WASHINGTON (March 6, 2015)—Howard University today inaugurated Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D., M.B.A, as its 17th president during a ceremony on the University’s historic campus that coincided with the annual Charter Day Convocation, commemorating Howard’s founding.

In his inaugural address, President Frederick outlined his vision for the University and stressed a future guided by and rooted in excellence, truth and service.

“We must always remember the reason that Howard University was created and the principle upon which it was founded,” said President Frederick. “We must also look toward the future, using the hard earned momentum of the past to propel us forward and continue to provide experiences based on our current needs, as we have done since 1867.”

President Frederick emphasized five distinct priorities for his administration: building a culture of academic excellence and rigor; revitalizing the manner in which higher education institutions meet the needs of both students and the world today; infusing service into the University culture; increasing the philanthropic efforts of the University community; and engaging in scholarship and research grounded in solving contemporary problems.

“We must make Howard University the go-to institution, when external events occur, particularly those related to our mission,” said President Frederick. “As president, I commit to working with our faculty and the University community to ensure that we remain actively engaged in public affairs. Where there is a need to speak about justice and inequality, I will lead.”

President Frederick, who was selected as president of Howard University in July 2014, after a national search, brings to his new role a broad skillset well-suited to the leadership of a comprehensive national university. His longstanding personal relationship with the institution also gives him a unique appreciation for Howard’s needs.

As a triple alumnus, President Frederick’s dedication to Howard University spans more than two decades. Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, with sickle cell anemia, a hereditary disease, his childhood dream of becoming a physician was realized when he earned his medical degree from Howard University in 1994.

President Frederick earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Doctor of Medicine in a combined six-year program and completed his surgical residency training at Howard University Hospital. After fulfilling his post-doctoral research and surgical oncology fellowships at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, he began his academic career at the University of Connecticut. He served on the faculty of the Department of Surgery, as well as the Associate Program Director of the Surgery Residency and Associate Director of the Cancer Center.

Since returning to Howard University in 2006, President Frederick has served as Division Chief in the Department of Surgery, Director of the Cancer Center, Associate Dean in the College of Medicine, Deputy Provost for Health Sciences, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, and Interim President. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from Howard in 2011.

The inauguration and Charter Day festivities culminated a week-long series of events that included public service activities; a faculty art show; and a symposium on diversity and technology, featuring leaders from Facebook, Yahoo and Google, who discussed strategies for diversifying Silicon Valley.

Board of Trustees Chairman Stacey J. Mobley, J.D., expressed his sentiments about Howard’s legacy. “Our achievements have been outstanding, from the deep belief of our founders that slaves and the children of slaves could be educated in the same manner as all others, and that the advantages of higher education should be made available to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or nationality,” said Mobley.

To view video of the event, visit:

http://www.whur.com/inauguration2015/

Chairman Stacey J. Mobley, J.D., expressed his sentiments about Howard’s legacy. “Our achievements have been outstanding, from the deep belief of our founders that slaves and the children of slaves could be educated in the same manner as all others, and that the advantages of higher education should be made available to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or nationality,” said Mobley.