WASHINGTON, D.C. — Howard University announced that President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D. will step down as the institution’s 18th president on August 31, 2025, concluding just under two years at the helm. The Board of Trustees has appointed Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D., MBA—Howard’s 17th president and president emeritus—to serve as interim president beginning September 1, 2025, while a national search is conducted for the next permanent leader.
What happened
In a statement shared Friday, the Board confirmed Vinson’s planned departure date and outlined a leadership transition aimed at maintaining stability as the fall semester begins. University officials said Vinson has worked with trustees to ensure a smooth handoff. Bringing back Frederick as interim leverages more than a decade of prior presidential experience at Howard and deep familiarity with the campus, alumni community, and key initiatives already underway.
Why this matters
Vinson’s tenure overlapped with one of the most consequential milestones in Howard’s modern history: the University’s elevation to Carnegie Research One (R1) status in February 2025. The designation placed Howard among the nation’s elite research institutions and affirmed years of investment in research infrastructure, doctoral education, and external funding. Beyond that recognition, Howard has highlighted recent gains in social mobility metrics and global rankings—momentum University leaders say they intend to sustain through the transition into the 2025–26 academic year.
Who is stepping in
Wayne A.I. Frederick previously led Howard from 2014–2023 (after serving as interim in 2013). During that period, the University advanced major fundraising efforts, academic modernization, and significant capital projects. His interim term is slated to begin September 1, 2025 and continue until the Board completes a comprehensive national search. Frederick’s return is expected to provide continuity for students, faculty, and staff as the new academic year begins and major initiatives—including research expansion and campus development—move forward.
What we know about the transition
- Effective dates: Vinson’s last day is August 31, 2025; Frederick begins September 1, 2025.
- Reason for departure: The University’s statement did not specify a reason for the change, characterizing it instead as a planned leadership transition timed with the start of the academic year.
- Next steps: The Board of Trustees will engage stakeholders and launch a national search for a permanent president. A formal search timeline and process will be shared with the campus community.
The bigger picture for HBCUs
Howard’s leadership change arrives at a moment of heightened attention on higher education governance and the future of research at HBCUs. With R1 status secured and an experienced leader stepping in on an interim basis, Howard enters the search with strong research credentials, deep alumni support, and brand strength that could shape the national candidate pool. The University’s strategic direction—spanning AI and data science, health and life sciences, interdisciplinary research, and global engagement—will likely be central topics as candidates outline their vision for the next decade.
What’s next
Students are returning for the fall semester, and the administration has emphasized continuity in academic programs, student services, and research operations. Expect updates from the Board in the coming weeks regarding the search committee, stakeholder listening sessions, and opportunities for the campus community to provide input.
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