Shakira L Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, EMBA, IBCLC, RNC-NIC
Dean, College of Nursing – Chief Administrative Officer, UF College of Nursing Associate Vice President for Nursing Education, Practice, and Research – System Chief Nurse Executive, UF Health
About Shakira L Henderson
Shakira Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, EMBA, IBCLC, RNC-NIC, assumed the role of the University of Florida College of Nursing’s sixth dean and chief administrative officer in January 2024. Additionally, she serves as the associate vice president for nursing education, practice and research, and holds the position of system chief nurse executive for UF Health. She is a dedicated health care leader and advocate. With a passion for creating positive change, she has worked tirelessly for the past two decades to promote and implement sustainable integration of clinical research and clinical operations with an equity lens within health care systems. Her research focus areas include leadership, breastfeeding and global health. Born and raised on a small Caribbean Island, Shakira developed a deep appreciation of academics from an early age. Her fondness for lifelong learning inspired her to pursue science-related degrees, including public health and business. As a result, Shakira holds dual doctoral degrees, PhD and DNP, and master’s degrees in business, public health, anatomical sciences, and advanced nursing practice with a sub-specialization in nursing education. She also holds undergraduate degrees in biological sciences, chemistry with a minor in microbiology and nursing.
Driven by her desire to make a broader impact, Dr. Henderson has maintained strong professional volunteerism throughout her career. Dr. Henderson serves as an elected member and neonatal expert on the national board for the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses and has recently been elected to be the 2023 President. In addition, she was elected to the North Carolina Board of Nursing in 2022. She also serves as Co-Chair of the North Carolina Nurses Association Nurses on Board Council. She previously served on an international board for lactation and was a fellow, mentor, and faculty advisor at Sigma’s Maternal Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy. In addition, she is a faculty advisor for the new Sigma Nurse Leadership Academy for Practice. Dr. Henderson’s expertise and commitment to health care and clinical research led her to be invited as a speaker at various conferences and events. She has also contributed to publications, grants, dissertations, editorial boards, journal review boards, programs, book chapters, podcasts, blogs, webinars and fireside chats. Further, she is an adjunct faculty member for US-based and international nursing, business, health care administration and clinical research graduate programs. Her unwavering commitment and dedication to health equity and clinical research have garnered Dr. Henderson over 50 honors and awards at local, regional, national and international levels. Notably, she was selected as an ambassador for the inaugural Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Academy for Diverse Emerging Nurse Leaders and was honored as the 2023 Alumna of Distinction by the University of Miami School of Nursing.
Most recently, Henderson served as the System Vice President, Research Officer for UNC Health, the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Clinical Research for the UNC Chapel Hill campus, and the Clinical Research Integration Officer for the UNC School of Medicine. Her responsibilities included leading a system-wide research strategy encompassing translational, basic and clinical research aligned to “One UNC” system goals. She believes in the power of collective action and encourages individuals to make small changes in their everyday lives that contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
Research Profile
0000-0003-2729-1306
Contact Details
- Business:
- (352) 273-6324
- Business:
- shakirahenderson@ufl.edu
- Business Mailing:
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PO Box 100014
GAINESVILLE FL 32610 - Business Street:
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1225 CENTER DR
GAINESVILLE FL 32610