Alumni Board Spotlight: David Henderson sees importance of giving back to HSU

David Henderson

Alumni Q&A

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is David Henderson. I graduated from Henderson in 1993 with a BA in Mass Media Radio. I earned my MLA in 2003. I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, moved to Arkansas in 1990, and have lived in Prescott since 1995. My wife, Shannon (also an HSU alum) and I have been married since 1991. We have two children: Tyler (29) and Emily (22). Tyler is a former Henderson student, and Emily graduated from Henderson in 2022. I spent nearly 30 years in technology as a state technology coordinator for two different education cooperatives, and currently serve as communications director for Hope Public Schools. I also host a podcast and a YouTube channel.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

My radio-centered education at Henderson prepared me for a lifetime of communication. Most of my life has been spent presenting ideas, solving technical problems, and teaching educators and students various technologies. My time at KSWH served to provide the foundations I would use throughout my career and into new ventures. In fact, my experience at KSWH is what directly led to my co-founding a podcast that has been running for 10 years.

What motivates you to serve on the HSU Alumni Advisory Board?

As I approach the end of certain chapters of my career and look back at my experience at Henderson through my personal time there, my wife's time there, and subsequently both of our children's lives there, I feel it's important to give back and to help be a voice for the future of Henderson State.

What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?

Dorm life in Newberry always served as a wonderful source of entertainment and memory for me. It was awful living in that building and yet we made it work and had so much fun. That dorm life is ultimately what led to me meeting my wife. My favorite memory? The first time my wife and I kissed. We were in front of Russell Fine Arts and it is one of my most cherished memories. KSWH was in the bowels of Arkansas Hall when I first came to Henderson, and then we moved to Garrison once it was built. Broadcasting in front of everyone watching is another favorite memory.

How did your college experience shape who you are today?

It taught me to be resourceful and how to develop and rely on problem-solving skills. From daily planning to residential issues to dealing with people from all walks of life, college shaped me into who I am. It taught me to question everything, and then stand firm on my beliefs. It also taught me to be open to changing my beliefs if the proof and evidence warranted. It taught me love and loss, struggle and victory. College provided academia and authority and challenges to both. It provided the piece of paper that allowed me to progress throughout my career. It shaped my ability to adapt, to fail, to succeed. It also taught me that not everyone needs college, but there are many who do.

Were there any specific courses or professors that had a significant impact on you?

Absolutely. Dr. Renva Watterson gave KSWH its heart and let us as students have run of the station. She helped shape the type of broadcaster I wanted to be. Michael Taylor and Dr. Beggs guided my graduate process, encouraging me to keep writing, eventually leading to the publication of two books. Dr. Durand understood my struggles with college algebra and helped me make it through the class. There were many others, though I cannot recall their names specifically, who made my academic experience at Henderson unforgettable.

What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?

Get involved. It is so easy to dive into being an introvert, but you have to work to combat that urge. I was very introverted when I arrived, and through the radio station and friendships, I came out of that shell -- not a lot, mind you, but enough to give me the confidence for public speaking and presentation. Have fun! You only get this experience once in your life.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your Henderson experience?

Henderson was the perfect fit for me. I had attended a small college of about 400 students, transferred to a huge university with hundreds of students in each classroom, and eventually landed at the school which shares my name. Henderson was the perfect fit -- from class size to course offerings to activities.

What is your favorite hobby or activity to unwind after a busy day at work?

Several years ago, I started a YouTube channel that has grown over time to over 16,000 subscribers. Creating, editing, and sharing stories have become my hobby.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life or career?

The best advice I have gotten is the hardest advice to live by: Don't worry about what people think. Be yourself. Do your thing. Take chances. No matter what you do, do it and don't worry about other people. I have learned that the harshest critics of what you do are the ones jealous because they're not taking the risks, doing their thing, or being themselves. You get one life. Live it!

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

A multitool, a lighter, and a copy of the SAS Survival Handbook.

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