After over a year without a permanent president, Howard University is officially launching its search for a new one.
On Sept. 15, the Board of Trustees announced that the national search for Howard’s 19th president will welcome perspectives from the broader school community, including students, faculty and alumni.
“We are committed to a thoughtful and intentional process that reflects the values and aspirations of our community,” Leslie D. Hale, chair of the Howard University Board of Trustees, said in a press release. “The perspectives of those who learn, teach, conduct research, work, serve and carry Howard’s legacy into communities around the world will be an important part of this process.”
According to the board, Russell Reynolds Associates, an advisory firm that assists institutions and organizations with identifying and developing leaders, will “support the national search and identify an exceptional and diverse pool of candidates.”
In the past, the company has helped name presidents at several schools, including Gonzaga University and University of Michigan.
A “Presidential Search Committee” composed of members of the board, faculty, staff, student representatives and Howard alumni will lead the process. According to the board’s announcement, half of the committee will be Howard alumni. At the same time, a group of alumni are continuing a fight for representation on Howard’s Board of Trustees.
The presidential position was vacated on Aug. 31, 2025, when Ben Vinson, III, Ph.D. announced a sudden departure after the shortest university presidency in approximately 150 years. President Emeritus Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick has served as interim president since.
“The board has my full support, and I am prepared to give the leadership required until they identify Howard’s next president,” Frederick said in the announcement. “As the process moves forward, I remain focused on ensuring Howard is well positioned for a strong and effective leadership transition.”
The board also launched a presidential search website where the Howard community can follow along and engage in the process with community listening sessions. A spokesperson partnering with the university about the search launch said there is currently no set date for when the search will conclude.
“We’re launching the search and prioritizing soliciting feedback and thoughts from the university community through the survey and community listening sessions,” they said in a statement to The Hilltop. “Throughout the search process, the community will receive updates on the progress.”