Arkadelphia native and longtime higher education administrator Trey Berry, Ph.D., has been selected as Henderson State University’s next chancellor, Arkansas State University System President Chuck Welch announced earlier this month. He will start the position on Jan. 1, 2024.
Succeeding interim chancellor Bob Fisher, Ph.D., Berry is an Arkansas historian, professor, former dean and provost. Since 2015, he has served as president of Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. He previously served various roles at Ouachita Baptist University, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
Berry said he expects to lead Henderson with a forward focus by building the Henderson community, growing enrollment and student success, further stabilizing the school’s finances and increasing support from every sector.
“I know we can build upon the talents of so many wonderful and dedicated students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends at Henderson to shape an even stronger and more vibrant ‘Reddie Family’ and to create an ever-evolving, unique campus where students come not only to learn but to flourish,” Berry said.
Berry has a long family history with Henderson, growing up on the campus where his father, Henderson Hall of Fame member Clyde Berry, served as head football coach, baseball coach and kinesiology professor at various times from the 1960s to1980s. Clyde Berry Field is the home field of the Henderson baseball team.
“Trey Berry brings so many positive qualities to Henderson – from significant higher education leadership experience to his history with and love for the university and his hometown of Arkadelphia,” Welch said. “His decision to return home and join Henderson is such a vote of confidence in the faculty, staff and students. He will be a critical part of Henderson’s return to success and growth.”
Since becoming president at SAU in 2015, Berry has overseen the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s history, resulting in endowment growth of 48% from $31 million to $46 million. Also during his tenure, enrollment increased 24% to the highest level in SAU’s history, and the university added 21 graduate degrees and certificates, including a new doctoral program.
“The lessons I learned from the people of Henderson forged not only early memories but also gave me leadership exposure and daily examples to follow that I still use today,” Berry said. ‘The opportunity to lead the team at Henderson is fully in my heart. Henderson remains such a pivotal part of my personal story and my family’s history. Now, I have a calling to become a meaningful part of Henderson’s history.
“These are challenging times for all of higher education. I am a campus leader who believes in casting a shared vision, rolling up my sleeves and getting to work alongside others. ‘That Old Reddie Spirit’ is alive and well. It is time to harness the power of our history and look ahead to a future we can create together. It’s time to come home and serve the community that shaped our family!”
Fisher said he would be leaving Henderson in very good hands, stating, “Dr. Berry has proven himself to be one of America’s most outstanding university presidents. We are excited that he will be bringing his innovative, entrepreneurial and enthusiastic leadership to Henderson. Henderson is embedded in Trey Berry’s DNA. Today we celebrate that this DNA has brought him to Henderson, where we say welcome home to him and [his wife] with arms wide open.”
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