When Denise Govan first enrolled at Northern Kentucky University, she hadn’t envisioned how deeply connected she would become to the campus, both as a student and as a lifelong supporter. A first-generation college student, Govan chose NKU partly to stay close to her friends and partly to chase a dream. Growing up with scoliosis, she had taken up dancing as a way to stay active and strong. NKU’s dance minor allowed her to pursue the sport that brought her so much joy at a higher level.

Years later, Govan is now a proud two-time alumna of NKU, holding a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a focus in criminology and a master’s degree in executive leadership and organizational change. Her educational journey ultimately helped shape a career rooted in service and leadership.

Early in her career, Govan began working as a family case manager at the Brighton Center, a northern Kentucky nonprofit focused on supporting families in need. 

“I thought I would retire from the Brighton Center,” she says of the loyalty she felt for her workplace. “But I got a nudge from a colleague about a position at the Life Learning Center and was ultimately the candidate they selected to be the COO.”

After strengthening her role as a leader, Govan once again thought she had found the place where she would finish her career, only to be surprised when another opportunity came calling, and this time at the DCCH Center for Children and Families.  

“I believe in divine intervention and that our path is already defined for us—we just have to listen,” she says. “Even if we’re comfortable where we are, we have to remind ourselves of the bigger plans behind the opportunities presented to us.”

Now president and CEO of the DCCH Center, Govan leads an organization that supports children and families through residential treatment, foster care, outpatient therapy and more. The position also brought her a unique moment to collaborate with her daughter, who was in the NKU exercise science class that recently selected the DCCH Center as a partner through the Mayerson Student Philanthropy Project. 

“The NKU students put together an exercise program for our residential children and during their visit, spent time practicing the exercises with them,” she says.

Govan’s connection to NKU doesn’t stop there. She’s a regular volunteer on campus, participating in mock interviews for students in the Haile College of Business and attending the Victor's Salute to Graduates events to give advice to graduating seniors.  

Her newest role as a member of the NKU Alumni Board of Directors deepens that connection even further.

“I am looking forward to making more community connections through my role on the NKU Alumni Board of Directors and figuring out how I can share my energy and enthusiasm with the university—however that looks,” she says. “And I’m excited about making a lasting and deeper impact, especially knowing my kids will soon be NKU graduates.”

Reflecting on her career and experiences, Govan highlights the lasting impact of developing emotional intelligence, something she believes is essential. 

“The biggest thing I’ve learned, which has served me well both professionally and personally, is the importance of emotional intelligence,” she says. “You can teach people skills and trades, but if someone isn’t willing to reshape or retrain their brain to leverage the benefits of emotional intelligence, they are missing out.” 

Even with her busy career and family life, Govan remains deeply committed to giving back. “As a first-generation college student obtaining both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at NKU, I feel it is important to give back through my time and service.”

And when asked what advice she has for current students, Govan is clear and thoughtful: “My advice for current NKU students is to be present,” she says. “Our world is so full of noise, and I believe it’s important to make the most of the investment that is higher education by building lasting connections with others.”

In her leadership, her service and her dedication to the university, Govan exemplifies the kind of lifelong impact NKU hopes to instill in its students. Her story is one of listening to the quiet pull of purpose—even when the path isn’t always clear—and of giving back to the place that helped her find her way.