OUR FOUNDER
Dr. Mark G. Henderson is a native of Canton, Mississippi. After graduating from Canton High School, he attended Jackson State University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication Studies and Dramatic Art. Mark went on to receive a Masters of Art in Communications and Urban Studies from Michigan State University. Henderson returned to Mississippi and enrolled in the Ph.D. program at The University of Southern Mississippi where he received the doctorate degree in Speech Communication. Dr. Henderson just recently completed his second Masters of Arts degree in Theatre from Texas A&M University. AT JSU, Henderson has served in the positions as the Chair of the Department of Speech Communication and Director of Theatre. He is the Founder/Artistic Director of MADDRAMA (Making A Difference Doing Respectable and Meaningful Art), a troupe of Jackson State University performers who tour nationally with an extensive repertoire of original plays and specialized performances that are highly requested.
Dr. Henderson’s students refer to him as the “Star Maker”, that is due in part to the fact that you can find students he has mentored on local, regional and Broadway Stages, as well as the big screen. As a theater director, motivational speaker, and performer, Dr. Henderson stays busy utilizing his skills to 'entertain and educate the masses'. He holds membership in numerous professional groups, to include the, The Jackson State University National Alumni Association (Madison County Chapter), in which he serves as 1st Vice-President, and the Rho Xi Lambda chapter (Canton, MS) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
LIFE’S PHILOSOPHY
God doesn’t always choose the qualified, but He always qualifies the Chosen
LIFE’S MOTTO:
I am who I am because of God and my Mama!
Dr. Mark G. Henderson, originally from Canton, Mississippi, pursued his education at Jackson State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication Studies and Dramatic Art. He continued his studies at Michigan State University, obtaining a Master of Arts in Communications and Urban Studies. Dr. Henderson then returned to Mississippi, where he completed his Ph.D. in Speech Communication at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Currently, Dr. Henderson serves as the Chair of the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre at Jackson State University. He is also the Founder and Artistic Director of MADDRAMA, a renowned troupe from JSU known for their national tours featuring original plays and specialized performances.
Dr. Henderson divides his professional focus between Speech Communication and Theatre, areas in which he holds equal passion. His scholarly interests within Speech Communication center around Interpersonal Communication, particularly with an emphasis on Language and Culture. He conducts leadership workshops on topics such as Effective Communication in the Workplace and Interpersonal Relationship Building among College Students, as well as Voice & Diction.
In addition to his academic and leadership roles, Dr. Henderson is actively involved in directing and producing theatre for MADDRAMA and the Department of Speech and Theatre at JSU. Notably, he was commissioned by the Canton, MS Convention & Visitors Bureau & Film Office to direct the world premiere of "Thea’s Turn," a stage play honoring African-American educator and nun, Sister Thea Bowman.
Dr. Henderson has held significant leadership positions, including serving as the 31st President of the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts. He has been recognized for his contributions, being listed in the inaugural edition of the Who’s Who in Black Mississippi Directory in 2010 and receiving the JSU Humanities Teacher of the Year award in 2013. Dr. Henderson was honored with the Hometown Hero Award by the Jackson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and served as the Fall Commencement Speaker at Jackson State University.
As a theater director, motivational speaker, and performer, Dr. Henderson actively employs his talents to both entertain and educate the public. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Communication Association, the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts, Inc., and the Jackson State University National Alumni Association (Madison County Chapter), where he serves as 2nd Vice-President. Additionally, he is part of the Rho Xi Lambda chapter (Canton, MS) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
