No one can doubt that Wayne A.I. Frederick knows his way around Howard University.

Named interim president of Howard this month, Frederick holds three degrees from the school in Northwest Washington: a bachelor’s in zoology, a doctor of medicine and a master’s in business administration. 

Frederick, 42, a native of Trinidad, lives with his wife and two children in the Cabin John area of Montgomery County. He was provost and chief academic officer under retiring President Sidney A. Ribeau and director of the cancer center at the university’s hospital — all while maintaining his practice as a cancer surgeon. He faces fresh challenges as the temporary leader of Howard, following Ribeau’s abrupt announcement that he would step down at year’s end, a decision that came after months of internal debate over the university’s management and finances.

Frederick spoke with The Washington Post one recent afternoon on campus. Click here for the full interview.