Montemorelos University Awards Honorary Doctorate to Inter-American Division President

Dr. Elie Henry is recognized for his significant contribution as a pastor, educator, administrator and visionary leadership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

May 22, 2024 | Miami, Florida, United States | Laura Marrero and Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

Montemorelos University recently awarded Pastor Elie Henry, president of the Inter-American Division (IAD), with an honorary Doctorate of Religious Education for his visionary leadership and influence in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The Adventist-operated institutions in northern Mexico granted the title during its graduation ceremony held May 12, 2024, in Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

“Montemorelos University is glad to recognize the significant contribution of Elie Henry for his testimony of faith from the foundation established in his home and maintained with loyalty to God in biblical training in a university environment,” said Castillo. “For his contributions in advanced theological studies in various forums from his eschatological and archaeological prophetic preparation, in addition to his exegetical contributions with knowledge of biblical languages. For his career as a pastor, professor of theology, administrator, and representative of the Adventist world church.”

Dr. Henry was also thanked for his leadership and guidance as president of the governing board of Montemorelos University and for maintaining his influence as a teacher and mentor for many generations.

Born in Haiti, Dr. Henry grew up in an Adventist home with his mother, a school teacher, and father, who served as teacher and pastor in various regions in Haiti.

After completing high school, Dr. Henry earned his theology degree at River Plate Adventist College (now River Plate Adventist University) in Argentina. He obtained his doctorate (PhD) degree from the University of Strasbourg in France. His doctoral dissertation was on the prophetic and eschatological message of the Old Testament, especially how it is presented in the book of Joel.

While working on his dissertation, Dr. Henry received a scholarship from the Louvre Museum in Paris for a stay at the prestigious French Biblical and Archaeological School in Jerusalem. There he completed a diploma in Biblical and Archaeological Studies with an emphasis on biblical languages.

After completing his studies, Dr. Henry began his denominational work in 1985 as a pastor, theology professor and program coordinator of the masters in religion program Andrews University in Michigan, The United States. He then served as executive secretary and later president of the Haitian Union. In 2000, he was called to serve as vice president of the IAD. In 2010, he was elected as executive secretary of the IAD, and as president in 2018.

In his administrative responsibilities Dr. Henry has served as president of several church organizations, including the Board of Higher Education, the Ministerial and Theological Board of the Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary and Montemorelos University’s Board.

Dr. Henry thanked the Montemorelos board and its leaders for the honoris causa degree, his wife Ketlie, his three daughters, his extended family and everyone who has offered unconditional support during service to the church.

“I feel a greater call to action for the future as a recipient of this prestigious title and feel a greater responsibility to use my abilities and knowledge, influence, position in benefit of the church and society,” said Dr. Henry.  “Education is a powerful catalyst for change and I am committed to continue working to promote Adventist education that is more than a pursuit of knowledge, for it encompasses a lifetime and prepares us for the future.”

Dr. Henry addressed the class of 2024 graduates at Montemorelos and connected online through the extension campus to reflect on what has led them to such a milestone and to embrace the new possibilities and opportunities ahead.

“You have shown unbreakable dedication to reach your academic goals, have collaborated in inspiriting projects and you will see that true success is a measure of the impact that you leave in the world that surrounds us,” said Dr. Henry.

“You have the responsibility and privilege to use your abilities and knowledge to mark a positive difference in our community whether in the sciences, thecnology, the arts, education, public service or the church. You have the power to change the world and leave a lasting legacy.”

Dr. Henry challenged graduates to become compassionate, ethical, and supportive leaders who work for a more just future for all, a better world today and the world to come.  “Be the light of the world in everything that you do and may Christ light always shine forth from your heart.”