RENO, Nev. - University of Nevada, Reno Associate Vice Provost for Extended Studies Dee W. Henderson, Ph.D., died Saturday, Jan. 7, at University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City following a brief illness. He was 73.

Named associate dean of the University's College of Extended Studies in 2001, Henderson served in that position most recently as associate vice provost for Extended Studies, for the past 10 years. Active throughout the community and a member of a number of local nonprofit boards and associations, Henderson also was the director of the University's Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center. During his tenure with Extended Studies he led outreach efforts for continuing and distance education, directing professional development and academic credit programs for lifelong learners locally, regionally and globally. He served on several University boards and committees and was a commissioner for UPCEA, the international University Professional and Continuing Education Association headquartered in Washington, D.C.

"Dee was a leader, a mentor and an extremely caring friend who will be missed greatly in Extended Studies," Vice Provost for Extended Studies Fred Holman said. "He touched many lives both here at the University and beyond, and treated people with great compassion and kindness."

"This weekend the University lost a dear colleague and tireless advocate for life-long learning, said University President Marc Johnson. "The University offers its thoughts and prayers to the Henderson family."

Prior to joining Extended Studies, Henderson served as dean of professional studies at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, where he was responsible for undergraduate and graduate programs, including business studies, computer and information sciences, teacher education, distance education, and occupational therapy.

Among the many highlights of his professional career, Henderson served as director of the Federal Executive Institute and assistant director for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, responsible for educational training programs for government employees. For the state of Washington, he was the director of human resources and a member of the governor's executive and policy cabinet. Henderson also has served as an educational consultant to the World Bank, director of the California State University, Fresno Somali Institute of Development, and acting director of the Graduate School of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A full tenured professor, Henderson received the Exxon Award for Excellence in teaching graduate-level management at Brigham Young University, and was recognized nationally for the design and implementation of educational programs. He designed and taught leadership programs to top executives and officers of organizations such as AT&T, US West and Westin Hotel Corporation.

Henderson received his doctorate in public administration in 1973 from the American University in Washington, D.C. His post-doctoral studies include a selected executive leadership program at Harvard University and a Wilton Park Fellowship in Sussex, England.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, seven children, 31 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in Salt Lake City at Mt. Olympus Chapel, 4635 S. Lanark Rd., on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 9 a.m. Services in Reno will be planned at a later date.