Dr. Denise K. Henning is an Indigenous scholar-leader advancing inclusive, strengths-based education and transfer equity through relational leadership, cultural knowledge, and intergenerational mentorship across global higher education landscapes.
Dr. Henning’s research and practice explore the intersections of appreciative inquiry, Indigenous knowledge systems, strengths-based leadership, and the empowerment of Indigenous women and learners. She has served in many years as a senior leader in community colleges and universities. Her scholarly work spans topics such as Indigenous math and science education, Indigenous ways of knowing, and leadership development grounded in relationship-building and collective purpose.
Teaching
Teaching Overview
COURSES TAUGHT: Anthropology Courses: “Native Peoples of North America” “Education and Cultural Processes” “Cultural Contexts of Learning Acquisition”
Education Courses: “American Indian Education History” “Education and Diversity” “Educational Leadership beyond 2020"
Higher Education “Governance and Shared Leadership” “Administration and Leadership” “Appreciative Frameworks in Higher Education” “Contemporary Issues in Higher Education” “History of Higher Education, A perfect Mess” “Community College Leadership” “Organization and Resources in Community Colleges” “Teaching and Learning in Community Colleges” “Leading Change in Education”
History Courses: “American Indian’s of Oklahoma”
Indigenous/American Indian “Introduction to American Indian Studies” Studies: “A Cherokee Perspective” “Tribal Comparative Views” “Indian Spirituality, not Religion” “Pre-European America” “Native Peoples of North American” “American Indians, surviving Columbus” “Qualitative and Field Research Methods” “Indigenous Women: Keepers of Culture”
Sociology Courses: “Introduction to Sociology” “Race and Ethnicity” “Society and Tribal Groups; Urban/Reservation Issues” “Multiculturalism” “Field Research Methods”
Women’s Studies “Indigenous Women, Menses to Menopause”