About Us
Denise Henning, Ph.D.
Symphony Oxendine, Ph.D.
Symphony Oxendine, Ph.D.
Dr. Denise Henning (Cherokee/Choctaw) has had numerous roles in her 20 years in higher education with 13 of those years as executive leadership. As faculty and an experienced executive, Denise has worked with professionals and aspiring academicians to become strong - positive leaders. She is focused on fostering shared leadership usin
Dr. Denise Henning (Cherokee/Choctaw) has had numerous roles in her 20 years in higher education with 13 of those years as executive leadership. As faculty and an experienced executive, Denise has worked with professionals and aspiring academicians to become strong - positive leaders. She is focused on fostering shared leadership using an appreciative framework at its core. Throughout her career, Denise has served as faculty and mentor in multiple leadership development institutes and is committed to making the academic environment a more positive and inspiring environment that is 'future focused and future ready.'
Symphony Oxendine, Ph.D.
Symphony Oxendine, Ph.D.
Symphony Oxendine, Ph.D.
Dr. Symphony Oxendine (Cherokee/Choctaw) is an Associate Professor of Higher Education in the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Her research includes critical awareness of the social and institutional issues that affect the educational performance and institutional support of America
Dr. Symphony Oxendine (Cherokee/Choctaw) is an Associate Professor of Higher Education in the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Her research includes critical awareness of the social and institutional issues that affect the educational performance and institutional support of American Indians and other underrepresented groups. Symphony is well known for her leadership with Historically Native American Sororities and in national/international organizations. Symphony became a practitioner in Appreciative Inquiry in 2014 and is committed to increased inclusion of women and underrepresented leadership in the academy.
Amy Armstrong, Ph.D.
Symphony Oxendine, Ph.D.
Amy Armstrong, Ph.D.
Amy J. Armstrong the Associate Dean of Faculty Development for the College as well as an associate professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been involved in advocacy, education and employment issues related to individuals with disabilities for over 35 years. She has exten
Amy J. Armstrong the Associate Dean of Faculty Development for the College as well as an associate professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been involved in advocacy, education and employment issues related to individuals with disabilities for over 35 years. She has extensive experience providing national personnel training on a variety of topics. Armstrong has held community agency positions including both direct service and management at the local, regional and national levels. Her interests include the employment of individuals with significant disabilities, community re-integration, wellbeing and positive psychology, and appreciative leadership. She received an MA in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University and a PhD in Education from VCU. She also has The Appreciative Inquiry Certificate of Positive Business and Societal Change from the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University and is a certified Appreciative Inquiry facilitator.
Dawn Dixon
Sammi Levy, M.Ed.
Amy Armstrong, Ph.D.
Dawn Dixon is a seasoned professional who has worked in various industries including corporate, nonprofit and governmental agencies. She recently completed 17 years as an educational leader in the NC Community College System (NCCCS). Prior to joining the NCCCS, Dawn held senior roles at
institutions including Northern Arizona Universi
Dawn Dixon is a seasoned professional who has worked in various industries including corporate, nonprofit and governmental agencies. She recently completed 17 years as an educational leader in the NC Community College System (NCCCS). Prior to joining the NCCCS, Dawn held senior roles at
institutions including Northern Arizona University and Simmons College. During her career in education Dawn has held many leadership positions including Senior Program Director, Department Chair, Dean and Associate Vice President. Dawn is currently serving Cary Academy by developing and coordinating engagement programming supporting efforts in the Advancement division.
Throughout her career, Dawn has been passionate about educational access and student success. She has created numerous instructional programs geared toward students; academic and career development. Dawn serves on the advisory board for the Health & Fitness program at Johnston Community College, is the past board chair of Neuse Charter School, and continues to work with many community organizations such as Recruitment Ready, to better align secondary and postsecondary
education. Dawn was the recipient of the Jane Watkins Scholarship from the David Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry where she received her certification in Appreciative Inquiry.
Sammi Levy, M.Ed.
Sammi Levy, M.Ed.
Sammi Levy, M.Ed.
Sammi Levy is an Academic Advisor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. As a student development professional, she has worked in higher education for five years. She is committed to cultivating environments that pave the way for students to be successful in their educational journey. Her student development philosophy is to meet
Sammi Levy is an Academic Advisor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. As a student development professional, she has worked in higher education for five years. She is committed to cultivating environments that pave the way for students to be successful in their educational journey. Her student development philosophy is to meet students where they are by using a strengths-based approach to help them develop holistically through self-discovery and self-advocacy.