Denise Dawkins Weir, EdD

Denise relocated to New York in 2014 to further her career in Higher Education. A proud North Carolina native with Jamaican heritage, she is deeply committed to empowering students to grow intellectually, socially, and most importantly—intuitively.  At Dominican University New York, Denise currently serves as the advisor to the Black Student Union, Caribbean Dance Crew, and DUNY NAACP, where she actively fosters leadership, cultural pride, and community engagement.  With a dynamic spirit and a passion for impact, Denise is “charged up” and ready to activate. Her guiding philosophy, “Reach Back, Lift Up,” reflects her dedication to uplifting others while paving the way for future generations.

Education

EdD – Educational Leadership, Manhattanville University

Bio

Denise Dawkins Weir is a Higher Education professional with over 17 years of experience and a continued commitment to growth and impact. Throughout her career, she has held a range of administrative and student support roles across HBCUs, minority-owned businesses, private higher education institutions, state-funded agencies, and grant-funded organizations.

She joins Dominican University with a vision to streamline office administration, cultivate meaningful and lasting relationships with the student body, and foster a strong sense of connection across campus. Denise is especially dedicated to building authentic and empowering relationships with Black and Brown students, while continuing to elevate and bridge local community organizations with the Division of Business, Innovation, and Leadership programs.

At the core of her work ethic, there is a deep commitment to student advocacy ensuring that every student feels supported, seen, and positioned for success.