The Prairie View A&M University family is mourning the loss of Dr. Marion Henry, a legend in the history of the University. Henry passed away Sunday, June 3, 2012 in Houston. He was the Director of Teacher Certification and professor of Educational Research in the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling.

A native of Dallas, Texas, Henry was an institution on the PVAMU campus, spending just shy of 56 years at the University. During his years with PVAMU, Henry was a beloved professor and mentor who challenged students to embody excellence in their educational pursuits and professional careers.

Henry played an integral part in education of thousands of students in the Whitlowe R. Green College of Education. He was Director of the Learning Resource Center; head of the department of curriculum and foundation and head of the department of educational media and technology. In 2011, he was selected as a member of the inaugural class of the Chancellor’s Academy of Teacher Educators, a Texas A&M University System initiative acknowledging teaching excellence.

Henry was the former director of athletics and was an active supporter of PVAMU sports. He was also public announcer for track and field events, chief clerk of the course, chief finish judge and a member of the Prairie View Sports Official Association. In 1995, Henry was honored with a street bearing his name. Marion Henry Drive runs alongside the famed William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Fieldhouse and leads to the university’s stadium, Blackshear Field.

While Henry’s influence in the Whitlowe R. Green College of Education is clear, his impact has been felt by every student crossing the stage at graduation as a major figure in the commencement exercises. He served as Chairman of the Commencement Committee for more than 50 years, even serving as the Commencement Marshall for nearly three decades, retiring from the post in fall 2011. In a magazine interview last year, Henry said one of his greatest honors was assisting with the development of the University Mace, Medallion and Podium in 1983.

Henry earned his bachelor’s degree from Southern University and A&M College. He completed his master’s at Bradley University and earned a Ph.D. from Syracuse University.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Building at PVAMU. A rosary will be held at 6 p.m. followed by the Knight of Columbus at 6:30 p.m. An Omega Psi Phi memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of service at 11 a.m. in the Nicks Building. Interment will follow in the Prairie View Memorial Cemetery.