Procrastinate tomorrow. That’s what Dr. Timothy Henry has to say when it comes to succeeding in academia.

As Assistant Dean for the Honors College, he juggles a variety of tasks. On top of being a human anatomy and physiology professor, Dr. Henry promotes internships and fellowships; surveys science-based senior projects; and advises pre-healthcare undergraduates.

Recently, he was awarded the MAVS 1000 instructor of the year for his outstanding work teaching the freshman seminar. While he’s modest about his accomplishments, it shows his strong commitment to education and deservedly so.

Throughout the school year, he can be found at many of the college’s ceremonies and symposiums with a positive attitude and gumption that reflects his passion for education.

His advice for students to succeed is that, it’s all about outlook.

“Procrastinate tomorrow! Never procrastinate to put off tomorrow what you could do today,” he said.

Dr. Henry started college on a vocal and theater scholarship. During those early college years, he didn’t have any specific career aspirations. Instead, he kept an open mind and passion for learning. He was what he jokingly calls an “electives major”.

Eventually he developed a keen interest in science. He graduated with concentrations in biology, communications and theology.

His résumé is just as diverse as his academic experience. For his previous jobs, he was a television news reporter, advertising executive, audio/visual producer and wholesale/retail sales manager.

But eventually, he returned to his love of the sciences and became a dentist, practicing for a decade before pursuing an academic career. He came to UTA in 1999.

Since then he has received accolades for his teaching; developed UTA’s first on-line science courses; initiated UTA’s Environmental Society; and was Co-Director of Judging for Texas Science and Engineering Fair.

“I was drawn to science because evidence is crucial,” he said.

His life wasn’t always about hitting the books. All throughout college, he kept up his appreciation of the arts throughout college and played in a variety of musical acts including Heritage and Blackwater.

“[Music] is a joy. It’s therapeutic and it gets me out of myself,” he said. “Music to me is a feeling of freedom.”

Now as a student mentor, he works to enlighten students during their own academic journeys.

“If they have the right attitude and a sense of confidence, they’re limitless,” he said. “The largest obstacle to any success is self-limitation. Seldom is success slothfully sewn.”