Dr. David B. Henson, the 17th President of Lincoln University, died October 29, 2005 at the age of 67. He had retired in January, citing problems associated with diabetes.
“Everyone in the Lincoln University family is saddened by the loss of Dr. Henson,” said Carolyn Mahoney, who succeeded Henson upon his retirement.
“He was a dedicated and inspirational president who had a profoundly positive effect on the lives and careers of present and former students, faculty and staff. Dr. Henson came to Lincoln with more than 25 years of experience in higher education and is well regarded nationally for his contributions and accomplishments.
“His passing represents a tremendous loss to the entire educational community.”
W.T. Edmonson, an LU graduate and former president of Jefferson City’s NAACP chapter, told the Jefferson City News Tribune, “He felt very strongly that Lincoln University did not need to apologize for its heritage” as a historically black college.
“At the same time, of course, (he) looked to the future of Lincoln University as a diverse institution.”
Dr. Henson had a 25-year history of service to higher education. At Howard University College of Medicine, Dr. Henson served as acting chairperson in the Department of Biochemistry, the assistant dean of Student Affairs, and an associate professor of Biochemistry.
At Yale College, he was the dean of Student Affairs and the associate dean. Dr. Henson’s work in the fields of science is commendable. He was a lecturer in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and a fellow in Timothy Dwight College at Yale University, a professor of Chemistry at Alabama A&M, and a provost and professor of Chemistry at the Broward Campus of Florida Atlantic University.
At the University of Colorado at Boulder, Dr. Henson held the position of associate vice chancellor of Academic Services and Student Support Services. Dr. Henson also served as vice president of Student Services at Purdue University.
He was actively involved in state and local community services, including membership in the Purdue Iron Key Society and the Executive 21 Continuous Quality Improvement Steering Committee.
He was a steward at St. John’s AME Church in Huntsville, Ala., a member of the National Committee on International Science and Education and the Board of Huntsville Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of America.
He was a former treasurer of the Council on Public Higher Education of Missouri, a member of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Jefferson City, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Central Missouri Celebration Planning Committee.
Henson is survived by his wife, Earlene, and two grown children.
In lieu of flowers and cards, memorial contributions may be made to the Soldiers’ Memorial Fund or the General Scholarship Fund, c/o Lincoln University Foundation, Inc. 820 Chestnut Street, 301A Young Hall, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
