Suzanne M. Henderson received her Ph.D. in African American Studies from Temple University in 2007. Dr. Henderson is the former Assistant Dean in the Graduate Division of St. John College at St. John’s University. In the time Dr. Henderson was at St. John’s University, she was instrumental in the re-formulation and execution of policies that affect all graduate students across the university. She taught African American Studies in the Sociology department, served on the committee in creating a major in Africana Studies on the graduate level, served on the Presidential Multicultural Committee, re-vitalized the Africana Studies professional certificate and continues to publish articles in referred journals within her field.
Dr. Henderson is a subject matter expert in the religious tradition of the Yoruba people of West Africa particularly the practice of the tradition in the United States. Her groundbreaking research focuses on African-Americans in the United States who practice the Yoruba religious tradition of Orisha worship.
Her previous higher education assignment was as Coordinator of Student Activities at Temple University Ambler. As a seasoned higher education administrator, Dr. Henderson planned and implemented various types of programs and educational opportunities that illuminated the value of scholarship and distinction in higher education. She is very passionate about conceptualizing, implementing, and adapting a full range of significant administrative services and programs that have pedagogy of learning and service that intersects race, ethnicities, class, gender, sexual orientations, and nationalities of all students.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Henderson graduated from Iowa State University in 1990 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Speech Communications/Theater. In 1993, she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Education with a specialization in Counseling.
She has a proven track record of accomplishments within higher education and student services. While working on her Ph.D., Dr. Henderson served as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Student Life at Temple University Ambler. During this time, she collaborated with the Assistant Dean for Student Life on advisement and program development to agencies and organizations throughout the university.
Throughout her professional career, Dr. Henderson has endeavored to enhance higher education opportunities for all students. Her assignments have included being the Coordinator of Community Affairs with the Institute for the Study of Literature, Literacy and Culture at Temple University, Registrar at the Illinois School for Professional Psychology and Scholarship Coordinator for a not-for-profit agency in a Chicago public housing projects. Even as an undergraduate student, Dr. Henderson worked as the Assistant Director of the Iowa School Business Management Academy.
Professional Profile: A rainmaker with team building and individual mentoring track record -- recognized as well-rounded leader, researcher, trainer, and public speaker -- an architect of effective higher educational programming that enables the systematic execution of measurable out of the classroom educational opportunities for students.
Vertical Professional Expertise: Counseling, ethnographic research, managing budgets, post- secondary educational administration, career education, higher educational programming, and non-profit organizations.
Professional Affiliations: member of American Academy of Religion, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, American Counseling Association, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, National Alliance for Black School Educators, Phi Delta Kappa
Public Service History: Board Member: Naturopathic Medicine for Global Health, Former Board President: The Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center, Volunteer: Chrons and Colitis Foundation, Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer: Meals on Wheels, Blood Drive Coordinator: American Red Cross, Volunteer: St. Mary’s Villa for Children, Member: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. Henderson is a subject matter expert in the religious tradition of the Yoruba people of West Africa particularly the practice of the tradition in the United States. Her groundbreaking research focuses on African-Americans in the United States who practice the Yoruba religious tradition of Orisha worship.
Her previous higher education assignment was as Coordinator of Student Activities at Temple University Ambler. As a seasoned higher education administrator, Dr. Henderson planned and implemented various types of programs and educational opportunities that illuminated the value of scholarship and distinction in higher education. She is very passionate about conceptualizing, implementing, and adapting a full range of significant administrative services and programs that have pedagogy of learning and service that intersects race, ethnicities, class, gender, sexual orientations, and nationalities of all students.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Henderson graduated from Iowa State University in 1990 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Speech Communications/Theater. In 1993, she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Education with a specialization in Counseling.
She has a proven track record of accomplishments within higher education and student services. While working on her Ph.D., Dr. Henderson served as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Student Life at Temple University Ambler. During this time, she collaborated with the Assistant Dean for Student Life on advisement and program development to agencies and organizations throughout the university.
Throughout her professional career, Dr. Henderson has endeavored to enhance higher education opportunities for all students. Her assignments have included being the Coordinator of Community Affairs with the Institute for the Study of Literature, Literacy and Culture at Temple University, Registrar at the Illinois School for Professional Psychology and Scholarship Coordinator for a not-for-profit agency in a Chicago public housing projects. Even as an undergraduate student, Dr. Henderson worked as the Assistant Director of the Iowa School Business Management Academy.
Professional Profile: A rainmaker with team building and individual mentoring track record -- recognized as well-rounded leader, researcher, trainer, and public speaker -- an architect of effective higher educational programming that enables the systematic execution of measurable out of the classroom educational opportunities for students.
Vertical Professional Expertise: Counseling, ethnographic research, managing budgets, post- secondary educational administration, career education, higher educational programming, and non-profit organizations.
Professional Affiliations: member of American Academy of Religion, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, American Counseling Association, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, National Alliance for Black School Educators, Phi Delta Kappa
Public Service History: Board Member: Naturopathic Medicine for Global Health, Former Board President: The Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center, Volunteer: Chrons and Colitis Foundation, Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer: Meals on Wheels, Blood Drive Coordinator: American Red Cross, Volunteer: St. Mary’s Villa for Children, Member: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.