ACADEMIC PREPARATION
Doctor of Philosophy Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 2007
Major: African-American Studies
Dissertation: The African American Experience of Orisha Worship
Masters of Science Iowa State University, Ames, IA 1993
Major: Education; Emphasis: Counseling Education
Thesis: African American Graduate Student’s Perceptions Of the Climate
and Culture of a Predominately White University
Bachelors of Arts Iowa State University, Ames, IA 1990
Major: Speech Communications/Theater
Minor: English
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
St. John's University, Queens, NY
Assistant Dean, Graduate Division, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 2008-2017
Under the direct supervision of the Associate Dean, advise and assists in the development of the Graduate Division’s strategic plans and policies based on best practices for diverse populations. Responsibilities include supervision of four professional and two paraprofessional staff members who manage the daily functions of the Graduate Dean’s office. Interpret Graduate Division policy for both academic departments and students. Advise and assist in the accreditation and articulation agreement processes for various degree programs in the Graduate Division. Evaluate and make final decision on potential student’s admissions dockets for all Master’s level and Doctoral level programs within the College.
Select Accomplishments
- Developed and implemented the Graduate Student Professional Development Certificate Program which is in conjunction with the Center for Teaching and Learning.
- Created and implemented the first Graduate Student Association in St. John University.
- Assisted in the development of new degree programs for the Graduate Division.
- Developed numerous graduate student recruiting strategies and support services, including fall orientation programs for new graduate students and new teaching assistants, promotional materials, including web site content.
- Independently learned internal data collection system analyzed of data with the Graduate Division.
University Service
- Member, President’s Multicultural Advisory Committee 2008-2017
- Member, Graduate Council Designee, St. John’s University 2011-2017
- Member, Center for Teaching and Learning Research Month Committee 2011-2017
Temple University, Philadelphia
Coordinator of Student Activities, Ambler Campus 2006-2008
Responsible under the supervision of the Assistant Dean of Student Life the management of all facets of the daily operations of the organizational unit, ensuring compliance with University policies and regulations. Oversaw the supervision of student personnel, which included work allocation, training, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance. Designed, developed, coordinated, and presented a wide range of workshops, training sessions, and retreats for student groups.
Select Accomplishments
- Developed and establish policies and objectives consistent with those of the organization to ensure efficient operation of individual operating units.
- Oversaw marketing, administration, and logistics for a range of special events, to include selection, coordination, and scheduling of entertainers, keynote speakers, and facilitators, organization of facilities and food services, and the design and production of marketing materials and publications.
- Collaborated with the Assistant Dean for Student Life on advisement and program development for both student governments and their respective agencies; provides problem solving, counseling, consultation, referrals, and program development.
- Implemented educational programs and provide resources to and for student organizations.
- Maintained and oversaw annual operating budgets ($300,000) and provide fiscal direction for the Program Board and Student Government.
- Created programming and physical spaces to address specific needs of non-traditional students.
Associate Coordinator of Student Activities/Graduate Assistant 2000-2006
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Dean of Student Life, provided oversight, advise and assists student groups in planning and managing their policies, programs and general operations, in accordance with University policies. Maintained procedures, guidelines and rules of the authorized governing body; such matters include program and policy development, goal setting, maintenance of records and documents, personnel matters, recruitment, public relations and marketing, academic standards, disciplinary codes and other applicable issues. Supervised two paraprofessionals.
Select Accomplishments
- Developed and implemented student leadership programs for the campus.
- Developed student interest surveys and analyze data
- Participated in overall department activities, such as evaluation and development of overall programs and policies, outreach programs or promotional activities; recommends improvements or changes to increase effectiveness or meet changing needs.
- Maintained regular contact with student leaders to resolve problems and develop responsible decision-making; assess student interests, respond to student needs, and anticipate student programming/leadership issues.
- Developed and implemented cultural, social, and educational programs and activities that enrich student life.
- Assisted in the execution of key campus events and traditions, including Student Orientation, Student Convocation, Week of Welcome, Wellness Fair, Spring Fling, Homecoming, Blood Drives, and Commencement
- Responsible for the development and revision of Office of Student life brochures, manuals, training materials, resources, and publications.
- Assisted with the management of the Student Activities Office.
Coordinator of Community Affairs 1997-2000
(A collaboration with Temple Health Connections of Temple University)
The Institute for the Study of Literature, Literacy, and Culture is an alliance of university, public school, and community educators. Housed in the Departments of English, the institute sponsors courses, seminars, workshops, and lectures designed to bring together the educational community surrounding Temple University.
