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Presidential Search 2026
Howard Launches Search for 19th President
Exceptional Leadership to Guide Howard's Next Chapter
A Message from the Howard University Board of Trustees
As we begin a new academic year, the Board of Trustees has formally launched a comprehensive national search for Howard University’s 19th president. One year ago, the Board committed to engaging the Howard community when the national search for our next permanent president began. As the search gets underway, we are honoring that commitment by inviting our community to participate in the process, helping to inform the leadership qualities that will shape Howard’s next chapter.
Selecting a president is among the Board’s most significant responsibilities. We approach this process thoughtfully and intentionally, guided by Howard’s mission, values, and aspirations, as significant changes in federal policy and funding, research, financial aid, technology, and enrollment reshape higher education.
The Board has retained Russell Reynolds Associates, an executive search and leadership advisory firm, to support the national search and help identify an exceptional and diverse pool of candidates. A Presidential Search Committee has also been formed to support the search process.
Contact Us
President Search Committee
Do you have questions regarding the presidential search?
Email Russell Reynolds
Community Input & Feedback
The community’s voice is essential to this process. All members of the Howard University community are invited to share their perspectives on the leadership attributes, strategic opportunities, and institutional priorities that should define our next presidency.
Feedback gathered through the community survey and stakeholder engagement meetings will help shape the Presidential Leadership Profile. Once finalized, this profile will be published on this website to serve as the foundational document for candidate recruitment and evaluation.
Presidential Search Leadership Profile Survey
Complete the Howard University Presidential Search Survey to share your input.
Your feedback will directly shape the presidential leadership profile and guide the Search Committee as it supports the Board of Trustees in selecting our next leader. The survey will remain open through Friday, October 30, 2026.
Stakeholder Engagement Meetings
Both in-person and virtual listening sessions will provide faculty, staff, students, and alumni with direct opportunities to share their perspectives on Howard's future president. Your voice is an important part of the presidential search process. We invite you to participate in upcoming Stakeholder Engagement Meetings to share your perspectives on the opportunities and priorities ahead, as well as the qualities and experience most important in the next president.
On-Campus Community Listening Sessions
Members of the Presidential Search Committee and Russell Reynolds Associates, the executive search firm, will host a series of on-campus community listening sessions on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Faculty, staff, and students will receive notifications from the Office of University Communications with details about the time and location of each session.
Virtual Community Listening Sessions
Faculty, staff, and students are invited to participate in the virtual community listening sessions. Howard University will send notifications with details about the dates and times of the sessions and how to register.
Virtual Alumni Listening Sessions
Howard University alumni are invited to participate in the listening and feedback sessions, which will take place in October. Updates about the session dates, times and how to register will be shared by Howard University’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR). Visit the DAR website to sign up to receive notifications on the upcoming sessions.
Nominations
The Board of Trustees of Howard University invites nominations and applications for the position of the University’s 19th president. Interested candidates should submit confidentially, in electronic form (PDF files preferred), a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to Howard.President@russellreynolds.com.
Search Committee
Leslie Hale
Chair, Board of Trustees
BBA '94
Danette Howard, Ph.D.
Vice Chair
B.A. '97
Mark Mason
Vice Chair
BBA '91
Arne Duncan
Trustee
Marc Lampkin
Trustee
Kevin Lofton
Trustee
Depelsha McGruder
Trustee
B.A. '94
Christopher Tyson
Trustee
B.Arch '98
Anita Plummer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
Guericke Christopher Royal, DMA
Chair of Faculty Senate
B.M. '85, M.M. '92
Payton Garcia
Student
Paris L. Adon, Ed.D.
Director of Student Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
What qualities are the Board seeking in the 19th president?
The leadership profile will be informed in part by input from the Howard community. The Board seeks an exceptional leader who understands and embraces Howard's mission and history; demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence, student success and research; possesses strong executive and financial leadership capabilities; can build relationships across a diverse community; and has the vision to guide Howard through a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
How will the university community stay informed throughout the process?
The Board will keep the Howard community informed as the search advances. Communications will include updates on key phases of the process and opportunities for stakeholder engagement through official community announcements and the presidential search website.
Who is conducting the search?
The Board of Trustees is responsible for selecting the president and has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to assist with the comprehensive national search. Board Chair Leslie Hale is working closely with fellow trustees and the search firm.The established search committee will also work closely with the search firm during this process.
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A History of the Presidents of Howard University
Howard University's presidents have advanced the institution's mission while shaping higher education, public policy, research, and society. Explore the history and leadership legacy of the University's eighteen presidents.
Explore Our Past Presidents
