Breaking News: Howard University’s President Ben Vinson to Depart from Office on August 31

In an unexpected move, Howard University President Ben Vinson III, 55, will depart from his role as the institution's 18th President. This announcement coincides with the commencement of the academic year. Leslie Hale, chair of the Board of Trustees, acknowledged the surprising nature of the news in a video shared on the university's website. Prior to this development, a statement indicated optimism for the new academic year, urging the community to embrace the spirit of Howard University, which emphasizes boundary-pushing and excellence. A campus-wide engagement initiative, dated August 22, has been outlined on the President’s page. While Vinson's exit coincides with military National Guard presence in Washington, D.C., there is no current link suggested between these events. Vinson assumed his presidency two years ago on September 1, 2021. Formerly the provost at Case Western Reserve University, he emphasized the need for institutions to adapt. Wayne A.I. Frederick will serve as interim president, with unspecified duration.