Fondest memories

"A phenomenal man..."”

- Jennifer McGlaughlin

By Dave Ryan

CAMBRIDGE — Dorchester County and the Eastern Shore has lost a giant in education and community leadership.
“Dr. Wagner passed away Sunday morning after a long battle with cancer,” Dorchester County School Board Member Laura Layton said in a statement to the Banner. “He was a kind and thoughtful man who led Dorchester County Public Schools as we built the new North Dorchester High School. He was a strong leader.”

Dr. Wagner was superintendent of Dorchester County Public Schools from 2020-2017, and assistant superintendent for the three years prior.

From 2002 to 2007, he served as principal for two years and then director of secondary education for three years in Wicomico County.
He was a graduate of Loyola College in Maryland, The Johns Hopkins University, and Wilmington University, where he earned a succession of degrees culminating in a doctorate from Wilmington in 2011.

Dr. Wagner’s career in education began in Baltimore County’s public schools, where he served as a teacher and principal, among other posts, from 1980 to 2002.
Following his time in Dorchester, he was an adjunct professor at Wilmington University for nine years, and then an assistant professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore from December of 2017 until his illness.
His many years in classrooms and administration led to deep respect from colleagues and many lasting friendships.

Dwayne Abt, who served in administrative posts in Dorchester’s schools, wrote online, “For those who knew Henry professionally, they knew he was a principled leader and Covey disciple. He practiced what he preached through his leadership.”
Jake Coleman was a physical education teacher and football coach at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School for many years. He posted online, “Prayers to Dr. Henry Wagner and his family! I appreciated everything this man stood for and all he represented. He was the definition of a ‘principled leader’ and we all are blessed to have been led by him. He knew how to communicate and valued passion. Dr. Wagner changed my career path for the better numerous times and taught me so much! He stayed in contact even after he retired and continued mentoring. His impact on Dorchester County public schools and educational leaders will live on forever.”

“Bless his heart,” teacher Jennifer McGlaughlin wrote. “A phenomenal man who took the time to get to know us all by name, took interest in our children and what we were doing in our classrooms, and loved our children as much as we did. Prayers for comfort for his family.”

“I worked with Dr. Wagner in Wicomico County and in Dorchester County. Couldn’t have had a better colleague,” Andy Buchanan wrote.
Funeral arrangements had not been announced at press time.