Kelley D Henderson

Kelley Henderson serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Health and Human Services at UNCW. She has a wealth of experience in academic leadership, program development, and student success. She most recently served as Department Chair and Program Director for the Athletic Training program at Duquesne University, where she oversaw curriculum, accreditation, and assessment while leading faculty development and strategic growth initiatives. Earlier in her career, she held leadership and faculty roles at the University of West Florida, Nova Southeastern University, and Texas Christian University, building and advancing athletic training programs and fostering strong student outcomes. Prior to her transition to full-time academia, she has worked as an assistant athletic trainer at the University of West Florida and as an athletic trainer at the Andrews Institute. A certified athletic trainer for over 29 years, she is a member of the NATA and several regional athletic training organizations. She has served as a Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education (CAATE) peer reviewer since 2007 and is a past recipient of the NATA Service Award, the CAATE President’s Award, and the Bob and Lynn Caruthers Service Award. She was recently inducted into the National Academics of Practice as a Distinguished Fellow in the AT Academy. She also was recognized for her faculty success and was selected as the 2024 ATAF Educator of the Year. She also spends time working with students on professional development activities.

Education

B.S. in Physical Education/Sports Injury Management, University of South Alabama
M.Ed. in Health Promotions, Northwestern State University
Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Florida Gulf Coast University

Specialization in Teaching

Upper extremity evaluation
Therapeutic interventions
Non-orthopedic medical conditions

Research Interests

Curriculum and instruction
Clinical practice issues including exertional rhabdomyolysis and sickle cell trait
Interprofessional education

Professional Service

National Academies of Practice AT Academy Marketing and Communications Committee
Duquesne University, Interprofessional Education Collaborative Committee
UWF Exercise Science Advisory Board, Member
CAATE Site Visitor (Peer Reviewer), January 2007 - Present

Community Engagement

PA Winter Special Olympics, Medical Staff
Steel Center for Career and Technical Education, Occupational Advisory Board Member for Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Professions

Honors & Awards

ATAF 2024 Educator of the Year, July 2024
Distinguished Fellow, Athletic Training Academy, National Academies of Practice, April 2023
Bob and Lynn Caruthers Service Award (CAATE), October 2022
CAATE President’s Award, October 2021
NATA Service Award, June 2014
SWATA Bobby Gunn Unsung Hero Award, July 2011