Dr. Barbara Henley's Bio
Dr. Barbara Henley is the Vice Chancellor Emerita for Student Affairs at the University of
Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She served as the Vice Chancellor for 20 years prior to retirement in
2016. She was the leader of a division comprised of almost 500 staff members and over 20
departments and was responsible for most aspects of student life, from student housing and
financial aid to international services and career services and counseling.
Dr. Henley, a native of Chicago, graduated from UIC with an undergraduate degree in history.
She attended The Ohio State University and earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in
counselor education with an emphasis in counseling psychology. Subsequently, she held
administrative and leadership positions at several universities: Lincoln University in
Pennsylvania (Director of Counseling and Testing); Chicago State University (Director of Special
Services Program, Director of the Counseling Center, and Acting Dean of Student
Development); and Northern Illinois University (Assistant Vice President, Associate Vice
President, and Vice President for Student Affairs).
Dr. Henley has been active and has held leadership roles in several professional
associations including the American Psychological Association and NASPA, the association for
student affairs professionals in higher education. She has authored or co-authored journal
articles and book chapters related to diversity and student affairs. Moreover, she has presented
program sessions and keynote addresses at nearly 100 professional conferences and meetings.
She is the recipient of numerous honors and awards including a Life Time Achievement Award
from the scholarship board for DuSable High School, a Phenomenal Woman Award from
Allstate and Clear Channel Radio, and a Pillar of the Profession Award from NASPA. Dr.
Henley serves as a volunteer in her community, and she is licensed to practice clinical
psychology in the State of Illinois.