Denisha L. Hendricks, Ed.D. is well-known among her colleagues. One could easily say it's because of her smile or her laugh; however, after a conversation with Hendricks, one walks away saying, “There is something different about her.”
That “something” can be described in one word – tenacity. Many people are known for their ambition and intelligence; many are known for their ability to get the job done. While those are great characteristics, Denisha Hendricks sets herself apart by doing so and bringing others along with her.
“My career goals and achievements are fleeting if I do not help others along the way,” Hendricks declared.
This mentality has not only propelled Hendricks to new heights, it has allowed others to glean from her, obtaining valuable lessons on faith, family, career and education.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II and the Division II Athletics Directors Association (DII ADA) recently announced the second class of mentors and mentees, and Hendricks was selected to serve as a mentor again for the 2012-13 academic year. The program matches promising women and minority administrators who hope to become athletics directors with proven athletics directors.
Soon after this announcement, Hendricks received word that she had been selected as a mentor to one of the 2012 NCAA Pathway Program participants. The Pathway Program's purpose is to enhance the professional skills of women and ethnic minorities who seek to become directors of athletics, through education, training and mentorship; provide program participants with an in-depth look into the NCAA governance structure; and expose participants to key stakeholders within the association.
“I am truly honored to serve as a mentor to other women and minorities in the industry,” stated Hendricks. “Mentoring relationships have always been just as beneficial for me as they are for the mentee. These types of opportunities allow both people to grow personally and professionally.”
Hendricks' tenacity for professional development and advancement and mentoring others has also gained recognition from her alma mater, Auburn University, and sorority, Zeta Phi Beta, Inc., as well as other organizations.
Dr. Hendricks, a member of the Division II Athletics Directors Association, has received numerous awards, including the 2010 Borden Perlman Insurance Professional Development Grant for the Association.
Last summer Dr. Hendricks was named to Auburn's College of Education National Advisory Council to serve on the Council's Development Committee, which is responsible for assisting with the creation and review of the development strategic work plan, identifying long-term funding opportunities and hosting donor events and receptions.
In August 2011 Hendricks was added to the Division II Athletic Directors Association Board of Directors as the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) representative. As a member of the D-II ADA Board of Directors, Hendricks assists with supporting and engaging in the initiatives of the D-II ADA, including finding authors for the D-II ADA Corner, obtaining input from conference membership regarding D-II and NCAA issues and attending national conventions.
She also serves on the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (SIAC) Policies and Procedures Review Committee and is the SIAC Sport Administration Chair for Softball. Hendricks has also been selected to the NCAA DII Student-Athlete Reinstatement and Academic Task Force Committees. She was designated a four-year term in 2010 with the NCAA Academic Requirements Committee but only served from 2010-2012 as she was named to the NCAA DII Management Council, a four-year term that began in January of this year.
After graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Athletic Training (University of South Carolina), Hendricks obtained both her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Higher Education Administration from Auburn.
“I come from a family of educators; four generations to be exact,” Hendricks stated. “My mother is a full professor in nursing at Auburn and my father is a retired band director with the Birmingham City Board of Education. The same educational values instilled in me I drive home to our student-athletes every day.”
As she enters her fourth year at the helm of Kentucky State's department of athletics, Denisha Hendricks received yet another honor, this time from her sorority. Hendricks was one of 20 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. leaders selected for induction into the prestigious Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.'s South Central Region Hall of Fame during the 83rd Annual Leadership conference in Jackson, Mississippi on June 16th. The Hall of Fame was established in 2000 as a way of recognizing those members who provided distinguished organizational service beyond the local and state levels.
“I am very honored to join this prestigious group of trailblazers within the sorority,” Hendricks expressed. “Being inducted with my mother, Dr. Constance Smith Hendricks made this honor extra special.”
Hendricks' tenacity reflects in everything she does, from personal endeavors to professional activities.
“I believe that if you go after what you want with hard work, dedication and sound advice, you know the end result will be of great reward. Sure, you will fall down, make mistakes and miss the mark sometimes, but if you never stop learning, never stop gleaning from people who have gone before you, life will be exactly what you want it to be – full of joy!”
