Randolph announces new chief diversity officer
Keesha Burke Henderson
Keesha Burke-Henderson, who currently serves as the director of diversity and international students for Mount Mercy University, has been named Randolph College’s chief diversity officer and director of the Office of Identity, Culture, and Inclusion. She will assume the position February 1.
Burke-Henderson was selected for the position after a competitive national search.
“We are excited to welcome Keesha Burke-Henderson to our community,” said Randolph President Bradley W. Bateman. “Her extensive background, leadership skills, and dedication and passion for positively shaping the student experience will make her a valued member of senior staff and the Randolph community. I look forward to partnering with her on the important work of providing a welcoming and inclusive learning, living, and working environment for our campus.”
At Mount Mercy University, Burke-Henderson led and designed a comprehensive culture, equity, and inclusion action plan, managed engagement efforts, curated cultural events centering on social justice practices, and was responsible for international student integration.
She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts and master’s degree from New York Institute of Technology, and is working toward her Ph.D. from Kennesaw State University.
“During this time of social and political calibration, communities such as Randolph making a commitment to focus on culture, equity and a social change model is vision-forward,” Burke-Henderson said. “I am excited about working with the students, staff, and faculty to enhance the work of a liberal arts college with a reputation of excellence.”
Before her current position at Mount Mercy University, Burke-Henderson served as a gender, diversity, and inclusion consultant for One Woman Central, a nonprofit organization with the mission of supporting women of color and creating a sustainable pipeline of women leaders in high-demand roles. She also has served as executive director of Best Kids, a program of the YMCA in North Fulton County, that assists women and children in transition.
Burke-Henderson brings 17 years of teaching and research experience to Randolph. She has taught at Kennesaw State University, Morehouse College, the University of Georgia, and Clayton State University.
She has three sons, Kadeem, Khadir, and Cadence.
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