DeKALB – Beverly Henry, director for the doctorate program in Health Sciences, was approved as the interim dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Thursday’s Board of Trustees meeting. 

Henry will replace Dean Derryl Block, who will begin a professional development leave starting Jan. 1 after serving in the role since 2012. Henry’s interim appointment will go through June 30, 2021, until a new dean is selected. 

“I appreciate the confidence displayed by my colleagues and NIU administration with this appointment,” Henry said in a Dec. 10 statement. “I look forward to working with CHHS [College of Health and Human Sciences] and collaborating with people across the university to meet our goals.”

NIU President Lisa Freeman said Henry was picked through an internal process that was consistent with NIU’s procedures of interim administrative appointments. 

“We’re really fortunate that an experienced Huskie administrator and leader, Dr. Beverly Henry has agreed to accept the role,” Freeman said. 

Henry has previously served as associate dean for Academic Affairs in the college, as well as interim chair in the School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions, according to the Dec. 10 Board of Trustee agenda. 

Henry earned a bachelor’s degree from NIU in 1983, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1989 and a doctorate degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2003, according to the agenda.

“Thank you Dr. Henry for stepping in during this interim period, and I know she will do an outstanding job,” Board Chair Dennis Barsema said.