Dr. Denisha Hendricks is returning to Johnson C. Smith University as the new Director of Athletics (AD) and as a Visiting Associate Professor of Sport Management (non-tenure-track). Her appointment is effective May 1, 2024.
Reporting directly to the JCSU President, Dr. Hendricks will be responsible for various initiatives including among others, the following:
- Planning, administering, and directing intercollegiate athletic activities for the University’s NCAA DII athletics program.
- Developing, managing, coordinating, and supervising our intercollegiate athletics program.
- Assuring that all programs, coaches, staff, and student-athletes comply with the policies, rules, and regulations of the University, the NCAA, and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
- Overseeing the athletic department budget and fundraising for the athletics program
Strengthening a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and care across all of athletics. - Serving as an active member of the University President’s Executive Cabinet.
The announcement comes after Stephen Joyner Sr. stepped down last May, after 18 years. “The timing is right,” Joyner said in a news release from JCSU.
“It will be good for the new president to hire new athletics department leadership as the university’s transformation initiatives accelerate with the new president’s vision for JCSU.”
With over 20 years of experience in athletics and academic administration, Dr. Hendricks currently serves as Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Selma (AL), where she supervises 28+ staff, oversees recreation programs, parks, and sports facilities, secures funding, and executed the department’s first strategic plan.
Prior, she served at Keene State University as Special Assistant to the VP for Student Affairs, Interim Title IX Coordinator, and Interim Director of Athletics.
She has also served as Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics at Chicago State University; Director of Athletics and Assistant Professor at Kentucky State University-Frankfort; and Dean of Students, Senior Woman Administrator, and Assistant Professor at Livingstone College.
Dr. Hendricks served in various roles at JCSU, including Assistant Athletic Director, Senior Woman Administrator, Assistant Professor, and Interim Department Chair.
She has taught a variety of courses in sports management, sociology, ethics, law, and psychosocial aspects of sports. She has presented at conferences, published articles, received awards, and served on many local and national boards.
Dr. Hendricks will lead the JCSU Department of Athletics during this “New Era of Excellence,” President Valerie Kinloch said. She will visit campus and have listening sessions with key internal and external stakeholders before her official start date. In addition, she will attend CIAA later this month in Baltimore, MD.
For more information about JCSU Athletics, visit GoldenBullSports.com.
