HENRY’S HARD WORK, COMMITMENT
EARN 2005 MCELHINNEY AWARD

When it comes to work ethic, Charles Henry, the University of Houston’s College of Pharmacy business administrator, is strictly old school.

Staying late on weekdays and working on weekends when necessary, Henry does what it takes to get the job done. Such traits are just a few of the reasons he was named the 2005 recipient of the Charles F. McElhinney Distinguished Service Award.

“I’ve always been taught that a person needs to put in a good day’s work to earn an honest day’s pay,” said Henry.

Henry became a UH staff member in 1979. Impressed by the university, he turned down two other jobs to become an accounting specialist for the Division of Research. Later he served as a financial coordinator for the College of Optometry. In 1985, he assumed his current position of business administrator for the College of Pharmacy.

His responsibilities include making recommendations involving hiring and terminating employees, salary increases, disciplinary actions and budget management. Henry also reviews payroll and personnel documents and oversees the college’s operations on campus and at its facility in the Texas Medical Center. He was the key figure in developing the college’s College Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual. For 14 years, he served as the college’s chair for the State Employee Charitable Campaign and has chaired the college’s March of Dimes efforts.

“On a daily basis, he demonstrates the highest degree of professionalism,” said Lynn Simpson, vice chair of the college’s Department of Clinical Sciences and Administration and clinical assistant professor of pharmacy. “Charles leads by example and serves as a role model to staff.”

Henry’s dedication to UH also extends beyond the College of Pharmacy. From 1998 through 2000, he served two consecutive terms as Staff Council president and this fall will return to that post. He also serves on the Transportation and Parking Committee. Previously, Henry was a member of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women and was a founding member of the Staff Constituent Group of the Campus Cougars Alumni Association.

“It’s always better to effect positive changes through participation than it is through observation,” Henry said. “I believe in doing my part to help make changes at UH that will benefit everyone.”

This fall, Henry will celebrate his 26th anniversary as a UH staff member. He doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon. With a challenging workload in the office and around the university, Henry thrives on keeping busy, particularly if he knows the end result benefits UH and the College of Pharmacy.

“I always hear people talking about retirement, but I’m not about to take it easy,” Henry said. “I’m still going strong and looking forward to another 10 or more years working here because I’m committed to the university and my college.”

As the C.F. McElhinney Award recipient, Henry will receive a plaque and a check for $2,500.

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu