Mercy College of Health Sciences’ Board of Directors has named Adreain M. Henry, OD, EdD as the College’s fourth president. Dr. Henry will assume his role as President of Mercy College on July 1, 2022.
Dr. Henry’s appointment follows an extensive national search conducted by Hyatt-Fennell Executive Search, an administrative search firm, in coordination with the Board of Directors’ presidential search committee and various campus representatives.
“Dr. Henry embodies the spirit of Mercy College and has many years of higher education and health sciences experience,” stated Paul Erickson, chair of the Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to have selected Dr. Henry as the next leader of Mercy College. We trust that he will lead us into the future with compassion and excellence, guiding the College’s important vision and mission for years to come.”
“I am humbled, elated, and blessed to be named Mercy College of Health Sciences’ fourth president,” Dr. Henry said. “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Board Chair Paul Erickson, Search Committee Chair Emily McAllister, Distinguished Members of the Board of Directors, the Search Committee, and Campus Representatives for their unwavering support, faith, and trust in me. It is a privilege and honor to lead such a distinguished institution with a longstanding legacy of excellence and compassion in the healthcare industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to become part of that storied history, and I look forward to serving with our dedicated Board of Directors, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members as we make phenomenal things happen at Mercy College.”
Dr. Henry earned his Associate of Arts in Music and Pre-Med from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where he attended as a first-generation college student. From there, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi before going on to earn his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry from Salus University in Pennsylvania. He completed his Residency in Primary Eye Care at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas and Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. In addition, Dr. Henry earned a Master of Arts in Business from Webster University in Missouri, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania.
Before coming to Mercy College, Dr. Henry established himself as an inspirational, impactful, and servant-leader through his executive roles in healthcare, education, and while on active duty in the U.S. Army. He completed AASCU’s yearlong Becoming A Provost Academy and has held several positions including Senior Clinical Instructor, Clinical Assistant Professor, Chief, Faculty Chair, and Dean of Arts, Sciences, Graduate Studies and Research. Dr. Henry most recently served as the Chief Academic Officer and Associate Provost at Hallmark University in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Henry has authored and co-authored numerous publications, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and is a devoted husband and father. Dr. Henry’s wife, Karen, and two children, Abrielle and Adreain Jr., will accompany him to Des Moines, Iowa.
For questions, please contact Julie Bleimehl at julia.bleimehl@commonspirit.org or 515-643-6601.
