FLORENCE, AL – Dena Strickland Kitts, the First Lady of the University of North Alabama and a former resident of Latta, South Carolina, was recently named as one of 25 honorees for this year in the “Women Who Shape the State” program sponsored by This is Alabama, a daily blog sharing videos, photos, and articles that tell the stories of the state’s innovators, natural wonders, good food, events, and places to visit.

Mrs. Kitts is among the 10th class of inductees to Women Who Shape the State. A recognition ceremony for the 2023 honorees took place in early March at The Club in Birmingham. In addition to Mrs. Kitts, this year’s list of inductees includes CEOs, founders of non-profits, educational leaders, and state agency heads.
“It is an honor to be among this class of recipients,” said Mrs. Kitts. “Being named a 2023 Women Who Shape the State recipient has been an opportunity to share the message of the Women of Influence initiative, and I am thrilled to know that this state has so many women who lead and do so with their families and communities in mind.”
Mrs. Kitts is the founder of the Women of Influence initiative. As her signature undertaking, this program brings together philanthropists who share a passion for and a commitment to UNA’s students. Among the priorities that have emerged for Women of Influence are the Caring for the Pride fund and the “$50 for 50” initiative to support female student athletes in North Alabama’s athletic programs. Mrs. Kitts and her husband, UNA President Ken Kitts, are the proud parents of sons Colin and Corbin.
Kitts is a 1993 graduate of Latta High School.