January 6, 2014

Medicine Hat College (MHC) board of governors has appointed Dr. Denise K. Henning as the institution’s new president and CEO, effective May 15, 2014.

Dr. Henning comes to MHC from Northwest Community College (NWCC) where she served as the president and CEO. NWCC is located in British Columbia’s northwest region and has nine campuses serving 34 communities.

Dr. Henning has a doctoral degree in educational administration, higher education, from New Mexico State University. She has also earned degrees in urban studies and public administration with an emphasis on qualitative research, minoring in both vocal performance and Native American studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. 

Prior to her position at NWCC, Dr. Henning served as the president and vice-chancellor at University College of the North and served in various senior appointments including executive director of international student success at the University of Regina and vice-president of academics and research at the First Nations University of Canada.

Known for her focus on student and community needs, Dr. Henning has a reputation for cultivating and sustaining positive relationships, building collaborative teams and energizing people in ways that foster their innovative spirit.  She is committed to the principles of life-long learning and, living ones learning.

“Medicine Hat College values the principles of being a learner-centered environment and an institution that is ready for the future is what makes this a good fit," said Dr. Henning. “ I’m looking forward to joining the faculty and staff in May and building on the colleges' existing strengths and team.”

As a Cherokee/Choctaw, originating from Creek County in Oklahoma, Dr. Henning has a passion for equity and inclusion in higher education. She has consulted with institutions of higher education throughout the United States in areas including campus cultural climate assessment, increasing faculty diversity and representation, intercultural communication as well as strategic and long-range planning.

“We are excited to have Dr. Henning as our new president and CEO,” said board of governors’ chair, Don Bruce. “She brings a diverse background that is multicultural and focused on building strong leaders within an institution. She is focused on ensuring learners have a rewarding education which is important to MHC. We are excited to have her on board.”

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Media contact:

Kendra Borgen
Media Officer
Medicine Hat College
Direct:  403.504.3643
Email:  kborgen@mhc.ab.ca