From Omaha, Nebraska, to the heart of Durham, North Carolina, Austin Henley ’08 found a home at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) —a place that shaped his passion for community, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Raised by parents who worked decades in engineering and the railroad industry, Henley was encouraged to pursue higher education and purpose. His journey to NCCU was sparked by a Black college tour and the influence of his aunt, who worked for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
“I wanted to be around smart, advancing Black people—and Central felt like home,” Henley said.
At NCCU, Henley majored in criminal justice, was initiated into the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and even hosted a campus radio show. His time in Chidley Hall, he said, helped him build lifelong bonds of brotherhood and resilience.
“It was the best foundation—where I learned to make it work and found my place,” he said.
After graduating in 2008, Henley went on to earn a master’s degree in applied social science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and later an MBA in marketing and innovation management from North Carolina State University. His academic and professional pursuits carried him across the globe—from studying in London to serving in Kenya with an education-focused nonprofit.
But at his core, Henley remained an entrepreneur.
Alongside kindred spirits DeAndres Royal and Pierre Davis, he co-founded LifE KiT Lifestyle Co., a brand centered on creativity, storytelling and community. Their flagship ‘Stay Humble’ brand became a cultural touchstone and a launchpad for broader endeavors.
That entrepreneurial spirit recently came full circle with the creation of the North Carolina Central University Creators Fund, established by Henley, Royal, and Davis to support Eagles pursuing creative disciplines. The fund provides resources, financial relief, and mentorship opportunities for students developing innovative projects in fashion, technology, media and beyond.
“We live in a creator economy,” Henley said. “Students have the power to build businesses, share ideas and monetize their creativity. We wanted to give them the space and support to do that—and to show them they’re part of a legacy of Eagle creators like André Leon Talley, 9th Wonder and Sunshine Anderson.”
Over the coming years, the Creators Fund will provide direct support to students with bold ideas, helping them focus on their craft without the burden of financial stress. Long term, Henley envisions symposiums, creative workshops and even new businesses and products born from the community of Eagle creators.
For Henley, giving back is about more than philanthropy—it’s about planting seeds.
“You reap what you sow. Giving is an investment in the future of our students and our community. It’s about building something bigger than ourselves.”
To contribute to the North Carolina Central University Creators Fund or learn how you can make a lasting impact, visit nccu.edu/institutional-advancement.