A nationwide search for a vice president to replace Franklin D. Chambers, Ph.D., who vacated his position in the Office of Student Affairs as a vice provost in December 2008, has begun.
Although the reason for the position change has not been revealed, the difference in the two titles is that a vice provost reports to the provost, whereas a vice president reports directly to the president of Howard.
To manage the task of appointing an administrator who will report directly to him, President Sidney Ribeau has summoned Dean Bernard Richardson of the Office of Religious Life; Gregory Carr, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Afro-American Studies; Dione Duckett, Ph.D., associate dean of the law school; Jerome Hunt, Graduate Student Association coordinator; Steven Johnson, Ph.D., director of Cramton Auditorium; Victoria Kirby, undergraduate trustee; and Nicholas Owen, Howard University Student Association executive president.
“Officially, we are a screening committee,” Richardson said. “Our task is to recommend the qualifications, experience and personal characteristics of a candidate.”
The actual details of the search are confidential as of now.
Hunt said he is basically looking for someone with experience who has the ability to operate in a student-sensitive environment.
He wants to see the new vice president create an environment that includes the graduate populations, the gay population and other minority groups represented on campus.
In terms of qualifications, Richardson said he is looking for a candidate who understands the importance of a thriving and content student population at Howard.
“The person who is elected must understand how significant this role is,” Richardson said. “I want this vice president to build upon what has already been done in the past.”
According to Richardson, the president has made the appointment of this role a high priority and the search is projected to conclude by the end of this semester.
If not, Ribeau will personally decide who will replace the graduating seniors on the committee.
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