WASHINGTON – Howard University is pleased to announce the promotion of Derrek Niec-Williams to assistant vice president for Planning and Architecture within the Office of Real Estate Development and Capital Asset Management. 

A visionary leader and proud Howard alumnus, Mr. Niec-Williams has demonstrated consistent excellence in campus planning, real estate development, and infrastructure transformation, ensuring Howard’s physical environment reflects its storied legacy and ambitious future. 

As executive director of Campus Planning, Architecture, and Development, Niec-Williams led many of Howard’s most transformative initiatives, most notably the development of the 2020 Central Campus Master Plan (CCMP), a comprehensive roadmap for campus transformation that balances growth with historic preservation. The plan, unanimously approved by the D.C. Zoning Commission, highlights Howard’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. Under his leadership, Howard also secured critical revisions to the District of Columbia’s Comprehensive Plan, which greatly enhanced the value and development potential of over 50 acres of university land holdings in the District.  

Niec-Williams’s recent portfolio includes many construction or renovation projects at the university, including the ongoing execution of a $785 million infrastructure investment, the largest in Howard’s history. His projects include the construction of the Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRB), which achieved LEED Gold certification and exemplifies Howard’s leadership in sustainability and collaborative research. In addition, he led the modernization of key student-centered facilities, including Howard Plaza Towers East & West, the historic Harriet Tubman Quadrangle, and the planning of College Halls North and South, creating spaces that blend historic preservation with modern amenities. He also managed the Wayne A.  I. Frederick Undergraduate Library renovation, ensuring that the facility becomes a vibrant academic hub with state-of-the-art collaborative spaces, technology, and support services tailored to today’s students. 

In his commitment to preserving Howard’s rich history, Niec-Williams drove efforts to designate Founders Library as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in recognition of its cultural and architectural significance. He also managed the restoration of Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall, the Myrtilla Miner Building, and the Mary Church Terrell House, ensuring these historic landmarks remain integral to Howard’s identity and heritage. 

Beyond infrastructure, Niec-Williams has demonstrated a deep respect for Howard’s legacy as the birthplace of many African American Greek letter organizations. He coordinated the installation and restoration of statuary and memorials for Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, and Zeta Phi Beta, creating spaces that honor their enduring contributions to the University and society at-large. 

Niec-Williams’ leadership has been transformative in ensuring Howard’s campus serves as a catalyst for innovation, learning, and engagement. His ability to align strategic planning, design excellence, and sustainability has already redefined many of Howard’s physical spaces to meet the needs of current and future generations. 

As assistant vice president for planning and architecture, Niec-Williams will continue to lead efforts that translate Howard’s institutional goals into impactful, tangible solutions. His unwavering dedication to honoring the university’s legacy while advancing its mission will guide the next chapter of our growth. 

Please join us in congratulating Derrek Niec-Williams on this well-earned appointment. His steadfast leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence will leave a legacy on Howard University’s campus and community for generations to come. 

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About Howard University   

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university comprising 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 three 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.