Presidential Statements 2022-2023

Announcement of Decanal Change in the Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts

Dean Phylicia Rashad of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts will be stepping down as dean at the end of her term following the 2023-2024 academic year.

Celebrating Sandra Edmonds Crewe, PhD’s Decade of Decanal Leadership

Sandra Edmonds Crewe, PhD, dean of the School of Social Work, will depart the position at the culmination of the 2023-2024 academic year. The University will launch a national decanal search for the School of Social Work imminently.

Honoring the Leadership of Dean Gracie Lawson-Borders, PhD

Gracie Lawson-Borders, PhD, dean of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications (CHSOC), will depart the position at the culmination of the 2023-2024 academic year. The University will promptly launch a national decanal search for the CHSOC.

Observing Independence Day 2023

Even as we celebrate America’s freedom, we must examine the contradictions between the principles we hold dear, and the realities still experienced by far too many. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said 58 years ago today, “If America is to remain a first-class nation, she can no longer have second-class citizens.”

In Observance of Juneteenth 2023

Juneteenth should be an annual remembrance of how rights have been historically apportioned unevenly, and our continued responsibility to ensure the American ideals of liberty and justice for all.

Commemorating Pride Month 2023

As renewed attacks on LGBTQ+ rights emerge nationwide, we must remain firm in our allyship and unapologetic that Howard University is and will forever be a champion of the LGBTQ+ community.

Our Collective Humanity

As I looked out at the graduates and their families during this year’s Commencement Convocation, I could not help but feel humbled at the scene of collective humanity encompassing Capital One Arena. The excitement and joy that binds us all together during these moments of celebration serve to highlight those details we share in common, instead of the ones that threaten to keep us splintered.

Observing Memorial Day 2023

Memorial Day is a forceful and humbling reminder that the continued struggle for equality must be inextricably linked with an unrelenting passion for amplifying each other’s humanity.

Thank you, Howard Community 🎓

To the graduates, I especially want to extend my thanks to you for your understanding and grace as we navigated this situation. I sincerely hope our efforts made clear just how deeply proud this community — this family — is of each and every one of you.

155th Commencement Convocation Opening Remarks

Good morning, and welcome to the 155th Commencement Convocation of Howard University.

While I know we were all excited to be back on The Yard for our first full-capacity commencement since the pandemic, we are grateful for the opportunity to utilize the beautiful Capital One Arena literally down the street from our campus.