Dr. C. Nicole Henderson is the founder of Dr. C. Nicole Henderson Consulting and the creator of the highly successful Smart Start College Success program, a research-based college readiness program which equips students with the skills necessary to successfully navigate the college process from admissions through completion. She holds a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Management from Drexel University, a master’s degree in Gifted Education, and a bachelor's degree in psychology.
As a Dean of Student Affairs at Montgomery County Community College, Dr. Henderson is uniquely positioned to understand the complexities that exist in formulating college success strategies for students. She knows first-hand the challenges that impede students from graduating, the role of placement testing, and the misinformation around financial aid and has been successful in developing student retention strategies to support student success and completion.
Dr. Henderson has extensive experience in developing unique programming and coaching for students, not only on getting admitted to college, but also ensuring graduation and for many, successfully enrolling in medical school, law school, and doctoral programs. She understands college success from beginning to end and has experience coaching students with admissions to highly selective Ivy League universities.
She also has experience consulting with school districts in creating college readiness programs for high school students. From the launching of the TRIO Upward Bound Partnership for Student Success program, to the McNair Scholars doctoral preparation program and the development of a community-based tutoring and SAT Prep Program, she works first-hand with high school administrators and has a deep understanding of the high school curriculum and how to translate it to college readiness and admissions.
Through her teaching, speaking, and consulting work, Dr. Henderson has extensive experience creating college pathways and training higher education administrators on developing college access and success programming.
