College of Central Florida

Dr. James D. Henningsen became president of the College of Central Florida in January 2012. During his first years at CF, the college was named among the top 120 colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges granted final approval for baccalaureate programs, and the first students graduated from the programs. And the CF Men's Basketball team won the NJCAA/FCSAA national championship.

Henningsen is a member of the Board of Directors for the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership, a member of the Board of Directors for United Way of Marion County, a member of the Central Florida YMCA Metro Board, a member of the American Association of Community Colleges President’s Academy Executive Board, serves as Chair for Policy and Advocacy for the Florida College System’s Council of Presidents, chaired the 2013 Marion County American Heart Association Heart Walk, and is a member of the Marion County Heart Walk Executive Leadership Team.

Previously, he served at Seminole State College of Florida as vice president for academic affairs/chief academic officer and was responsible for design and delivery of academic programs, courses, services and regional campus administration.

His 25-plus years of higher education experience also include service with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Valencia College, Florida. Early in his career, he served as project manager with a national market research company and policy analyst with the State of Vermont, Agency of Development and Community Affairs.

Henningsen earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership and master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Geography from the University of Vermont.