Title: Division Chair for Liberal Studies
Company: Lane College
Location: Jackson, Tennessee, United States
Karen B. Henning, MME, Division Chair for Liberal Studies, Assistant Professor of Music at Lane College, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in music education.
With over four decades of experience to her credit, Ms. Henning has carved out a distinguished career in music education. Currently excelling as the division chair for liberal studies at Lane College since 2021, she oversees faculty members across various departments, manages scheduling, and provides recommendations for hiring and contract renewals. She also serves as the official representative for her division on the academic cabinet, advocating for the interests and perspectives of liberal studies within administrative decision-making processes. Additionally, she serves as an assistant professor of music, focusing on teaching education classes to music majors and serving as the designated woodwind specialist within the music department. Prior to this, she was an assistant professor of music at Lane College from 2017 to 2021 and an adjunct instructor at the same institution from 2014 to 2017. She also served as a data coach and testing coordinator at Liberty Technology Magnet High School from 2005 to 2017. Previously, she was a music educator at Liberty Technology Magnet High School from 2003 to 2015 and at Jackson Central Merry High School from 1985 to 2003. She began her career as an interim director at Haywood County High School in Tennessee in 1984.
Before embarking on her professional path, Ms. Henning pursued an education at Lambuth College, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in music education in 1983. She continued her academic efforts at Austin Peay State University, obtaining a Master of Music Education in 1996. Additionally, she completed coursework at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago and Union University in Tennessee. Beyond her responsibilities within the field, she has participated in various civic and professional activities. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she is actively involved in the organization’s community garden enhancement initiative and volunteers to provide music lessons for students at a summer camp project in collaboration with the county’s park and recreation department. Additionally, as a board member of CDF Freedom Schools, she contributes to a reading program for second and third graders. Furthermore, she volunteers for relief ministries at her church, assisting her group once a month in providing meals for men dealing with homelessness. She has also contributed as the former president of the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, being the only individual to serve two consecutive terms, and is an active member of the American School Band Directors Association, Phi Beta Mu – International Bandmasters Fraternity, and the Tennessee Bandmasters Association.
In light of her impressive undertakings, Ms. Henning was recognized as Division Chair of the Year at Lane College in 2022 and Faculty of the Year in 2021. She has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association and was inducted into the Band Director Hall of Fame in West Tennessee. Additionally, she has been honored with an induction into the Educators’ Walk of Fame by Emerald Music Stores. Looking ahead, she plans to transition into retirement from her current position and embark on a new role as a consultant. She also intends to continue her charity work, which she finds immensely fulfilling. She attributes her success to her determination and resilience. She advises aspiring professionals to not be afraid to ask for help and to stand up for themselves. As an African American woman advancing through a field predominantly occupied by white males, she had to ensure that her knowledge and capabilities were recognized. She emphasizes the importance of making sure others understand that you deserve a seat at the table and that you belong there.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Ms. Henning:
