Dr. Denise Charbonnet

Dr. Denise Charbonnet is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Education at Hampton University, where she has served for seven years and brings more than 35 years of experience in PK–12 and higher education. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education from Dillard University, and an M.A. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Foundations from the University of New Orleans. Her career spans roles as a special education teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal for 20 years, and Executive Director of Schools, and she was named Louisiana Principal of the Year—the first woman and African American to receive the honor. Dr. Charbonnet has also held senior academic leadership roles at Dillard University and Southern University at New Orleans. At Hampton University, she leads undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in education and successfully guided the department through CAEP reaccreditation in 2024, earning full accreditation for a new seven-year cycle, while remaining committed to excellence, teacher preparation, and educational leadership.