WASHINGTON – Howard University announced Warren Petty (B.A. ’86) will serve as vice president and chief human resources officer. Petty, an alumnus of Howard University, has been an advocate for his Alma Mater throughout his more than 25 years of executive management in a variety of industries.  

“As a Howard alumnus, I’ve always felt that I didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to fully participate in the school’s storied history and impact during my time as a student,” said Petty. “It’s an honor to get an opportunity to return and contribute as part of President Frederick’s leadership team in helping to propel Howard forward as a global model of excellence. It’s an exciting and humbling time for me."

Petty most recently served as the vice president of human resources at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. His responsibilities included the design and implementation of employee onboarding and evaluation modules, oversight of talent management, and external relations with pension and health care partners of the institution. He oversaw the transformation of the institution’s ERP system to Workday and contributed to increased retention and worker satisfaction at the institution.

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Mr. Petty back to his Alma Mater to serve in this critical role,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tashni-Ann Dubroy. “He will bring a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for the University community to this role. Please join us in extending warm wishes to Mr. Petty.”

A nationally sought-after expert on HR process transformation and the alignment of human resources with organizational goals, Petty brings to Howard specific experience with workforce management and support with metropolitan-based organizations. Among the most notable are a vice presidency at HeartShare Human Services and a directorate role with the Children’s Aid Society, both in New York City. 

In his new role, Petty will be charged with enhancing a culture of excellence in service, including the implementation and execution of Workday to better support employees, and building relationships with managers and teams to strengthen the University’s leadership development pipeline. 

Petty earned his bachelor’s degree from the Howard University School of Communications in journalism in 1986 and his master’s in communications from Wheaton College. He is a doctoral candidate in the University of Southern California’s Organizational Change and Leadership Program.  

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is 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 one Schwarzman Scholar, three 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.