On December 28, the Broad College of Business lost a beloved friend and leader: James (Jim) B. Henry.
James B. Henry served as dean of the Eli Broad College of Business from 1994 to 2000
During his tenure as dean of the Broad College from 1994 to 2000, Jim led a tremendous growth period for the college. He oversaw the groundbreaking for the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development, the Lear Corporation Career Services Center, and the William C. Gast Business Library.
In addition to creating a new strategic plan for the college, among Jim’s major accomplishments include creating the Weekend MBA program (the Program in Integrative Management), which has now been folded into our 50+ year old Executive MBA program.
Jim was dean during the “Keep GM! Lansing Works!” movement in the Lansing community – led by Mayor David Hollister – to keep General Motors in Lansing. Jim was a supportive business leader throughout the campaign, which included strategic involvement and oversight from Broad College faculty.
Jim served in the United States Air Force prior to his academic career. He earned his bachelor’s degree and a MBA from Ohio University, and his master’s and PhD from Syracuse University. Before MSU, he served on the faculty of SUNY Binghamton, as the director of MBA programs at the University of South Carolina College of Business, and as dean of the College of Business at Louisiana State University.
During his retirement, Jim and his wife Elizabeth split time between Petoskey, Michigan and Florida, where he passed. Elizabeth and son Jimmy will honor Jim at a memorial service on May 31, 2018 at Michigan State University in the Henry Center Atrium (details to be determined).
Jim’s vision and energy will be missed.
