Joseph L. Henry
Nothing about Joseph L. Henry was ordinary. In his academic career he excelled noticeably above others — as a student, teacher, department chair, dean, board member, national policy adviser, and as a mentor to many health professionals and policy makers. The valedictorian of every class in every school he attended, Joe Henry routinely completed the graduation requirements years ahead of schedule and moved up to the next academic challenge. He completed high school in New Orleans at age 15, Xavier College at age 18, Howard College of Dentistry at age 22, and then, while on the Howard Faculty, a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at age 26. Joe Henry’s national prominence was quickly felt in Washington, D.C. as he rose through the Howard University academic ranks from Instructor to Professor. In these years he served as the Director of Clinics and Coordinator of Research at the Howard College of Dentistry. When...