Howard University president announces departure 

By Ashleigh Fields
Special to the AFRO

Dr. Ben Vinson III will soon depart from his role as president of Howard University, just two years after being selected to lead the historically Black institution.

Howard University officials announced that Vinson would step down from the role on Aug. 31 with former President Wayne A.I. Frederick expected to return to the helm of leadership on Sept. 1.

Under his leadership, the institution notably reclaimed R1 status, the highest ranking academic research designation and spearheaded artificial intelligence programs geared towards people of color in partnership with Google.

“Over the course of my tenure as President, I have worked with unwavering commitment to advance the strategic vision I believe best serves the future of this institution, including in the areas of AI, data science and analytics, and global and diasporic engagement,” Vinson said in a statement announcing his departure.

“My foremost priority has always been the well-being and success of this community, and I remain committed to ensuring a smooth and constructive transition. I am grateful to the Board, faculty, staff, students, and partners who have supported the work we’ve undertaken together,” he added.

Vinson previously served as provost of Case Western Reserve University and as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at George Washington University.

He remains chairman of the board of the National Humanities Center, a role he’s held since 2018. In addition to posts as a vice president of the American Historical Association and president of the Conference on Latin American History.

“It has been an honor to serve Howard,” he said in a press release from the university. 

Vinson is expected to pursue research opportunities while Frederick will return to serve as interim president as the Board of Trustees considers long term candidates for the role.

A release from the University said Frederick’s “deep institutional knowledge and proven leadership will ensure stability, continuity, and continued progress as we navigate complex social challenges and shifts in the higher education landscape and chart the University’s next chapter.”

However, some alumni said they are unsatisfied with his return to the helm of Howard campus operations. 

“It’s very disheartening to hear that Frederick is making a return to Howard University. Considering this current fascist presidential administration, the militarization of D.C. and the attempts to dismantle all Black progression, I feel he is the wrong choice given my personal experience with him,” alumna Erica England, who co-led the Blackburn Takeover, the school’s longest student protest in 2021 over inadequate campus housing, told the AFRO. 

“I would prefer stronger leadership more committed to the love and legacy of The Mecca, and not beholden to the corporate interests of our Board of Trustees,” she added.

The same year as the protest, Howard removed the student, faculty and alumni positions from the University Board of Trustees.

The Howard University Student Association, the school’s student government organization, said they were not notified of Vinson’s departure or provided additional information on the university’s plans for new leadership.

Board Chair Leslie D. Hale spoke to the transition in a statement on the matter. 

“As we move forward, the Board of Trustees and University leadership remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining Howard’s mission of excellence, truth, and service and a vibrant, welcoming, and innovative academic environment where students continue to succeed,” said Hale. 

“Given our focus and commitment, the Board has selected an interim president who is uniquely equipped to serve the University during this time of transition.”