Members of the University Community:

I am pleased to announce the formation of a Search Committee that will lead the process to identify, and select the 16^th President of Howard University. This committee of distinguished individuals from both inside and outside the Howard University community is lead by General Colin Powell and Richard Parsons, Esq., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner. In addition, Dr. Ruth Simmons, President of Brown University, will serve as advisor to the committee.

This is truly a momentous time in the University’s history as the Board of Trustees fulfills its most important fiduciary responsibility.  A presidential search goes far beyond simply identifying and hiring the next chief executive. It is a deliberative, strategic process in which we must examine, understand and prioritize the opportunities and challenges facing the University, unify key stakeholders, and clarify the institution’s blueprint for the future. This is indeed and invaluable opportunity for the University Community.

The Board of Trustees and I are confident that this search will result in the selection of a President with the vision and leadership skills to advance Howard University’s distinguished legacy of excellence. The Presidential Search Committee (PSC) is comprised of some of the most outstanding and experienced individuals any organization could attract to undertake such an important charge. Howard University is truly fortunate to have them, and will be well served by their commitment and dedication to this task. In addition to General Powell and Mr. Parsons, the Presidential Search Committee includes:

Dr. Charles L Betsey, Professor, Department of Economics

Trustee Starmanda Bullock

Trustee Earl G. Graves, Sr.

Trustee Marie C. Johns

Trustee Vernon E. Jordan, Jr.

Trustee Jack F. Kemp

Dr. LaSalle Leffall, Jr. Professor of Surgery

The Honorable Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Executive

Trustee Floretta Dukes McKenzie

Trustee M. Kasim Reed

Trustee James E. Silcott

Mr. Marcus Ware, President, HU Student Association

Mr. Larry Warren, Chief Executive Officer, HU Hospital

Trustee Ruth Simmons, President, Brown University, Advisor

To support the Presidential Search Committee, we have retained Nathaniel Sutton, Managing Partner of the Heidrick & Struggles Education and Nonprofit practice. Heidrick & Struggles is one of the nation’s premier executive search firms. You are encouraged to submit your nominations to:

Howard University Presidential Search
Heidrick & Struggles, Inc.
Attn: Nathaniel J. Sutton
245 Park Avenue, Suite 4300
New York, NY 10167
 
Phone: 212-551-0536
Fax: 212-867-3219
Email: HowardPresident@heidrick.com
 

During this period, the Board wants to ensure an effective presidential leadership transition. To that end, the Board has established a Board Transition Committee to work closely with the President and the Administration. The Board Transition Committee’s mission is to ensure that (1) short-term decisions are aligned with long-term strategic objectives; and (2) the constant focus remains on enterprise priorities and the timely execution of those priorities. The Board Transition Committee members include Trustees Gerald Prothro, Chairman, Audit and Legal Committee; Martin Payson, Chairman, Medical Affairs Committee; Robert Lumpkins, Chairman, Finance Committee; Marie Johns, Chairwoman, Academic Excellence Committee; Vice Chairwoman Renee Higginbotham-Brooks and myself. The Committee is working in concert with President Swygert to leverage his leadership during this critical period.

The Board also recognizes that during this very important time, it is critical to keep our key stakeholders informed of our intentions and the direction that we, as University Trustees, expect to take in ensuring operation effectiveness, continuity and execution of the presidential search and selection process. In July, the Board of Trustees initiated “listening tours” to hear the voices of our key stakeholders on their assessment of the institution and the leadership profile of the 16^th President. To date, members of the Board have met the representative groups of faculty, students, staff, alumni, former officers of the University, and media personalities who are HU family members. These unstructured, informal sessions have provided us with great insight. Based on these discussions, I believe we share a common vision of Howard University’s great potential, and we are bonded by the deep passion and love for the University. These gifts I am certain, will ensure that the University fulfills its aspirations. These “listening tours” were initial efforts to communicate with you and do not pre-empt the more in-depth outreach the Search Committee will conduct. Their efforts will include town hall meetings, focus groups, surveys, and meeting with alumni in major cities. We encourage your engagement.

We look forward to working with the Howard University Family as we collaboratively build another great chapter in the history of this illustrious institution.

Sincerely,

Addison Barry Rand

Chairman of the Board

Alumni Listening Tour Dates

Past PSC Events

Press Releases

09/20/07 - Howard University Board of Trustees Names Presidential Search Committee

09/21/07 - Howard Board Retains Executive Search Firm To Conduct Presidential Search

Past Presidents of Howard University

Charles Boyton	1867
Byron Sunderland	1867-1869
Oliver Otis Howard	1869-1874
Edward P. Smith	1875-1876
William Patton	1877-1889
Jeremiah E. Rankin	1890-1903
John Gordon	1903-1906
Wilbur Thirkield	1906-1912
Stephen M. Newman	1912-1918
James S. Durkee	1918-1926
Modecai Wyatt Johnson	1926-1960
James Nabrit	1960-1969
James Cheek	1969-1989
Franklyn Jenifer	1990-1994
H. Patrick Swygert	1994-2008