Pitts first Black provost, Donald M. Henderson, dies at 91

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Donald M. Henderson, who served as the University of Pittsburghs first Black provost from 1989-1993, advocated for advancements and opportunities that improved the University and embodied triumph over challenge.

Henderson, who retired to Florida, died June 8 from medical complications associated with congestive heart failure. He was 91.

Donald transformed the role of provost, and the University of Pittsburgh itself, during his tenure here, Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said. 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.

Hendersons achievements at the University included being involved in the Campus of the Future initiative with AT&T, which led to the installation of Pitts first fiber network; consolidating several of libraries into the University Library System; organizing and hosting Nelson Mandelas visit to Pitt; and serving as a champion of the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center.

Through his actions and principles, Henderson also helped Pitt become a better and more just institution.

The University of Pittsburgh would not be the high-powered academic institution it is today without the distinctive contributions made by Donald Henderson, said friend and colleague Mark Nordenberg, chancellor emeritus of Pitt. 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. “

Nordenberg added, “There has never been anyone like Donald. He was a pillar of strength, a great listener and unfailingly respectful. These attributes reflected his values ​​and were paired with a quiet self-confidence that permitted him to look at things through a lens that produced strong, caring relationships and outstanding results for the University.

Hendersons formative years

Born Feb. 22, 1931, in Poughkeepsie, New York, Henderson grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. The second of six children, he was raised by loving parents, Hugh and LeeHilda. Henderson attributed his academic and athletic success to their encouragement and prioritization of education.

While Henderson’s football prowess earned him an athletic scholarship, he was drafted into the Army in 1952 and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged and used his GI Bill to continue his education at Kent State University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology.

In 1956, Henderson met Bebe Norris on Christmas Day at a party hosted by his Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brothers in Cleveland, Ohio. They married in 1959 and were described by family as soul mates. The inseparable pair enjoyed traveling and, during their first year of marriage, established an annual tradition inspired by Breakfast at Tiffanys: They visited New York City and followed in the footsteps of the films lead characters.

After Kent State, Henderson came to Pitt to pursue a doctorate in sociology, which he completed in 1967. After graduating, he accepted a teaching position at the University of Akron, and he was also a lecturer at Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

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 Education, a division of the Department of Education, and supported by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The study explored the potential role the office could play in helping urban universities respond more appropriately than they had in the past to urban problems by devoting resources to Black youths to help them matriculate.

This project led Henderson to relocate to Washington DC and partner with leaders from Temple University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology City Planning Department and other universities and organizations.

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