The White House announced today President Barack Obama’s intent to appoint Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick to serve on the Board of Advisors for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. “I am grateful and honored by this appointment,” says Dr. Frederick. “I will work to fulfill President Obama’s confidence in me and his commitment to HBCUs.” “The role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation’s higher education arena and in the discourse of higher education is critical. We must make sure they thrive,” he adds. “The 100-plus HBCUs of this nation represent an array of diversity, in size, in scope of offerings and in students enrolled. I appreciate this diversity, and I intend to be a staunch advocate for the role of these very important institutions.”

The Board of Advisors provides advice to the President and the Secretary of Education on methods, programs and strategies to strengthen these valued institutions. Specifically, the Board issues an Annual Federal Plan for Assistance to Historically Black Colleges and Universities to the President on participation by HBCUs in federally-sponsored programs; provides advice to the Secretary of Education and makes recommendations in reports to the President on how to increase the private sector role in strengthening HBCUs, with particular emphasis on enhancing institutional infrastructure; and facilitates planning, development, and the use of new technologies to ensure the long-term viability and enhancement of these institutions.

About Howard University 

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, a Marshall Scholar, 30 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. 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, call 202-238-2330, or visit the University's Web site at www.howard.edu.