Select Accomplishments
- Coordinate and facilitate mentoring writing group of 5-10 teenage girls in local housing projects.
- Desktop published a book of poetry by the mentored writing group.
- Liaison for oral history projects with local elementary school.
- Authored and assisted in writing grant proposals for the Institute.
- Developed and implemented female teen personal development program.
Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL
Renamed The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a not-for-profit, accredited institution with more than 3,500 students at campuses across the country (Chicago, Los Angeles and Orange Counties, Calif., and Washington, D.C.) and online. As the nation's oldest and largest graduate school devoted exclusively to psychology and related behavioral science, The Chicago School offers more than 20 degree programs.
Registrar 1996-1997
Under the supervision of the Dean maintained the academic record of all students and implemented registration process for classes. Collaborated with other administrators to coordinate times and locations for class meetings and resolve scheduling conflicts. Responsible for keeping accurate records of all college classes and curriculum prerequisites Determined students' graduation eligibility, planned commencement activities and prepared data such as honors lists, transcripts and class rankings.
Select Accomplishments
- Coordinated all phases of maintaining accurate student records, including academic files (paper & electronic), transcripts, (paper & electronic), correspondences, waivers and registration records.
- Responsible for degree audits: monitor progression of matriculated student through their degree programs.
- Supervised seven to nine paraprofessionals, including establishing tri-mesterly schedules and assigning daily projects.
- Processed loan deferments, degree verifications, completion letters and enrollment verifications.
University Service
- Committee Chairperson, New Student Orientation 1996-1997
State Farm Insurance Company, Tinely Park, IL
Bodily Injury Claims Representative 1995-1996
Review police reports, medical treatment records, medical bills, or physical property damage to determine the extent of liability. Examine claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage. Interview or correspond with claimants, witnesses, police, physicians, or other relevant parties to determine claim settlement, denial, or review. Prepare report of findings of investigation. Interview or correspond with agents and claimants to correct errors or omissions and to investigate questionable claims.
LaSalle Street Community Youth Creative Learning Experience, Inc., Chicago, IL
CYCLE (Community Youth Creative Learning Experience) was founded in 1963 by LaSalle St. Church to provide the children, youth, and adults of Cabrini-Green housing projects with scholarships, and educational, leadership, and career development opportunities.
Scholarship Coordinator 1994-1995
Under direction of the Director coordinated scholarship outreach presentations for the Cabrini Green Housing Projects. Advised students in their scholarship search and application process. Inform and advise students/parents regarding availability of funding form various sources, applications process and procedures, rights and responsibilities related to student financial assistance.
Select Accomplishments
- Developed CAPP (College Action Planning Program) for high school students.
- Oversaw tutoring component for high school students under established guidelines.
- Designed and implemented summer ACT & SAT preparation programs for high school students.
- Participated in writing grant proposals.
- Oversaw the selection and awarding processes for both new and continuing scholarships and also monitors the retention of scholarships for students.
- Interpreted federal and state income tax returns as they apply to student eligibility.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Spring 2014 St. John’s University, Queens, NY Race and Ethnicity, Department of Sociology
Fall 2013 St. John’s University, Queens, NY Sociology of the Black Experience, Department of Sociology
Fall 2009 St. John’s University, Queens, NY, Adjunct Faculty, College of Professional Studies, African American History
Fall 2008 St. John's University, Queens, NY, Department of History, African Civilizations and the African Diaspora
Fall 2001 Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, Department of African-American Studies, Traditional African Religions
Fall 1993 Iowa State University, Ames, IA, Department of Theater, African-American Theater
Winter 1990 St. Louis Black Repertory Theater, St. Louis MO, Stage Managing and Acting
PUBLICATIONS
Henderson, S. (2015). The Torch: Motherwit, Guideposts and Stories of Purposeful Womanhood. Self-Published.
Henderson, S. (2015). From Amen to Ashé A Pictographic History: African American Pioneers of Orisha Worship.
Manuscript in preparation.
Henderson, S., Allwood, S. (2015). Traditional African Religions and Implications for Psychological Assessment and Treatment. Manuscript in preparation
Henderson, S. (October 20, 2011). The Varieties of Religious Therapy: African Spirituality. Psychology Today. Retrieved from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-therapy/201110/the-varieties-religious-therapy-african-spirituality
SELECTED PRESENTATIONS
Panel, Chairperson, 45th Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. Creating and Supporting A Bright Future for Future Generations. Washington, DC. 2015
Panel Chairperson, 7th Annual Women of Power Conference PASSING THE BATON: Passing On Aché, Nurturing & The Intergenerational Power to Make Things Happen. The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute. 2013.
