WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Howard University College of Arts and Sciences announced the opening of the newly renovated Dr. Maurice Reid Innovation Hub in Alain Locke Hall, made possible by a $1 million gift from distinguished alumnus Maurice N. Reid, M.D. (B.S. ’95), chief executive officer of Chesapeake Telemedicine. The gift is the largest one-time gift from a College of Arts and Sciences alumnus to the college in its history.  

Designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation, the Innovation Hub will provide students with an environment to connect, explore ideas, and engage in meaningful learning experiences. Additionally, the Innovation Hub will house Student Affairs faculty and staff offices, as well as a dedicated commuter student space. 

The Innovation Hub will serve as the new home of the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Academic Innovation and Student Success (AIS²). Located on the first floor of Locke Hall, the Hub is designed with a particular focus on commuter students, who often lack a dedicated place on campus to study, connect with peers, and access support services between classes. 

The Hub will also provide all COAS students with a collaborative, multipurpose co-working area for group projects, research, classroom instruction, and interdisciplinary work. The space will feature smart boards for presentations and virtual collaboration, quiet booths for focused study and private calls, and an interactive furniture setup that adapts to individual and group needs. Seven offices for student-facing AIS² faculty and staff will make the Hub a place where students can explore experiential learning ideas with staff and seek escalated support within the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Together, these features will help commuter students build stronger connections to campus life and strengthen the academic, research and professional development of all students across the College. 

“Dr. Reid understood firsthand the importance of having a place on campus where students could exchange ideas and feel a sense of cultural belonging,” said Rubin Patterson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “His generosity now ensures that future generations of Howard students will have precisely such a place. The Innovation Hub embodies our vision for COAS as Howard University's flagship college, fostering intellectual exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation. It is fitting that the Dr. Maurice Reid Innovation Hub is located in Alain Locke Hall, which is the namesake of the luminary whose life’s work also involved bringing together intellectuals to transform culture and the broader society for greater social justice. Dr. Reid's extraordinary investment is a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between our alumni and the College, and the lasting impact of giving back to the next generation.”  

This generous gift demonstrates the impact of alumni philanthropy on advancing the University’s strategic priorities and ensuring that future generations of students have access to world-class educational opportunities. 

“My family and I are truly blessed to give back to the institution that launched my career,” said Reid “Thirty-five years ago, when I first set foot on campus, I was uncertain about what the future held. By the time I graduated, Howard University had instilled in me a strong sense of purpose and confidence. It is my hope that this Innovation Lab will inspire and empower future generations of students to pursue their dreams and make a meaningful difference in the world.” 

As founder of ExpressCare Urgent Care Centers, Reid grew the company to over 45 locations in four states. In 2021, Reid sold his equity interest in ExpressCare Urgent Care Centers to LifeBridge Health. Currently, Reid is expanding his philanthropic interests and entrepreneurial endeavors in real estate, health care services, and healthcare-oriented technology businesses. 

Transformative investments such as this help to elevate Howard’s position as a leading research institution and global center for academic excellence and innovation.  

“The Dr. Maurice N. Reid Innovation Hub is more than a beautifully transformed space,” said Nordene Bentley, M.B.A., director of development at the College of Arts and Sciences. “It is a lasting investment in the futures of COAS students. Every gift, whether large or small, inspires a dream, and could be the very reason a student is able to complete their journey at Howard. My hope is that Dr. Reid’s generosity inspires other alumni to give in whatever way they can because we all have the power to change a student’s story.”

To learn more about how you can make a meaningful contribution to Howard’s schools and colleges visit Schools & Colleges | Howard Giving.

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