Howard University President Ben Vinson III to Step Down After Two Years

By Milton Kirby | Washington, D.C. | August 22, 2025

Howard University announced Friday that President Ben Vinson III will step down on August 31, less than two years into his tenure as the school’s 18th president. His departure comes just days into the start of the fall semester at the historically Black university in Washington, D.C.

Vinson, who assumed office in September 2023, said in a statement that he intends to spend more time with his family while continuing his research.

“Over the course of my tenure as president, I have worked with unwavering commitment to advance the strategic vision I believe best serves the future of this institution, including in the areas of AI, data science and analytics, and global and diasporic engagement,” Vinson said. “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.”

The university’s Board of Trustees praised Vinson’s leadership while announcing that Wayne A. I. Frederick, the school’s former president, will come out of retirement to serve as interim president beginning September 1.

Howard University President Ben Vinson — Courtesy Howard University – President Ben Vinson

“On behalf of the Howard University Board of Trustees, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Vinson for his service and leadership,” said board chair Leslie D. Hale. “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.”

Frederick previously served as Howard’s 17th president from 2014 to 2023, a period marked by record fundraising, campus modernization, and expansion of student support services. His deep ties to Howard include three degrees from the university. The board said his return would ensure “stability, continuity, and continued progress” as Howard undergoes a nationwide search for its 19th president.

Vinson’s departure is one of the shortest presidencies in the school’s 158-year history. The university did not provide a reason beyond his personal statement, but the change comes as Howard faces several challenges. Recent reporting by the student newspaper, The Hilltop, highlighted frustrations over student account billing errors and limited housing availability. Meanwhile, federal funding battles have placed Howard under financial pressure, with recent attempts to cut the university’s congressional appropriation by tens of millions of dollars. These challenges have put a strain on the university’s leadership and resources.

At the same time, Howard has celebrated historic achievements. In February, the university became the first HBCU to earn Carnegie’s coveted Research One classification, a prestigious designation that reflects its significant growth in research spending and doctoral programs. Enrollment has also surged, topping nearly 15,000 students last fall—up from fewer than 10,000 in 2019.

Despite the sudden leadership transition, Howard officials stressed that the university’s mission remains firm. “Together with our community, we are unwavering in our commitment to build on the university’s positive momentum and accelerate its upward trajectory,” Hale said. This reassurance underscores the continuity of Howard’s values and goals.

Frederick will serve until a permanent successor is selected following a nationwide search.

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