The Rev. Terrence Henry

STEUBENVILLE — The Rev. Terence Henry, TOR, who served as the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s fifth president from 2000 to 2013, left a legacy of faithful leadership, academic growth and unwavering commitment to the Catholic mission of the school.

Henry died Saturday morning at the age of 77.

During his 13-year tenure, Henry guided the university through a period of significant growth in enrollment, academics, campus life and national visibility. His leadership strengthened the school’s reputation for academic excellence while preserving its identity as a boldly Catholic institution dedicated to forming students in mind and heart.

“Father Terry loved education and believed educating young people is one of the greatest gifts we have to offer them,” said the Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, the university’s president. “From the time when he was a high school history teacher, principal of a high school and eventually president of Franciscan University, Father Terry loved his students and this was expressed with an enthusiastic vigor that was authentic and a blessing to all.”

Henry succeeded Father Michael Scanlan, TOR, who had led the university for 26 years, and faithfully stewarded the mission he inherited.

“Father Terry was just the right person to lead Franciscan University during the years he served as president,” said Brenan Pergi, senior vice president and chief of staff. “Following the tenure of Scanlan, many wondered if the University could be led by someone other than Scanlan without that person either trying to emulate him or trying to run from the shadow he cast. Father Terry did neither. He treated the university as a treasure that had been entrusted to him.”

Under Henry’s leadership, the university expanded its campus footprint, added new residence halls and facilities and welcomed hundreds more students while maintaining its commitment to small class sizes and faithful Catholic scholarship. The university also reintroduced intercollegiate athletics, joining NCAA Division III competition in 2007, and continued strengthening its academic programs across disciplines.

Henry also guided the university through cultural and political challenges facing Catholic institutions, including prominent advocacy for religious liberty and the dignity of human life.

“Father Terry loved Franciscan University,” Pivonka said. “He was deeply concerned about the secularization of our culture and believed that graduating educated young people, alive in their faith, was of vital importance. Father Terry defended the unborn believing that every life had dignity and value and that it was necessary for those who could fight for them to stand up and do so.”

Those who worked closely with Henry remember not only his leadership but also his humility, warmth, and deep faith.

“What I will remember most, however, was not what he built but who he was,” Pergi said. “He was kind. He was gentle. He was joyful. And he was unassuming.”

Henry was born April 11, 1948, in Philadelphia. After graduating from high school, he attended St. Francis College, earning a bachelor’s degree in history. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1976. Henry earned two master’s degrees, including a master of divinity from St. Francis Seminary in Loretto, Pa., and a master of science in history from Indiana State University.

Pergi recalled hiking with Henry in national parks, where the priest’s love for prayer, the Mass, and storytelling brought people together wherever he went.

“He loved G.K. Chesterton and through Chesterton he taught us one of the greatest lessons of discipleship — to not stand in judgment over the world but to first look to see where we need conversion in our own lives and whether we are bringing Christ to others,” Pergi said.

Executive Director of Development Tim Delaney also recalled Father Henry’s deep faith and love of the outdoors.

“Father Terry was devoted to Christ, his church, the Franciscan Order and the mission of Franciscan University of Steubenville. But what stood out to me in my numerous travels with him, is the embodiment of Luke 18:17, for Father Terry had the childlike faith that Jesus placed such an emphasis on,” Delaney said. “A natural outdoorsman, his greatest joy was hiking the wilderness, and celebrating the sacraments wherever he could find a quiet place to settle in. His legacy is felt throughout Franciscan University — in the growth of enrollment, the expansion of the conferences, the return of intercollegiate athletics, and most especially, the commitment to faith and reason in our academic life.”

Pivonka said Henry’s personal witness left a lasting mark on the Franciscan community.

“Father Terry was a good priest, a wonderful brother, and Franciscan University was blessed by his time with us,” he said. “I will personally miss Father Terry’s joyful greeting, ‘Hey, big guy, doing great things at Franciscan.’ And he will remain in my prayers.”

Viewing and services will be held at St. Francis Friary, 141 St. Francis Drive, Loretto. Viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, with a Vigil Service to follow at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday.