Howard University announced the departure of President Ben Vinson as the prestigious HBCU begins its fall semester.
Howard University President Ben Vinson is stepping down after serving two years as head of the esteemed HBCU.
Board Chair Leslie Hale announced his departure during a virtual meeting with staff and faculty on Aug. 22, naming former President Wayne Frederick as interim leader while a nationwide search for a new president gets underway, Biz Journals reports. Following the meeting, the school took to social media for an official announcement.
“Howard University Board of Trustees announced a leadership transition and extends its sincere appreciation to President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., as he steps down as the University’s 18th president,” the school tweeted. “The Board of Trustees announced President Emeritus Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D., to serve as interim president until a national search is completed. We look forward to continuing to build on Howard’s upward trajectory and positive momentum.”
Howard University Board of Trustees announced a leadership transition and extends its sincere appreciation to President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D., as he steps down as the University’s 18th president. The Board of Trustees announced President Emeritus Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D., to… pic.twitter.com/8NDKEYsvyv— Howard University (@HowardU) August 22, 2025
News of his exit comes as Howard students kicked off the fall semester, adding to the suspicion surrounding the timing of the announcement.
“What happened?” one X user asked.
“What!!! Didn’t he just get appointed?” added someone else.
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Source: Black Enterprise
