SAN ANTONIO — William Henrich, the president of UT Health San Antonio since 2009, died on Thursday morning from surgery complications, university officials said.
The institution said he had recently undergone a stem cell transplantation, which involves restoring stem cells in weakened individuals. Officials in a release called Henrich "a joy to work with" whose "creativity, hard work and passion will always be examples for all of us."
"Among the many people we have known both professionally and personally, he gave the most of himself to all of us," the institution's chancellor and acting president, Rob Hromas, wrote.
Henrich, a nephrology specialist, served as dean of the medicine school and vice president of medical affairs at UT Health San Antonio before being appointed president, according to his online bio. Before coming to the Alamo City, he taught at medical schools in Dallas, Ohio and Baltimore, and he's authored hundreds of medical articles.
As UT Health San Antonio president Henrich oversaw operations during a period of expansion and innovation. In the last three years alone, the institution began building a first-of-its-kind Center for Brain Health; started the process of creating a proton therapy treatment center; and broke ground on a $430 million multispecialty care and research hospital to be located in the Medical Center. Last fall, the institution announced a multi-year partnership with the San Antonio Spurs to serve as the NBA team's official sports medicine partner.
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai expressed his condolences Monday.
“Dr. Henrich was a visionary community leader, influential advocate for UT Health San Antonio and widely respected by everyone he met,” Judge Sakai said. “He was an innovative leader who will be missed tremendously. My condolences go out to his wife Mary, his children and his grandchildren.
Dr. Henrich contributed to Bexar County through his Covid research and multiple expansions of UT Health-San Antonio. He brought recognition to the medical school by helping it grow into a national leader in multiple areas.
“His legacy is one of supreme achievement and distinction,” Judge Sakai said.
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