My Story
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Denise Buckner is a proud wife and mother of three children, Nia, Nya, and Brandon. She met her husband, Brentson Buckner, at Clemson University where they both attended. The couple got married one week after graduating on May 21, 1994. As the wife of a former NFL player, Denise has lived in various parts of the United States. After Brentson retired from the NFL in 2006, they settled down in Concord, NC.
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The family moved to Chandler, Arizona in 2014 after Brentson became the Defensive Line Coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2013. Denise accredits Arizona to being her happy place and looks forward to going back and visiting often.
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Currently, all three kids are pursuing their Higher Educational Degrees. Nia attends the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and will graduate in May 2025. Nia is looking forward to applying into Plastic Reconstructive Surgery where her passion is to bridge the gap between communities and women of color who are in need of reconstructive surgery from traumatic injuries to breast cancer recovery. Nia received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University in May 2019 and further completed a Master of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine in May 2020.
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Excitement is in the air for her middle daughter, Nya. Congratulations to Nya on her upcoming graduation with a Master of Science in Higher Education from Oregon State University! It's impressive that she also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry - Molecular Biology with a Minor in Chemistry and Psychology while being a D1 student-athlete playing volleyball. Best wishes for her future endeavors!
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Brandon is a driven student-athlete who is set to graduate from Middle Tennessee State University in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies, with a focus in Journalism. He has his sights set on obtaining a Masters of Business Administration degree while continuing to play football. His dedication and passion for both academics and athletics are truly inspiring.
Denise and Brentson call Jacksonville, Florida home, where they live with their senior mothers and furry friend, Milo. When she is not enjoying the beautiful beaches, she loves to read and write.
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Family
Education
Denise graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Engineering in 1994. She later went on to obtain a Master of Science in Higher Education from Walden University. Currently she is enrolled at Bethesda Theological Seminary Institute, based in Columbia, SC.
2022-Present
Certificate Program/Associate
Bethesda Theological Seminary Institute
The mission of Bethesda Theological Seminary is to equip the body of Christ for the work of God through sound, biblical, and theological training. Classes include: Bible Survey, Being Successful in Ministry, Ecclesiology: History of the Church, Eschatology: The End Time Events, Sovereignty of God, The Trinity, Attributes of God, Theology: The Doctrine of God, Doctrine of Sin: The Blood Covenant.
2013-2015
Master of Science Degree Higher Education
Walden University
Primary focus is Student Success and Leadership
Capstone Project: Student Retention
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2008-2010
Ministry License
New Birth - Charlotte
Licensed to Preach the Gospel and exercise my gifts in the work of the Ministry by New Birth-Charlotte after completing and demonstrating knowledge of the Holy Bible in classes and in the ministry field.
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Ministries involved in include: Heart2Heart Women’s Ministry, Small Discipleship, Intercessory Prayer, Youth and Sports, and Childcare.