Celebrating Dr. Carol Henry

After 25 years of teaching, research, and international collaboration, Dr. Carol Henry (PhD) reflects on a career defined by community engagement, global partnerships, and transformative mentorship. A recognized international scholar-practitioner in nutrition, global health, and community-engaged research, Henry has dedicated her work to advancing food security and health equity both at home and around the world.

When Henry joined the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) College of Pharmacy and Nutrition in January 2000, she was eager to integrate her passions for research, teaching, and service. “The college offered a dynamic space for community-engaged research and interdisciplinary collaboration,” she recalled. “It aligned perfectly with my evolving goals.”

Her journey into nutrition and global health was rooted in a belief that food, culture, and community are powerful determinants of health. “Early on, I saw how systemic inequities drive health disparities,” she said. “Nutrition became my way to address these broader social determinants.”

Teaching and global engagement

Over the past 15 years, Henry and her team have led multi-partner programs across Africa, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, tackling complex challenges related to food systems, malnutrition and community health. Her research has bridged disciplines — from child and adolescent nutrition to food literacy and sustainable development — always grounded in collaboration and respect.

One of her most memorable moments came from a student-led nutrition initiative in Uganda.

“A student reflected, ‘Listening is just as important as leading,’” Henry said. “That statement captured the heart of reciprocal learning.”

For her, seeing former students now leading their own impactful work remains one of the greatest rewards of her career.

Designing experiential learning opportunities and building global partnerships brought real-world insights into the classroom. “Working with students — in classrooms and communities — has been deeply fulfilling,” she said. “Seeing them grow through these experiences reaffirmed the transformative power of engaged education.”

Building a lasting legacy

Henry’s contributions to the college extend far beyond research and teaching. She has championed mentorship, collaboration and community engagement as cornerstones of academic excellence. “If I’ve helped bridge academia and community through equity and respect,” she said, “that’s a legacy I’m proud of.”

Through her work, Henry has helped generations of students see the value of humility in leadership and the importance of building relationships rooted in trust and reciprocity. “Despite all the changes in education, the heart of teaching remains the same,” she reflected. “It’s about relationships — creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and challenged.”

Mentorship, collaboration, and collegiality

Throughout her career, Henry has been inspired by colleagues who modeled integrity and inclusivity. “Their generosity and collaborative spirit have shaped my thinking,” she said. The sense of community within the college has also been a defining part of her experience. “The faculty here share a genuine commitment to each other’s success,” she noted. “It’s a community that values both excellence and empathy.”

Her advice for new professors echoes her own philosophy: “Lean into your curiosity. Build relationships early on. Stay open to learning — and remember that impact often comes not just from what you teach, but how you listen and engage.”

Looking ahead

As she transitions into retirement, Henry is not slowing down. She plans to continue mentoring graduate students, writing and contributing to global health initiatives — including a forthcoming book on lessons from community-engaged research. “Retirement offers the space to reflect, write, and stay connected with the communities that have shaped my journey,” she said.

While she’ll miss the energy of the classroom and the daily connections with students and colleagues, her message to the next generation of scholars is one of encouragement and hope:

“Stay curious. Stay compassionate. And never underestimate the power of relationships in shaping meaningful change." she said. "Whether you’re conducting research, teaching, or working in the field, remember that listening is just as essential as leading.”

With a career rooted in empathy, collaboration, and global citizenship, Carol Henry’s legacy continues to inspire — reminding us that true impact begins with community, curiosity, and compassion.

The celebration of Henry’s career took place at the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Club on September 25th, 2025.  

Photo Gallery

Photos: Jason Belhumeur