Presidential Statements 2023-2024

It is with immense pleasure that I share news about an extraordinary $12 million gift to the Howard University College of Medicine from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott.

On behalf of the entire Howard community, I am extremely grateful to Carrie Walton Penner and Greg Penner for their support of our University’s students through the GRACE Grant, which benefits our undergraduate students who face financial barriers to completing their studies on time.

From my family to each of yours, we want to extend warm wishes for a joyous and restorative Thanksgiving celebration.

On behalf of the entire Howard University family, I again want to express my deepest gratitude to our veterans and their families for their dedication and sacrifice.

Gathered colleagues and assembled guests: I want to leave you with this: In March of 1867, we were born to lead. We were born to be an engine of change and a force of good. I am mindful of these tasks today. I recognize that education without purpose does not forward our humanity. I know that purpose is easily lost amidst the cacophony of issues that swirl around us every day. But we must not lose it, because it is part of the essence of what we do here at Howard.

Indigenous Peoples Day bestows upon us opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage with the profound contributions of Indigenous communities throughout history.

As we and other institutions of higher education around the country prepare to celebrate the beauty of homecoming season on our campuses, I ask that you join me in extending heartfelt prayers to the Morgan State University community.

Our tradition of excellence, leadership and service remains steadfast and our legacy, leadership, and future trajectory will always transcend a momentary ranking. We will continue to carry out our work in a manner that we believe keeps Howard University rising to its maximum strength – now and in the years to come.

Howard—we have the imagination, the fortitude, the brilliance, and the confidence. Let us journey together to our newest, boldest horizons yet. I charge this audience to focus on excellence, to embrace and uphold our University’s value of truth and service, to build and foster our sense of community, and to not let barriers stand in our way. We need you at maximum strength.

I want to underscore just how much we appreciate every person who has dedicated their labor in service to Howard University. Thank you – we simply could not be who we are without your treasured service.

Office of the President

MacKenzie Scott Presents $12 Million Gift to Howard's College of Medicine

Penner family presents $20M gift to Howard University’s GRACE Grant fund

Happy Thanksgiving from President Ben Vinson III!

Observing Veterans Day 2023

Inauguration Speech of President Ben Vinson III

Observing Indigenous Peoples Day 2023

Response to Morgan State University Incident

U.S. News & World Report Rankings Update

Opening Convocation 2023

Observing Labor Day 2023