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Howard University

Washington, DC

private nonprofitHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

Veritas et Utilitas("Truth and Service")

Wikipedia
1867
Founded
Private federally chartered historically black research university
Type
12,941
Total Students
9,797
Undergrad
1,795
Graduate
$1.1B
Endowment
(2025)
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Howard University

Howard University: A beacon of Black excellence, pioneering research, and profound impact since 1867.

Howard University stands as a profoundly influential institution, a private federally chartered historically black research university established in 1867. Born in the aftermath of the Civil War with a mission to educate Black clergymen, it rapidly expanded to become a comprehensive university. Over its long history, Howard has been much more than an academic center; it has been a crucible for civil rights activism, a nurturing ground for transformative leaders, and a powerful voice in the pursuit of justice and equality. Known for its rich heritage and vibrant culture, Howard attracts students committed to making a difference in the world.

Academically, Howard boasts a robust research environment, exemplified by its upcoming Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification, solidifying its place among the nation's top research institutions. Its comprehensive offerings include esteemed programs in law, medicine, dentistry, and a re-established Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, reflecting a commitment to both traditional disciplines and contemporary fields. The university actively engages in cutting-edge research, such as leading a center on tactical autonomy technology for military systems, showcasing its dedication to innovation and societal advancement.

Life at Howard is an immersive experience where students are encouraged to lead and advocate. From pioneering sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement to contemporary student-led protests for improved campus conditions and representation, the spirit of activism is deeply embedded in the student experience. With significant investments planned for new STEM complexes, academic buildings, and residential renovations, Howard is continually enhancing its campus to provide a world-class environment for its diverse and dynamic student body, preparing them to embody its motto: "Veritas et Utilitas" – Truth and Service.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1867, Howard is a private federally chartered historically black research university with a rich legacy.
  • Boasts an endowment of $1.1 billion, serving a vibrant academic community of 12,941 students.
  • Achieved Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification in 2025, becoming the first HBCU to reach this top research status.
  • A pivotal center for the Civil Rights Movement, pioneering tactics like "stool-sitting" and nurturing leaders such as Ralph Bunche and Stokely Carmichael.
  • Received $132 million in donations from MacKenzie Scott in recent years, including an $80 million gift and $17 million for the College of Medicine.
  • Home to one of the oldest law schools in the U.S. and the first and oldest medical college at an HBCU.
  • Investing $785 million over four years (starting 2022) for new STEM complexes, academic buildings, and campus renovations.

Timeline

1867
The U.S. Congress chartered Howard University.
1869
General Oliver Otis Howard, university founder, began his tenure as president.
1926
Mordecai Wyatt Johnson became Howard University's first African-American president.
1942
Howard University students pioneered "stool-sitting" protests in Washington, D.C.
1965
President Lyndon B. Johnson delivered a landmark speech on civil rights at Howard's commencement.
1975
Howard University Hospital opened; Jeanne Sinkford became the first female dean of an American dental school.
1989
Student protests led to the resignation of then-RNC Chairman Lee Atwater from the board and university president James E. Cheek.
2021
The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts was re-established and named.
2023
Selected by the Department of the Air Force to lead a research center on tactical autonomy technology.
2025
Became the first HBCU to achieve Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification.
🏛️
159 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

7 notable schools within Howard University

🎭

College of Liberal Arts

One of the university's initial colleges, established within two years of its founding.

🏥

College of Medicine

One of the university's initial colleges, and the first and oldest medical college at an HBCU.

⚖️

School of Law

One of the oldest law schools in the United States, playing a significant role in civil rights.

✝️

School of Divinity

Part of the university's early vision to establish a theological seminary.

🏫

School of Dentistry

Home to the first female dean of any American dental school, Jeanne Sinkford.

🎭

Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts

Re-established in 2021 and named after the distinguished alum, previously absorbed into the College of Arts & Sciences.

🏫

Cathy Hughes School of Communications

A planned new academic building dedicated to communications, part of a major campus investment.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Anthony Wutoh
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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