TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
Donald M. Henderson 1931-2022 Retired University of Pittsburgh Provost, U.S. Army
D onald M. Henderson (Gamma Tau 1958), who served as the University of Pittsburgh’s first Black provost, entered the Chapter Invisible on June 8, 2022, at 91 from medical complications associated with conges- tive heart failure. Mark Nordenberg, chancellor emeritus of Pitt on Hen- derson, “The University of Pittsburgh would not be the high-powered academic institution it is today without the distinc- tive contributions made by Donald Henderson. As provost, he elevated the academic mission in ways that laid the foundation for Pitt’s dramatic rise within the ranks of America’s top research universities. He helped create a framework for institutional progress that made Pitt a magnet for outstanding students and positioned us to recruit, support and retain top faculty members.” Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said, “Donald transformed the role of
“THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH WOULD NOT BE THE HIGH-POWERED ACADEMIC INSTITUTION IT IS TODAY WITHOUT THE DISTINCTIVE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY DONALD HENDERSON.”
in sociology, which he completed in 1967. After graduating, he accepted a teaching position at the University of Akron and was a lecturer at Western Reserve University. Henderson left Ohio to work for Southern Illinois University, where he served as director of experimental studies. During this appointment, he was director of the Experiment in Higher Education, a collaboration with the Office of Edu- cation, a division of the Department of Education, and supported by Presi- dent Lyndon B. Johnson. The study explored the potential role the office could play in helping urban universities respond more appropriately than in the past to urban problems by devoting resources to Black youths to help them matriculate. This project led
provost, and the Univer- sity of Pittsburgh itself, during his tenure here. He was a master collaborator, a mentor to many and a tireless visionary who walked the walk — and then some. I am grateful for his many contributions to Pitt and proud to do my part to help advance his bright legacy of cultivating learning, curiosity, and leadership for the greater good.” Born on February 22, 1931, in Poughkeepsie, NY, Henderson grew up in Youngstown, OH, the second of six children.
Henderson attributed his academic and athletic suc- cess to his parents, Hugh and LeeHilda, for encour- agement and prioritization of education. He earned an athletic scholarship but was drafted into the Army in 1952 and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged and used his G.I. Bill to con- tinue his education at Kent State University, where he earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in sociology. After graduating college, Henderson attended the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a doctorate
Henderson to move to Washington D.C. and partner with leaders
62 THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2023-2024
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