Henry Cherrick, DDS, a professor of oral pathology who served as dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry from 1981 to 1988, died on Jan. 24 in Davie, Florida.
Dr. Cherrick was integral to the UNMC College of Dentistry’s history of excellence.
“He served as dean during a very tumultuous times in dental education. Dr. Cherrick faced many challenges, including a budget shortfall, and was great at soliciting strong support from community leaders, alumni and students,” said David Shaw, PhD, former chairman and professor at the college of dentistry. “He was a strong leader; the college is still excelling today thanks in part to Dr. Cherrick.”
Current and former college of dentistry faculty commend Dr. Cherrick for his leadership and the legacy he left at the college.
“Dr. Cherrick was an important force in upgrading scholarly activity at the UNMC College of Dentistry,” said Richard A. Reinhardt, DDS, PhD, a professor in the department of surgical specialties at the college. “What I admired most about Dr. Cherrick was he always had a plan to make both you and the college better. He held people accountable and recognized their efforts.”
Dr. Cherrick also was known for helping his faculty succeed.
“He was dean when I became a faculty member in 1987. Dr. Cherrick was very supportive of my early research efforts as I established my laboratory at the college,” said Thomas Petro, PhD, a professor in the department of oral biology at the college of dentistry. “He encouraged me to present at national and international research meetings where I could obtain information to enhance my research. For that I am eternally grateful.”
He also focused on building a strong collegiate community.
“For example, Dr. Cherrick would have all the first-year faculty and their spouses over for dinner at their home. On a personal level, he and I bonded over our love of running; he even convinced me to run the Lincoln Marathon. Dr. Cherrick was a true renaissance man,” said Dr. Petro.
Before coming to UNMC, Dr. Cherrick served as dean of the School of Dentistry at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville from 1978 to 1981. He led the UNMC College of Dentistry from 1981 to 1988 and was also a consultant for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lincoln. Dr. Cherrick left UNMC for the UCLA School of Dentistry where he served as dean until his retirement in 1995.
Dr. and Mrs. Cherrick were very supportive of us as dental students. As our freshman year began, they invited us all out to their home for a social activity. Mrs. Cherrick lent her support to the Dental Wives organization. We still hang the ornaments in the shape of teeth, made by Mrs Cherrick, on our Christmas tree every year. Dr. Cherrick was also very supportive for those of us who applied for post-doctoral work, and wrote many letters of recommendation on our behalf.