Denise Henning Selected for ElevateNC Program

Denise Henning, director of UNCW’s Community College Collaborative (UNCW/3C), has been selected for the fifth cohort of the Hunt institute’s Elevate NC: Higher Education Program. The program brings influential leaders from various sectors together to develop innovative strategies and drive policy change to strengthen pathways, increase postsecondary attainment and narrow equity gaps in North Carolina.

 “It is an honor to serve as a member of ElevateNC and support this critical work for our state,” Dr. Henning said. “Opening doors and creating educational opportunities for diverse students is a goal that’s near and dear to my heart. I am excited for this opportunity to collaborate with so many outstanding leaders in the state who are equally committed to this work.”

In partnership with myFutureNC, ElevateNC: Higher Education is dedicated to supporting the statewide postsecondary attainment goal of having two million North Carolinians earn a degree by 2030. The fifth cohort of ElevateNC is comprised of state policymakers, K-12 superintendents and teachers, higher education administrators and faculty, business community members, advocacy organizations, and representatives from local government.

The group will engage in four immersive sessions throughout the year focused on a diverse range of topics and policy issues. The first session, focused North Carolina’s Higher Education Landscape, was held September 9-10 in Greensboro.

“Cross-sector collaboration is urgently needed for North Carolina to meet the State’s educational attainment goal of two million by 2030. Achieving this goal is a crucial step in addressing the State’s workforce needs and equipping more North Carolinians for jobs that pay family-sustaining wages,” said Cecilia Holden, President & CEO of myFutureNC. “By uniting diverse stakeholders through their time in ElevateNC, we can harness a wide range of expertise, resources, and perspectives to develop comprehensive solutions and create a seamless pathway for individuals to thrive in today’s economy.”

Dr. Henning has held higher leadership positions in both the United States and Canada, as well as working as graduate faculty in New Zealand. In addition to her role as director of UNCW/3C, she currently serves as a faculty member in WCE’s Department of Educational Leadership and coordinator of WCE’s Community College Leadership Certificate program. Henning has also served as an Equity Champion Consultant for the Racial Equity for Adult Credentials in Education (REACH) Collaborative since the group was founded in 2021.

The Hunt Institute announced the appointments in a news release on September 6: The Hunt Institute Announces Fifth Cohort of the ElevateNC: Higher Education Program.