As Howard University searches for its next president, students, faculty and staff are weighing in on the qualities and priorities that will shape Howard’s future.
In August, Howard University announced that Ben Vinson III would step down as its 18th president, with his final day on Aug. 31. He served for two years after taking office in September 2023.
The Board of Trustees appointed former President Wayne A. I. Frederick as interim president, effective Sept. 1. Frederick previously served as Howard’s 17th president from 2014 to 2023.
Howard University is navigating a transformative period, recently celebrating major milestones such as earning prestigious R1 research status and contributing to government and military initiatives in D.C.
At the same time, Howard continues to face ongoing financial questions, student concerns over housing and calls for stronger administrative responsiveness. As the search for a new president begins, the community asks: What kind of leader does Howard need for the future?
The formal role and responsibilities of the president include functioning as the chief executive, responsible for strategic leadership and overall management of the university.
Beyond that, Richmond Danso, an adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science, said Howard’s next leader must be both visionary and grounded.
“The next president must be visionary, transparent and committed to Howard’s mission,” he said. “We need someone who communicates well and advocates for both students and faculty.”
Danso also emphasized that the Board of Trustees should select a leader with strong experience and cultural understanding.
“The board should look for a leader who understands HBCUs, has strong financial and academic leadership experience and can connect with the campus community,” he added.
He also pointed to the challenges and opportunities ahead, from strengthening Howard’s finances to bolster its reputation as a leading research institution.
“Supporting research, expanding graduate programs and building global partnerships that reflect Howard’s excellence should be priorities,” Danso said.
Danso closed with a mix of optimism and caution.
“My hope is for continued growth and leadership. My fear is losing touch with the community and mission,” he added.
Students echoed similar themes with a sharper focus on visibility and connection.
Soad Eltahir, a senior finance major and mathematics minor from Northern Virginia, said the next president must be approachable, transparent and genuinely invested in students’ success beyond academics.
She urged the Board of Trustees to prioritize a candidate who values student voices and can build systems that respond quickly and effectively.
“We need a president who will prioritize financial stability without compromising affordability, improve our campus experience and expand opportunities,” Eltahir said. “Someone who sees Howard not as an institution, but as a community.”
Similarly, Danso warned against neglecting pressing student concerns.
“Housing, mental health and administrative responsiveness need real attention and action,” he said.
For Eltahir, the president’s role is twofold: setting Howard’s long-term direction and ensuring student life reflects the university’s excellence.“The president should serve as a unifying figure who connects students, faculty, staff and alumni under a shared vision of growth and success,” she said.
Visibility, she added, is essential for building trust.
“Students want a president we see on campus regularly, not just at formal events. When a president shows up to student-led programs or walks through the dorms, it makes us feel valued,” Eltahir said.
Looking ahead, she balances hope with concern.
“My biggest fear is that in pursuing growth, we lose focus on the current student body and prioritize Howard’s image over the actual lived experience,” she said. “My biggest hope is that Howard continues to rise in recognition while also becoming a place where students feel fully supported in housing, academics and wellness opportunities.”
Copy edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore
