Wendy F. Hensel

Wendy F. Hensel is the Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost at The City University of New York (CUNY), serving as the chief academic officer and leading the Office of Academic Affairs. In this role, she oversees academic programs, research, student success, faculty affairs, strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness across CUNY's extensive system. She is deeply committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and academic excellence for all students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Her research and professional interests center on disability law, policy, and ethics. She has published widely and spoken frequently on issues related to disability rights, inclusive employment, and legal compliance with civil rights laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her scholarship bridges legal theory and practical policy implementation in educational and workforce settings.

Hensel previously held leadership positions at Georgia State University, where she served as Provost, Dean of the College of Law, and tenured full professor. She earned her J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School and a B.A. in American Public Affairs with highest honors from Michigan State University. She is a Harry S. Truman Scholar and was inducted as a Fellow of the American Bar Association in 2019.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow of the American Bar Association
• Harry S. Truman Scholar

She has served on the boards of organizations including Integrate, United Way of Greater Atlanta, Cumberland Academy of Georgia, and Parent to Parent of Georgia. Her leadership extends to forging public-private partnerships, integrating workforce skills into curricula, and leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to improve student outcomes. She played a key role in expanding virtual learning and creating a system-wide transfer pathway within CUNY to reduce time to degree and student debt.

Hensel began her career as an attorney at Alston & Bird LLP, litigating employment discrimination cases and advising Fortune 500 companies on compliance with Title VII and the ADA. She also clerked for Judge Orinda Evans of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. She remains licensed to practice law.