After an unexpected presidential transition and the most recent financial aid turmoil, Howard University (HU) is looking towards the next chapter with a national search for its 19th president.
Officially launched Sept. 15, the Howard University Board of Trustees announced its goal to appoint a leader who can not only carry the institution’s legacy forward but also forge new paths for the historically Black university amid an evolving higher education landscape.
“We are committed to a thoughtful and intentional process that reflects the values and aspirations of our community,” said Leslie D. Hale, chair of the Howard University Board of Trustees. “Selecting Howard’s president is among the most significant responsibilities entrusted to the Board…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.”
With the support of a presidential search committee and Russell Reynolds Associates, the hunt for current Interim President and President Emeritus Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick’s successor includes scouring a diverse pool of candidates to emulate Howard’s mantra of “Truth and Service.”
The Board of Trustees invites the entire Bison community — including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other stakeholders — to participate in the deliberate process through presidential search surveys, listening sessions and other opportunities.
“Serving as president of Howard remains one of the most coveted and consequential leadership positions in all higher education,” said Frederick in a press release. “The Board has my full support, and I am prepared to provide the leadership required until they identify Howard’s next president.”
From securing historic philanthropic and research investments to expanding academic programs and national recognition, HU has positioned itself in a moment of strength and optimism going forward.
While the next university head is expected to build on that momentum, recent graduate Logan Johns said one of the top priorities should also be re-evaluating pathways and measures of student success.
The communications major cited notorious institutional issues such as housing costs, lack of transparency between faculty and staff, and most recently, the chaos that ensued when, in August of this year, more than 500 incoming freshmen kicked off the school year with sudden unenrollment due to outstanding balances.
“Stuff like that really makes me disappointed in my alma mater,” Johns told The Informer. “When the next president comes to Howard, I want the students to actually be able to feel like they can graduate on time and have trust in their administrators. This president should be able to gain the full and authentic trust of its students and everyone in the Howard environment.”
Johns admits he was one of the students (then a soon-to-be graduating senior) disappointed by the sudden departure of Ben Vinson III, Howard University’s 18th president, who announced his resignation in August 2025 – less than a week into the 2025-26 school year, and merely two years into his tenure.
Vinson cited family and research priorities as the basis for his decision, but that didn’t stop students from expressing confusion and disappointment around initial reporting.
“It seemed as though President Vinson had some really cool things planned and wanted to have some good engagement with everybody,” Johns continued. “I was really hoping to see more of his leadership and council, and to see more change when it came to Howard, especially because things have been so messed up for a long time.”
Among the 18th president’s most “remarkable moments,” Johns cited his unwavering presence felt across campus.
He reflected on minor instances like seeing Vinson greet students on campus, alongside major milestones like his speech at the university’s November 2024 rally in support of then-presidential hopeful Vice President Kamala Harris — who graduated from Howard in 1986.
Similarly, Leah Kinloch, a current senior marketing major from New Jersey, told The Informer she thought Vinson “was doing well” with the student body, and hopes his long-term replacement comes with a proven track record of positive and culturally competent leadership.
“The best they can do to ensure the history and integrity of this school is to be on top of student problems,” Kinloch continued, “meet students and parents with integrity and honesty, and make sure to have open ability to accept criticism and fix their mistakes.”
According to the Sept. 15 announcement, the appointed Presidential Search Committee consists of members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and student representatives, with Howard alumni comprising half of its membership, an effort to ensure institutional knowledge and care are at the core of the search process.
As for alumni, stakeholders, and other voices of the Bison community, the presidential search website outlines the process, its progress, and opportunities to engage that can help shape the next head of Howard University.
“It has been one of my deepest honors to return to Howard and continue advancing excellence for our students,” Frederick said. “As the process moves forward, I remain focused on ensuring Howard is well positioned for a strong and effective leadership transition.”
