Denise Pearson, Ph.D.

A compassionate, outcomes-driven leader with a record of accomplishments and impact in higher education policy, diversity, inclusive excellence, educator preparation, faculty and curriculum development, and program assessment and evaluation. Success leading complicated change initiatives, establishing strategic organizational direction, conducting policy analysis, teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and strategic community engagement. Embraces principles of servant leadership, transparency, and authentic collaborations. First generation college graduate. Paying it forward.

Denise has more than three decades of cross-sector leadership, beginning in the healthcare and non-profit industries.  The majority of the work she has autographed is in higher education where she continues to conduct research, teach adults, and engage with communities to solve problems.  Denise is a published author and national and international speaker. and has also completed training in mediation and coaching.

CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY

  • Provost and Chief Academic Officer, 2024-2026

PENNSYLVANIA’S STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION

  • Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Officer, 2020-2024

STATE HIGHER EDUCATION EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (SHEEO), Office of the President

  • Vice President, Academic Affairs and Equity Initiatives, 2018-2020
  • Principal Policy Analyst, 2016-2018

WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY, Office of the Provost

  • School of Education and Human Performance – Interim Dean/Senior Associate Dean, 2014-2016
  • Assistant Provost of Faculty Affairs, 2011-2014

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, School of Continuing Education and Professional Studies

  • Adjunct Faculty, 2001-Present
  • Associate Academic Dean and Faculty, 2003-2011
  • Director and Faculty Alternative Dispute Resolution Program, 2003-2008

Special Reports

Peer Reviewed Articles

  • Denise Pearson (Spring 2010). Educating Somali Bantu Refugees in the United States: A Human Security Assessment.  Regional Development Dialogue, spring, Vol. 31, No.2, spring, pp.133-142.
  • Asfaw Kumssa, John F. Jones, & Denise Pearson (2007). Poverty Reduction and Regional Development in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Regional Development Dialogue, spring, Vol. 28 No.1, pp.27-44. 
  • Denise Pearson (2005). Interethnic Conflict in Trinidad and Tobago: Post-Colonial Challenges and Opportunities. Regional Development Dialogue, spring, Vol. 26 (1), pp. 64 -74.  Nagoya, Japan: UNCRD.

Book Chapters

  • Ivory Toldson, Denise Pearson, et al. (2022).  Strategies for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In Black College Leadership in PK-12 Education, pp. 7-29. Ivory Toldson (Editor).  The Netherlands: Koninklijke Brill NV.
  • Denise Pearson (2019). Government Intervention and Educational Equity: Leveraging Educator Preparation Programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In the Elgar Companion to Modern Government Intervention.
  • Denise Pearson (2016).  Reforming Education in the Caribbean: From Policy to Transformative Leadership.  In The Modern Caribbean Economy, Volume I, Alternative Perspectives and Policy Implication.  Karagiannis, N. and Mohammed, D.A. (Editors),pp. 73-88. NY: Business Expert Express. 
  • Denise Pearson (2013). Moral Education and the Good Society: An IMPACT for HBCUs.  In Toward a Good Society in the Twenty-First Century: Principles and Policies. Marangos, J. and Karagiannis, N. (Editors), pp. 3-21.  NY: Palgrave MacMillan.
  • Denise Pearson (2010).  Conflict Dynamics Profile and Appreciative Inquiry.  In Runde, C.E. and Flanagan, T.A. Developing Your Conflict Competence, pp. 134-137. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
  • Denise Pearson (2009).  Contemporary South African Politics and the Role of Higher Education as a Public Policy Instrument, pp. 104-129.  In African Mosaics.   UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
  • Qingwen Xu and Denise Pearson (2007). Impediments to Resettling Refugee Children.  In Child Poverty in America Today. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 146-161.

Other Scholarly Work

  • Principal Investigator, Program and Policy Analysis: Somali and Somali Bantu Refugee Parenting Program.  Collaboration between community elementary school and Lutheran Family Services.  Funding provided by Western Union/First Data Foundation. (2005).
  • United States Bureau of Cultural Affairs.  Partnership between University of Denver and University of the West Indies to increase Trinidad and Tobago’s capacity for community mediation through training and implementation of a master’s degree and certificate program in Conflict Resolution. Collaborated with faculty and program administrators on Alternative Dispute Resolution curriculum development including best practices and alternative teaching methodologies (2004-2007).
  • Ph.D. Administration & Supervision of Education (Marquette University)
  • M.A. Conflict Resolution (University of Denver)
  • M.S. Education Administration (Concordia University, Wisconsin)
  • B.A. Human Services (Pace University)
  • A.A. Liberal Studies (State University of New York at Delhi)
  • Coach Training Alliance Coaching Certification (2026)
  • Coaching Skills Certification Course (2024),University of Denver, Denver, CO
  • Introduction to Network Improvement Basics (2022), Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching
  • Millennium Leadership Institute (2019), Association of American State Colleges and Universities, Washington, D.C.
  • Nine-month community leadership development program (2013), Leadership Winston-Salem, North Carolina
  • Summit for Women of Color Administrators in Higher Education (2008), American Council on Education, Washington, DC
  • Mediation Certification (2007), Colorado Bar Association, Denver, CO
  • Visiting Professor, Conflict Management & Transformation Master’s Program (2006), Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
  • HERS Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration (2005), Higher Education Resource Services (HERS), Bryn, Mawr, PA

Testimonials

  • I had a fantastic coaching session with Denise Pearson. She was thoughtful, prepared, and asked great questions. I left the session feeling not only renewed but also inspired to try some of the ideas we brainstormed together. I would highly recommend coaching with Denise. 
    Bethany Miller
  • I highly recommend Dr. Pearson of Pearson Pathways, LLC for her exceptional coaching and professional insight. Dr. Pearson’s ability to combine strategic thinking, authentic leadership, and actionable guidance creates a meaningful and impactful experience. The session provided valuable clarity, practical strategies, and a thoughtful perspective on leadership and professional growth. Dr. Pearson brings professionalism, purpose, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
    Dr. Virginia McMath
  • My experience in your coaching session was enlightening and alleviating. I went in feeling anxiety about my PhD aspirations, and I left out feeling empowered. You opened my eyes to see that this childhood dream of mine is actually attainable and within my reach. Thank you!
    Nichelle Gladden, MBA. AHM
    Manager of Academic Affairs Operations
    Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

Nothing will work unless you do.

– Maya Angelou

Don’t follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Contact Me

I would love to speak with you about your goals and how Pearson Pathways can partner with you to achieve them

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