Chrishana “Shana” Granger, director of the Dancin’ Divas at Alabama A&M University, was named the 2026 HBCU Auxiliary Coach of the Year during the HBCU Auxiliary and Dance Directors Association Conference held March 26–29 at Evergreen Lakeside Resort in Stone Mountain, Georgia, according to an April 18 announcement.
The award recognizes leadership and achievement among auxiliary and dance professionals at historically Black colleges and universities. The annual conference drew more than 400 attendees from across collegiate, high school, and community programs.
Granger has led the Dancin’ Divas for sixteen years. She was selected from a group of nominees that included coaches from Jackson State University and Vorhees University. “Being selected as the HBCU Coach of the Year is an honor that touches me in ways I’m still finding the words for,” said Granger. “After years of coaching, teaching, correcting, encouraging and pouring into dancers, this recognition feels both overwhelming and deeply humbling.”
A graduate of Alabama A&M University who danced with the team as a student from 1999 to 2003, Granger returned to lead it after earning her degree magna cum laude in international business administration in 2004. She later completed a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia College in Missouri.
Under her leadership spanning over seventeen years, the Dancin’ Divas have achieved national recognition. They earned first place at the Tampax Radiant Dance Off in 2018; were named a top three Nike Yard Runners dance team in 2022; performed on national television during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Jon Batiste in 2023; became the first HBCU dance team to open for Radio City Rockettes; and secured sponsorships from Ulta Beauty and Rockettes organization.
In addition to coaching duties, Granger serves on the executive board of the HBCU Auxiliary Directors Conference where she supports growth for auxiliary programs nationwide. She also mentors young performers while working professionally as chief of procurement systems innovation and data communications within federal service.
“This award reminds me of why I continue to do what I do,” said Granger. “I have a chance to expose the Dancin’ Divas to various dance genres and collaborate with my peers while helping guide the next generation of collegiate dancers.”
