WASHINGTON – Howard University today announced the appointments of Cedric Mobley as assistant vice president of strategic communications, media, and editorial services; and Kweli Zukeri, Ph.D., as assistant vice president of web innovation and strategy.
Mobley was selected to lead the Division of Strategic Communications, Media and Editorial Services, which includes publications, in the Office of University Communications. Zukeri was recently promoted from Director to Assistant Vice President and will continue to lead the University’s web and digital innovation team.
“Cedric Mobley‘s years of experience leading higher education communications and Dr. Kweli Zukeri’s expertise and deep knowledge of the University’s digital infrastructure and passion for technology innovation, will be an asset to our ability to enhance our communications strategies and elevate Howard’s brand among local, national, and global audiences,” said Lydia Sermons, who leads the Office of University Communications as vice president and chief communications officer.
Mobley has a wealth of expertise in expanding market share, raising visibility, and enhancing content. His proficiency in leveraging effective branding and public relations strategies is complemented by his unique ability to navigate complex cultural, political, and socio-economic issues, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion outreach.
Previously, Mobley served as interim vice president for strategic marketing, communications, and admissions at Morehouse College. During his tenure, he led initiatives that significantly strengthened the institution’s brand, expanded applications by over 40%, and increased positive media sentiment by nearly 50%. His career also includes leadership roles at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Fort Valley State University, Georgetown University, Porter Novelli, and the United Negro College Fund.
Mobley’s accomplishments in these positions include doubling press coverage, leading a complete rebrand, and generating significant revenue through strategic marketing and communications. A proud alumnus of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Mobley holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA in marketing. He is also a certified project management professional.
Zukeri has been a member of the Howard family for 15 years and led transformative changes in the University’s digital infrastructure, most notably overseeing the creation of a cloud-based web system and the rebuilding of more than 90 University sites. In his new role, Zukeri will leverage cutting-edge technologies, including AI-based tools, to optimize the University’s web ecosystem and enhance communications across various units.
In addition to his leadership of the UX & Web Strategy team, Zukeri is an inaugural member of Howard University’s Presidential Artificial Intelligence Council, contributing to the University’s responsible and equitable adoption of AI technologies. He is also a co-host of the University’s HU2U podcast, where he explores topics such as ADHD and artificial intelligence in higher education.
Zukeri holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, as well as a masters and Ph.D. in psychology from Howard University, where his studies focused on the cultural identity and academic success of Black youth.
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About Howard University
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced two Schwarzman Scholars, four Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows, and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.