Dr. Kendra Sharp Deas, Strategist at the United Negro College Fund’s Institute for Capacity Building (ICB)  brings a dynamic blend of experience and innovation to the realm of higher education. With a rich history of accomplishments spanning over a decade, Dr. Deas is at the forefront of shaping the future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

A driving force on the strategy team at ICB, Dr. Deas  spearheads the planning, development, and execution of transformative projects and strategies for HBCUs. Her role involves not only managing special initiatives but also collaborating with academic and campus leaders to introduce programs that enhance the capacity of HBCUs. From fundraising prowess to crafting compelling grant applications, Dr. Deas is a catalyst for positive change. Her involvement in groundbreaking projects, such as ICB’s annual UNITE summit and  climate and sustainability initiatives, showcases her commitment to fostering excellence within higher education.

Before her  position at UNCF, Dr. Sharp served as the Assistant Dean for Student Success & Corporate Partnerships at the Deese College of Business and Economics at North Carolina A&T State University. Under her dynamic leadership, the College secured over $500K in student scholarship funds and saw a remarkable 10% increase in partnerships within a single year.

Dr. Deas is a current fellow in Clark Atlanta University’s Executive Leadership Institute and an alumna of the  Higher Education Leadership Foundation: Beta Cohort Fellowship. Further, her certification in Higher Education Marketing and Communications from Walden University attests to her strategic communication skill-set. 

Dr. Deas holds three degrees—a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Saint Augustine’s University, a Masters of Higher Education from Walden University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Deas is a 2010 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Currently residing in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband Gregory and  mini goldendoodle Kairo, Dr. Deas exemplifies a commitment to excellence and positive change in both her personal and professional spheres.