Henry Pritchett was the fourth person to lead SHNI and the first to use the title "president" (1891-1908).

During his presidency he supervised the construction of the Peabody Memorial Library, the first separate library building for any Texas college. The stained glass Service Window, containing the school's motto, "The Measure of a Life is its Service," located in the Memorial Hall of Main Building was dedicated in his honor.

He is the brother of Joseph Pritchett.