Symphony D. Oxendine

Symphony D. Oxendine is Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Professional Programs, Research, and Faculty Affairs in the Watson College of Education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), where she also serves as Associate Professor in Higher Education and former Assistant Department Chair/Doctoral Coordinator in the Department of Educational Leadership. A Cherokee/Choctaw scholar from Tulsa, Oklahoma, she brings 20+ years of higher education experience including student affairs practice and Indigenous research.

• Ph.D. in Educational Studies (Higher Education), UNC Greensboro
• M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration, UNC Greensboro
• B.A. in Applied Sociology, Oklahoma State University

Her research focuses on Indigenous student success in higher education, examining institutional dynamics, psychosocial factors, and political processes. She explores Historically Native American Fraternities/Sororities, appreciative inquiry frameworks, and pathways into student affairs professions. Recent publications analyze cultural integrity, campus belonging, and strategic organizational change.

Dr. Oxendine has received multiple honors including the Diamond Honoree from ACPA Foundation and Emerging Scholar recognition. She serves as Special Advisor to ACPA Executive Director on Native/Indigenous issues and Vice-Chair of the National Institution for Native Leadership in Higher Education (NINLHE).

• Certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator
• Grand Treasurer, Alpha Pi Omega Sorority, Inc.
• Board Member, Women Honoring Other Women (non-profit)