Denise M. Douglas

2021-22 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow
Dr. Denise M. Douglas has more than 25 years of higher education leadership experience in private, public, four-year and two-year institutions. Dr. Douglas currently serves as the dean of social sciences and human services and special assistant to the president for equity, diversity and inclusion at Lorain County Community College. In these roles, Dr. Douglas works to strategically advance student success with an equity minded focus and approach.

Prior to her role at Lorain County Community College, Dr. Douglas served as the associate dean of executive education at the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University. In this role she was responsible for generating over $21 million in gross revenue during her tenure.

Dr. Douglas has practiced as an executive leadership coach for over 15 years and has a passion for designing and teaching leadership courses and programs that advance equity within higher education. Dr. Douglas holds two coaching certifications, BCC (Board Certified Coach-CCE) and ACC (Associate Certified Coach-ICF).

In 2015, Dr. Douglas was selected to attend the AACSB program, Leading in the Academic Enterprise. In 2012, she was selected to attend the ACE National Women’s Leadership Forum. Other awards and recognition include the YWCA Woman of Professional Excellence (2007) and selection to attend the prestigious HERS Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education (2005).

Dr. Douglas holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota and a B.A. in english literature from George Mason University.