William Henrich, MD, president of UT Health San Antonio since 2009, has died, the institution confirmed in an announcement on its website.
Dr. Henrich died March 14 from unexpected complications of his second stem cell transplantation, for which he was on leave, the institution said. He was 77.
Dr. Henrich, a specialist in kidney diseases, became president of UT San Antonio in 2009 after serving as dean of the institution's medical school and vice president for medical affairs, according to his biography on the UT Health San Antonio website.
During his tenure, he is credited with transforming UT Health San Antonio into a top-ranked academic health center.
The institution pointed to various accomplishments under his leadership, including presiding over the greatest period of expansion in UT Health San Antonio's 65-year history. Ongoing construction projects include the UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital, the Center for Brain Health and UT Health at Kyle Seale Parkway. The projects are expected to open in 2024 and 2025.
UT Health San Antonio also pointed to the growth of the health science center's student body to a total enrollment of more than 3,600, which occurred under Dr. Henrich's leadership, among other accomplishments.
"Today, we mourn the loss of a beloved leader whose compassion and dedication to serving others inspired us all," acting UT Health San Antonio President Robert Hromas, MD, said in the institution's announcement. "Bill's legacy of selflessness will continue to guide and uplift us in the days ahead as we work to build on his unyielding commitment to serve others and for the good of our community."