After a tenure marked by both acclaim and controversy, acclaimed actress and Howard University alumna Phylicia Rashad has revealed her decision to step down from her role as dean of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. The announcement, made via email by outgoing university president Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick on Monday, signals a significant transition for the esteemed institution.
Rashad, who assumed the position two years ago, brought a unique blend of artistic insight and Hollywood prestige to her role. However, her tenure was not without its challenges. In the past, she faced public backlash for her vocal support of comedian Bill Cosby during his legal battles, prompting a public apology to students and parents.
The news of Rashad’s departure comes amid a broader period of change for Howard University, as Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick himself prepares to step down from his position next month. This dual transition at the helm of the institution raises questions about the future direction of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts and the university as a whole.
Rashad’s legacy at Howard University remains intertwined with her storied career and her commitment to arts education. As an alumna and a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, her influence has been felt across campus and beyond. The upcoming 2023-2024 academic year will mark the conclusion of her tenure as dean, leaving a void that will undoubtedly be felt by students, faculty, and the broader artistic community.
While the university bids farewell to Rashad in her administrative capacity, her impact on Howard University’s artistic landscape and her ongoing engagement with the institution’s future endeavors remain subjects of interest and speculation. As the academic year approaches, the transition prompts reflection on the institution’s artistic legacy and the path it will forge moving forward.
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Written by:
Dana Sterling-Editor