Panel Participant, Dancing Between Two Worlds: Rituals of Remembrance and Resistance in the Modern World. Yoruba Society of Brooklyn. Salvador, Brazil. 2012.
Presented, The Yoruba Religious Tradition of Orisha Worship as a Model for Healing for African-Americans. Harvard University.
Sacred Healing and Wholeness in Africa & the Americas Exploring Health & Holistic Harmony in African, African-Diasporic & Indigenous Religions Symposium. 2012.
Radio Interview, The Yoruba Religious Tradition as a Model for Healing. Omo Oduduwa Radio, www.ooradio.com. November 9, 2011.
Panel Participant, Terminology: Black or African-American? St. John's University. Black in America Conference. 2009
Panel Participant, Evolution of Orisha Worship in the Diaspora. Miami Dade College. Orisa Conference Tradition and the Present. 2009.
PRESENTATIONS
Panel Chairperson, Remembering 9/11. St. John’s University. Making Meaning of 9/11: Ten Years Later. 2011.
Panel Chairperson, Traumatic Expressions. St. John's University. Making Meaning of 9/11: Ten Years Later. 2011.
Presented, Getting Creative: Temple University Nursing Students team with Health Academy High School Students for Tobacco
Awareness. 11th Annual Primary Care of the Underserved Conference. Boston, MA. 2003.
Presented, It’s Not Cool to Smoke Anymore: A Creative Anti-Tobacco Community Awareness Campaign Teaming Temple University
Student Nurses with High School Health Academy Students. American Public Health Association, San Francisco, CA. 2003.
Presented, North Philadelphia Anti-Tobacco Community Assessment and Awareness Campaign: College of Physicians.
Philadelphia, PA. 2003
Presented, The Challenges of African-American Students Who Attend Predominately White Universities. Iowa State University. Black
Student Conference.1993.
COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Keynote Speaker, Academic Forum & Meeting of the Minds Dinner. St. John's University. 2010.
Presented, Chapter Management in a Small Chapter. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Ames, IA, 1993.
Presented, Developing Leadership Skills. YWCA, Ames, IA 1992.
Presented, Black Women Why Do We Fight. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Ames, IA 1991.
PEER REVIEWER AND EDITORIAL DUTIES
Editorial Board, Sage Open 2016-present
Article Editor, Sage Open 2015-present
Reviewer, International Journal of Library and Information Sciences 2013-present
Reviewer, Online Journal of Social Sciences Research 2012-present
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Reviewer: Online Journal of Social Sciences Research 2012-present
Member: African and Diasporic Religious Studies Association 2012-present
Member: Sigma Delta Pi Honor Society 2011-present
Member: American Association of University Women 2011-present
Member: American Academy of Religion 2008-present
Member: Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences 2008-present
Member: National Association of Student Personnel Administrators 2008-present
Member: National Alliance for Black School Educators 2000-present
Member: American Counseling Association 1993-present
Member: Phi Delta Kappa 1993-present
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
Advisor: Egbe Iwa Odo'kunrin* Egbe Iwa Odo'binrin Rites of Passage Program, Inc. 2015-present
Member: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Queens Alumnae Chapter 2013-present
Board Member: Naturopathic Medicine for Global Health 2009-present
Board Chairperson: Dwana Smallwood Performing Art Center 2012-2016
Volunteer: Chrons and Colitis Foundation July 2010
Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity April 2006
Volunteer: Meals on Wheels, Ambler,PA 2005-2007
Blood Drive Coordinator: American Red Cross of Ambler, PA 2000-2008
Volunteer: St. Mary’s Villa for Children, Ambler, PA 2000-2007
Advisor : Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Chapter 1991-1993
HONORS AND AWARDS
Recipient, Phenomenal Women of Power Honoree, Metropolitan College of NY 2016
Recipient, Certificate of Outstanding Support, American Red Cross Blood Services 2000-2002
Recipient, Outstanding Leadership & Service Award; Ethnic Minority Leadership Program 1993
Recipient, Outstanding Leadership & Service Award; Minority Student Affairs 1990
Recipient, Academic Achievement Award; Minority International Student Coalition 1989
Recipient, Academic Excellence Award; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Phi Chapter 1989