When “The Journey” premiered in 2014, newly appointed Howard University president Wayne A. I. Frederick (B.S. ’92, M.D. ’94, MBA ’11) sat down with Tricia Bent-Goodley, professor emerita in the School of Social Work, for a timely and sobering discussion on “Interpersonal Violence Against Women and Girls.” From that first episode, the show established itself as more than standard academic talk; it became a platform for candid conversations about the issues shaping Howard, the nation, and the world.

Over subsequent seasons, Frederick welcomed student leaders, faculty and staff, and distinguished voices in business, politics, journalism, the arts and sciences, and more. They explored topics ranging from global health and economic mobility to campus life and civic engagement through the lens of Howard’s mission of truth and service.

Now, as president emeritus and Howard University’s current interim president, Frederick is bringing “The Journey” back. The relaunched series is part of his continued effort to elevate the University’s thought leadership and showcase the people whose work advances equity, excellence, and innovation. New episodes will air on WHUT-TV, with podcast versions available on Howard University radio station WHUR 96.3 FM via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and other streaming platforms.

For Frederick, these conversations underscore a central theme: Howard is not only a place where information is transmitted, but where new knowledge is created and intentionally deployed to build a more equitable world.

“We started ‘The Journey’ over a decade ago to continue elevating Howard University’s standing as one of the top institutions in the country, if not the world,” Frederick said. “Though my return to the presidency is on an interim basis, I’m excited to once again host this program and hear from some of the nation’s brightest minds — many of whom are members of the Howard community — on current societal trends and other broader global challenges.”

The first new episode, “The Transformative Power of Giving,” will premiere Monday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET. on WHUT. The conversation, which features Vice President and Interim Chief Development Officer Princess Gamble and third-year psychology major Savannah Montgomery, explores how philanthropy fuels Howard’s mission and changes the trajectory of students’ lives. The trio examines how giving strengthens academic excellence, expands opportunities, and fortifies the pathways that help students thrive.

“Philanthropy is at the core of everything that we do,” Gamble said. “It is foundational to the sustaining of [Howard’s] legacy, and in the future of what our students achieve.”

Montgomery recently received donor support and speaks to the relief it provided her and her family.

“This semester, getting my balance down low enough with the scholarships … it really meant a lot because it allowed me to focus on my studies more,” she said.