WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 15, 2026 – The Howard University Board of Trustees today announced the launch of a comprehensive national search for the University’s 19th president, beginning a deliberate process to identify an exceptional leader to guide Howard through its next chapter of academic excellence, research, student success, and global impact. The Board is inviting the Howard community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other stakeholders to participate in the process, helping to inform the leadership qualities that will shape Howard’s next chapter. 

“Selecting Howard’s president is among the most significant responsibilities entrusted to the Board,” said Leslie D. Hale, Chair of the Howard University Board of Trustees. “We are committed to a thoughtful and intentional process that reflects the values and aspirations of our community. 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.”

The search begins from a place of strength for Howard, as the University has secured historic philanthropic and research investments, expanded academic programs in emerging fields and earned national recognition for the success of its students and alumni. Howard’s next leader will be positioned to build upon the University’s extraordinary legacy while bringing the vision and experience necessary to build on the institution’s momentum and position Howard to lead through an evolving higher education landscape.

The Board has retained Russell Reynolds Associates, an executive search and leadership advisory firm, to support the national search and identify an exceptional and diverse pool of candidates. A Presidential Search Committee has also been formed to lead the search process. The committee includes members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and student representatives, with Howard alumni comprising half of its membership, bringing institutional knowledge and care while ensuring that important perspectives from across the University community are reflected as the search advances.

The Howard community can now visit the University’s presidential search website to learn more about the search and its progress, participate in the presidential search survey, and engage in listening sessions and other opportunities to help inform the process.

The Board also expressed its gratitude to Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, Interim President and President Emeritus, for his continued and steady leadership. “We are grateful to Dr. Frederick for his extraordinary commitment to Howard and for once again answering the call to serve the institution that has been such an important part of his life,” said Chair Hale. “His leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and steadfast dedication to the Howard community will remain invaluable during this transition and throughout the presidential search process until the Board identifies the right leader to serve as Howard’s 19th president.”

“Serving as president of Howard remains one of the most coveted and consequential leadership positions in all higher education,” said Dr. Frederick. “It has been one of my deepest honors to return to Howard and continue advancing excellence for our students. The Board has my full support, and I am prepared to provide the leadership required until they identify Howard’s next president. As the process moves forward, I remain focused on ensuring Howard is well positioned for a strong and effective leadership transition.”     

The Board begins this search with a great deal of optimism about Howard University’s future. Guided by the perspectives from the Howard community, the Board remains committed to a thoughtful process that identifies the leadership needed to continue building on Howard’s extraordinary legacy and enduring mission of Truth and Service; advancing momentum in academic excellence, innovation, student success, and as a Research 1 institution; and strengthening the University amid an evolving higher education landscape.

Updates on the search process, opportunities for community engagement and information about the search’s progress are available on the University’s presidential search website.  

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