Howard University announced Friday that Ben Vinson, III, Ph.D., will depart from the University on Aug. 31, becoming the president with the shortest tenure at the school in approximately 150 years.
Vinson had the shortest tenure of any president since Edward Parmelee Smith, who served six months from Dec. 1875 to June 1876. A university spokesperson declined to comment “on personnel matters,” like the intended length of Vinson’s contract.
According to the Howard University Board of Trustees, former president Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D., MBA will fill the vacancy starting Sep. 1 until a permanent replacement is found.
Vinson earned his bachelor’s degree in history and classical studies from Dartmouth University and later on received his Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy and Ph.D. in Latin American history from Columbia University.
Leilani Dexter, senior computer science major from Los Angeles, California said she feels Vinson’s educational background may have further complicated his ability to navigate the challenges unique to Howard.
“I think him having no HBCU background experience did affect things. I think he stepped into a mess he wasn’t expecting because in general, HBCUs are all underfunded by the government,” Dexter said.
Vinson’s upcoming departure sparked questions and speculation amongst students. Nicolas Janvier, sophomore history major from New York by way of London, said the timing feels significant.
“I think we can make an inference based on the fact that the school has been receiving a lot of negative press. There’s a lot of problems going on,” Janvier said. “It seems like a convenient time to get out of the crossfire. But if that is the reason, it does seem somewhat cowardice.”
Dylan Wesley, senior computer informations major from Chicago, Illinois, echoed similar concerns.
“He probably felt a lot of pressure because Howard’s been receiving a lot of negative attention. I just feel like he crumbled to the pressure really, that’s really what I take from this,” Wesley said.
As the 18th president of the university, Vinson reflected on his tenure, highlighting his commitment to developing Howard’s strategic vision and focusing on areas of AI, data analytics and diasporic engagement. He said he is stepping down to spend time with his family and continue his research activities, looking to serve higher education further in the future.
“My foremost priority has always been the well-being and success of this community, and I remain committed to ensuring a smooth and constructive transition,” Vinson said. “I am grateful to the Board, faculty, staff, students and partners who have supported the work we’ve undertaken together. It has been an honor to serve Howard.”
The Board of Trustees said they will include faculty, staff, students, alumni, partners and stakeholders during the transition to inform the University’s path forward. Information about the search for the next president is to be announced.
Frederick served as the 17th president from 2014 to 2023. His term as interim president will conclude once a permanent replacement is announced.
“As we move forward, the Board of Trustees and University leadership remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining Howard’s mission of excellence, truth, and service and a vibrant, welcoming, and innovative academic environment where students continue to succeed,” said Board Chair Leslie D. Hale Hale, BBA ‘94. “Given our focus and commitment, the Board has selected an interim president who is uniquely equipped to serve the University during this time of transition.”
The board wished Vinson well as he transitions out of the university.
“On behalf of the Howard University Board of Trustees, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Vinson for his service and leadership as president,” said Hale.
Some students said they wished Vinson had taken a more visible role on campus. For Janvier, the concern was not only campus challenges but also the need for visible leadership during uncertain times.
“Especially with Trump also trying to do a lot to impose power on D.C., I think the president should really be a pillar for our community and him stepping down in the midst of so much chaos just doesn’t really give us the hope that we’re looking for at times like this,” he added.
Dexter also pointed to governance issues as a possible factor in Vinson’s departure.
“I feel like there’s some decisions that are not being made correctly within the Board of Trustees and from my perspective, I think he saw that there was no way of him really contributing much more if he’s going to just keep getting shut down from any new proposals,” Dexter said.
Dexter also admitted to feeling emotions such as anxiety in regards to Frederick’s interim appointment, pointing to negative feedback she’s heard from peers and alumni.
“I’ve heard plenty of bad experiences from past alumni and current students so I just feel uneasy,” Dexter said.
This story was updated at 1:34 a.m. on Aug. 23.
