academia; she has served as program chair for the 2021 National Council on Family Relations conference, where she curated a theme—"The Science of Families: Nurturing Hope, Happiness & Health"—that emphasized resilience and justice in family research.
Her academic career spans faculty appointments at Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State University, Lamar University, and other institutions, where she advanced cooperative learning methods and applied research in family policy, law, and human development. She is a recognized NCFR leader—formerly chair of the Family Policy Section and member of the Diversity Task Force—and has served on editorial boards of key journals including "Family Relations" and "Journal of Family Theory & Review." Her work integrates research, leadership development, and professional service, impacting socio-behavioral practitioners across medicine, education, and public health.
A personal mission defines Dr. Henderson’s impact. She is the founder of "Innovative Women of Excellence," mentoring women and promoting leadership grounded in purpose, wellness, wholeness, and innovation. Her mentorship is widely recognized—she won the "2020 NCFR National Mentoring Award" and a scholarship award for mentoring students in public health, particularly in rural and underserved communities. She also authored policy-related research, spiritual documents, served as an associate and guest editor, weaving spiritual insight with rigorous scholarship. Dr. Henderson credits her resilience, faith, mentorship, quest for knowledge and wisdom, and her mentors for equipping her to lead with integrity and transform systems across health, education, and policy.
• Oregon State Univ., PhD
• Louisiana State Univ., MS
• Louisiana State Univ., BA
• American Psychological Association
• Gerontological Society of America
• Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Society
• National Council on Family Relations
• The International Council for Science Regional Office for Africa
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep faith in God, the healing power of counseling from wise women and professionals, and the steady guidance of mentors who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Each step of my journey has been rooted in purpose and service—guided by a passion to uplift others, especially women and families navigating complex systems. It has not always been easy, but leaning into my calling with humility and courage has allowed me to grow, give, and lead with intention.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Being busy is not being productive. You can be committed to people and causes, not institutions and organizations.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Live with purpose, compassion, and courage seasoned with faith, family, and friends. Agape love, faith, and courage are decisions. Never lose your wonderful self to fit into someone else's square.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Choose to be focused and compassionate, especially when chaos and crises emerge.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, cooperation, and a deep respect for academic freedom are the cornerstones of both my professional work and personal life. I believe that true progress comes from working together with honesty and openness, valuing diverse perspectives, and staying committed to ethical principles. Equally important to me is engaging authentically with my community—building relationships that uplift and empower others. These values guide everything I do, shaping not only how I lead but also how I live with purpose and meaning every day.