Dr. Shelli Henehan and Dr. Glenda Ezell
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Women's History Month: Dr. Shelli Henehan
This Women's History Month, as we celebrate the contributions of women throughout history, our UAFS faculty and staff took time to share the stories of the incredible women who have influenced their lives and careers.
This series aims to not only highlight the impact of these women but also to dive into a diverse range of narratives that reflect the strength, resilience, and creativity of women across various fields and backgrounds. It's a chance to recognize, reflect, and be inspired by the legacies that shape our world today.
In this installment of our Women's History Month series, we feature Shelli Henehan, Professor, Assessment Coordinator, and Director of Early Childhood Education. Henehan reflected on her journey in higher education and the impact of mentorship on her career.
"Being a woman in higher education means I have the chance to empower other women in education, just as I have been empowered," Henehan says. She expresses her passion for higher education, highlighting its role in allowing her to pursue grant writing, prepare future teachers, and serve her community.
Henehan credits Dr. Glenda Ezell, the first UAFS Coordinator of Elementary Education, as a pivotal figure in her career. Ezell hired Henehan in 2004 to direct the Early Childhood Education program. "I was fresh out of the preschool classroom, and she taught me what I needed to know to be successful in higher education," Henehan recalls. Their professional journey together spanned several roles and institutions, culminating in their return to UAFS in 2014, with Ezell as the Executive Director of the School of Education and Henehan in her current roles. “Glenda mentored me for over ten years before she retired in 2017 and continued to serve as my friend/sister until her death in December 2023.”
Henehan also shared a personal inspiration from her husband, a fellow UAFS professor with roots in Cape Town, South Africa. He was inspired by Nelson Mandela, whose words resonated deeply with Henehan: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."