This semester, Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick is teaching a weekly course for Ph.D. students on the intricacies of higher education presidencies, with a particular focus on minority-serving institutions (MSI). The class, “College and University Presidency,” is a part of the School of Education’s Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies program.
The course’s enrolled students are working towards professional careers in leadership positions at institutions of higher education. The class’s curriculum focuses on preparing students to analyze and reflect on institutional needs and constraints through examining organizational frameworks, competing institutional interests, and external factors. It is one of eight courses designed for first year Ph.D. students, and establishes a foundation for students to gain a theoretical and practical understanding of postsecondary college and universities.
Through this class, Howard aims to produce the next generation of leaders for minority-serving institutions. According to university officials, there are very few higher education policy makers that have a detailed background on MSIs, resulting in a limited ability to discuss how policy impacts these institutions.
“The Higher Education Leadership Policy Studies program at Howard is one of the School of Education’s many innovative approaches to prepare scholars for leadership in urban, underserved, and diverse education settings,” explains Dr. Frederick. “Howard University proudly accepts the responsibility of producing future members of the academe who are analytical, empathetic, solution-driven, and use service justice as the conduit to positively influence the national and global education agenda.”
