Dr. George Henderson retiring from the University of Oklahoma after 58 years
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — Dr. George Henderson is a household name at the University of Oklahoma, leaving his mark etched in the lives of several generations. He sat down with News 4 on Thursday to reflect on his incredible legacy.
"I would be the third African-American professor at the University of Oklahoma, and I would have an opportunity to teach. Ninety percent of my students would be non-black, and I therefore could be a voice," said Dr. Henderson.
In the 1960s, Dr. Henderson moved to Norman from Detroit, Michigan, with his wife Barbara and seven kids.
The Henderson's were the first African-American family to purchase a home in Norman, which at the time was deeply rooted in segregation and known as a sundown town.
Spending 58 years committing his life to teaching the next generation, Dr. Henderson has won countless awards for his service and impact.
"I was born to teach, I exist outside the classroom. I live in it. I live in it because, it's my calling. Students ask me, Why did you come? I say, I came for you. Why did you stay here? I stayed for you," Dr. Henderson said.
Although he's proud of his awards, Dr. Henderson said the privilege of being able to teach students is what has meant the most to him throughout his career.
With a wonderful career at OU, Dr. Henderson also has a scholarship in his name.
"When the Henderson Scholars program was established, President Boren said, now you will be able to have a program, and you could recruit more black students. I said, well, no, I teach all students. I want the Henderson Scholars to be representative of all students. And it has been," he said.
And, while this chapter has come to a close, News 4 asked Dr. Henderson about what he wants his legacy to be.
"I could be a representative, I could be a mentor, I could be a father. I could be whatever to those students, and they would change their perception of people like me. It happened. It absolutely happened. So you ask me what it was like. I was like a worm in a cocoon. I came to Oklahoma and I became a butterfly," Dr. Henderson said.
"Thank you for letting me be a part of your life, thanking you for believing in me, and more importantly, thank you for believing in us," he added.
Dr. Henderson says he's looking forward to spending more time with his wife and family.
If you'd like to learn more about his upbringing, he's written a book titled "My Mother's Dream," telling his story of being a first generation college student.