Founded in 1971, the David Dodds Henry Lecture Series is one of the nation’s oldest endowed lectures dedicated to leadership in higher education. Created to honor David Dodds Henry, president of the University of Illinois from 1955 to 1971, the series reflects his belief that public universities must serve as engines of innovation, opportunity, and societal progress.
Henry guided the institution through a period of unprecedented growth — expanding campus infrastructure, establishing a strong presence in Chicago, strengthening academic programs, and advancing the university’s role as a national center of research and innovation.
Henry believed deeply in the public mission of higher education: to expand opportunity, generate new knowledge, and improve quality of life for the people of Illinois and beyond.
For more than five decades, the series has brought together influential voices in higher education to explore the pressing issues, emerging trends, and leadership challenges colleges and universities face.