Mercy College of Health Sciences has a new president
May 3, 2022
Mercy College of Health Sciences’ Board of Directors has named Adreain M. Henry, OD, EdD as the College’s fourth president effective July 1.
“Dr. Henry embodies the spirit of Mercy College and has many years of higher education and health sciences experience,” said 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.”
Henry said he’s honored to lead Mercy College, which has a legacy of excellence and compassion in the healthcare industry. The optometrist and author, who holds a doctorate in education, comes to Des Moines from Hallmark University in San Antonio, Texas, where he served as the chief academic officer and associate provost.
“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,” he said.
He 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, 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, Henry served on active duty in the U.S. Army and served in several leadership positions. 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.