Howard University alumna Kimberly R. Moffitt, Ph.D., will return to her alma mater as dean of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications starting Aug. 1.
Moffitt, currently dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, brings extensive leadership experience to one of Howard’s largest academic units.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to ‘return home’ to my beloved alma mater,” Moffitt said. She emphasized her commitment to “centering the lived experiences of Africana communities” in media as the media landscape undergoes rapid transformation.
At UMBC, Moffitt oversees 25 academic departments, seven research centers and nearly 300 faculty and staff. Her fundraising efforts have secured over $8 million for student initiatives, while her administrative reforms helped boost faculty grant acquisition by 20%.
Howard University President Ben Vinson III cited Moffitt’s “extensive experience as an academic leader and scholar” as key qualifications for leading the communications school.
Beyond administration, Moffitt has established herself as a notable scholar. She co-edits Critical Studies in Media Communication and has authored or co-edited five books on topics including Black hair politics and Michelle Obama’s impact as first lady.
Her research has appeared in multiple academic journals and received support from organizations including the Andrew Mellon Foundation and National Endowment for the Humanities.
Moffitt’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, followed by a master’s from Boston University and a doctorate from Howard. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including recognition among The Daily Record’s “Top 100 Maryland Women” in 2025.
The Hughes School of Communications offers degrees ranging from bachelor’s to doctoral level in fields including journalism, public relations, film and television. It houses specialized programs like the Annenberg Honors Program and the Center for Journalism and Democracy.
Moffitt will take over from interim dean Chukwuka “Chuka” Onwumechili, Ph.D., who has served for the past year following the decade-long tenure of Dean Emeritus Gracie Lawson-Borders, Ph.D.