Not even a full week into the fall semester, Howard University announced Friday that President Ben Vinson III, who has served as the 18th leader of the historically Black institution since September 2023, will leave his post on Aug. 31.
“On behalf of the Howard University Board of Trustees, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Vinson for his service and leadership as president,” said Leslie D. Hale (BBA ’94), Howard University Board of Trustees chair, in a statement submitted to The Washington Informer.
The Board of Trustees announced that Wayne A.I. Frederick, the university’s 17th president from 2014 to 2023, will return as interim president on Sept. 1.
Frederick, also president emeritus, is credited with record fundraising and expanding Howard’s academic programs and facilities.
“As we move forward, the Board of Trustees and university leadership remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining Howard’s mission of excellence, truth, and service and a vibrant, welcoming, and innovative academic environment where students continue to succeed,” Hale continued. “Given our focus and commitment, the board has selected an interim president who is uniquely equipped to serve the university during this time of transition.”
Some students told The Washington Informer they were caught off guard and disappointed by the announcement.
“My initial reaction was frustration,” said Tamia Thompson, a graduate student at Howard University’s School of Law. “Anyone who was at Howard during Wayne’s presidency remembers his treatment and negligence of staff, professors, and students. Vinson was an improvement, for sure, albeit not much, but I wish he’d gotten enough time to make more of a change in a positive direction.”
Jocelyn Walsh, a senior and political science major, admitted to being confused by the move.
“He’s only been here a year, and with the school year just starting, the timing feels unusual,” Walsh remarked. “It raises questions about why the decision wasn’t made over the summer. I don’t trust the Board of Trustees.”
Vinson is departing the institution with the shortest tenure since Edward Parmelee Smith, who served just six months from 1875 to 1876. Touting his work to advance Howard’s strategic vision in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and diasporic engagement, the president said his decision was guided by family and research priorities.
“My foremost priority has always been the well-being and success of this community, and I remain committed to ensuring a smooth and constructive transition,” said Vinson. “I am grateful to the Board, faculty, staff, students, and partners who have supported the work we’ve undertaken together. It has been an honor to serve Howard. At this point, I will be taking some time to be with my family and continue my research activities. I look forward to using my experiences as president to continue to serve higher education in the future.”
Still, Walsh said Vinson never appeared connected to anyone at the university.
“From what I observed, he never seemed to be involved and visible on campus,” she told The Informer. “I think the constant turnover in leadership is concerning. It creates instability, and it feels like there are important issues students aren’t being told about.”
Source: Published without changes from Washington Informer Newspaper
