Dear Howard University Community, 

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lila Hurst Brooks as assistant vice president for research operations and business strategy at Howard University. Brooks brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, financial management, and research administration, along with a distinguished record of operational excellence, strategic leadership, and deep expertise in managing University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs). 

In this role, Brooks will oversee the business operations of the Office of Research (OOR) and serve on the leadership team of the Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy (RITA), where she will play a critical role in shaping the long-term business strategy, operational infrastructure, and sustainability of Howard’s UARC. She will also help prepare the institute for its upcoming federal contract renewal, ensuring the systems, processes, and partnerships are in place to support mission success and institutional growth. 

Brooks has served in leadership roles at the University of Southern California’s Army-funded UARC - Institute for Creative Technologies since 2012. During her tenure, she directed business operations, training, and performance across various departments, including human resources, finance and accounting, proposal development, project management, systems programming, and research compliance. Most notably, she led efforts that secured a $362 million UARC contract renewal ($181 million base plus $181 million option) and a $23 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Army. Her leadership was instrumental in building strong collaborative relationships with the Army program and contracting teams, as well as in modernizing business systems to streamline operations and better support mission-driven research. 

Brooks is recognized for her collaborative, purpose-driven leadership and unwavering commitment to mentorship and service. Her steady presence, strategic mindset, and thoughtful approach to organizational change will be invaluable as we continue to expand our research enterprise and cultivate a responsive, inclusive, and high-performing research ecosystem. 

Please join us in welcoming Lila Hurst Brooks to the Howard University community. We are excited for the expertise, perspective, and leadership she brings to our mission of research excellence and innovation. 

In Truth and Service,  

Marchon J. Jackson 
Interim Vice President for Research