U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon will serve as a Patron ex-officio member of Howard University’s Board of Trustees, in keeping with tradition.
This follows her recent Senate confirmation on March 3 and continues a long-standing federal tradition rooted in Howard University’s legislative history of reserving the seat for each secretary of education.
According to Howard’s Office of Communications, the tradition stems from a 1928 amendment to Howard’s original 1867 charter, in which Congress authorized annual appropriations to the university—a decision that not only provided funding but also deepened federal engagement with the institution.
Originally held by the U.S. Commissioner of Education, the ex-officio board seat transitioned to the U.S. Secretary of Education following the establishment of the Department of Education in 1980.
Lydia Sermons, Vice President & Chief Communications Officer told The Hilltop, “Her role signifies the enduring partnership between Howard University and the federal government, ensuring continued support and advocacy for the institution’s legacy and future growth.”
Following the recent signing of an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, President Donald Trump has instructed McMahon to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education.”
However, a full shutdown of the department would require majority approval from Congress, meaning the executive order alone cannot dissolve it entirely.
As long as the department remains legally established, McMahon’s position as Secretary—and her ex-officio role on Howard University’s Board of Trustees—appears to remain valid.
Copy edited by Aniyah Genama
