My Story
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.
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.
Currently, all three young adults have graduated from College and are pursuing their dreams. Nia graduated from The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in May 2025 and is currently completing her first year of Residency at UPMC in General Surgery. 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.
Nya graduated with a Master of Science in Higher Education from Oregon State University, where she is the Director of Student Athlete Development. It's impressive that she also earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with minors in Chemistry and Psychology, while being a Division 1 student-athlete playing volleyball.
Brandon is a driven student-athlete who graduated 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 playing in his last year of football elgibility. His dedication and passion for both academics and athletics are truly inspiring.
Denise and Brentson recently relocated from Jacksonville, Florida, to Charlotte, NC, where they live with their senior mothers and furry friend, Milo. When she is not enjoying the beautiful beaches, she loves to read, write, and spend time with her family.
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.
2022-2025
Associate of Arts in Ministry
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
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.
Ministries involved in include: Heart2Heart Women’s Ministry, Small Discipleship, Intercessory Prayer, Youth and Sports, and Childcare.