WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Howard University Board of Trustees announced today that Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., will step down as the University’s 18th president effective August 31, 2025. Dr. Vinson, who assumed the presidency in September 2023, has worked closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition.
“On behalf of the Board, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Vinson for his service and leadership,” said Leslie D. Hale (BBA ’94), chair of the Howard University Board of Trustees. “We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Vinson highlighted the progress made in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, analytics, and global engagement, while keeping the success and well-being of the Howard community at the forefront.
“It has been an honor to serve Howard University,” said Dr. Vinson. “I am deeply grateful to the Board, faculty, staff, students, and partners who supported the work we have undertaken together. I look forward to spending time with my family, continuing my research, and advancing higher education in new ways.”
To lead the institution through this period of transition, the Board has appointed Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA (B.S. ’92, M.D. ’94, MBA ’11) — Howard’s 17th president and president emeritus — as interim president, effective September 1, 2025.
Dr. Frederick previously served as Howard’s permanent president from 2014 to 2023, where he was recognized for his successful fundraising, record endowment growth, and investments in scholarships, faculty, and modernization of academic facilities and curricula. His leadership will ensure continuity as the Board conducts a national search for Howard’s 19th president.
“Howard has always adapted, evolved, and led through moments of change,” said Hale. “With Dr. Frederick’s steady leadership, we will maintain our upward trajectory and build on the University’s designation as a Carnegie R1 research institution and recognition as a top ‘Opportunity College and University’ by ACE and the Carnegie Foundation.”
Founded in 1867, Howard University has shaped generations of leaders and continues to be a driving force for research, innovation, and social impact. With 14 schools and colleges offering 140 degree programs, Howard is the nation’s top-ranked HBCU and the only one designated as an R1 research university.
The Board of Trustees will engage faculty, students, staff, alumni, and stakeholders throughout the transition process, with details about the presidential search to be shared in the coming months.
Learn more at www.howard.edu.
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