History of Howard University in Timeline

Howard University is a prestigious, private, historically Black research university (HBCU) located in Washington, D.C. Notably, it holds an R1 classification, signifying very high research activity and making it the sole HBCU with this designation. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Howard stands as a leading institution dedicated to academic excellence and research within the Black community and beyond.

December 1907: Carnegie Grant for Library

In December 1907, Andrew Carnegie granted Howard University $50,000 to establish its first library, which was located in the Carnegie Building.

1924: First Official Homecoming

Howard's first official homecoming was held in 1924, establishing a tradition that takes place every fall semester with a new theme developed by the homecoming committee.

1924: Calvin Coolidge Speaks at Howard

In 1924, Calvin Coolidge became the first sitting president to speak at Howard University. His graduation speech, titled 'The Progress of a People,' highlighted the accomplishments of African-Americans since the Civil War.

1924: Founding of 'The Hilltop' Newspaper

In 1924, Zora Neale Hurston founded 'The Hilltop', Howard University's student newspaper, which has a long legacy at the university.

1925: Publication of 'The New Negro'

In 1925, Alain Locke, the chair of the Department of Philosophy at Howard University, authored 'The New Negro,' which played a significant role in ushering in the Harlem Renaissance.

The New Negro

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1926: Mordecai Wyatt Johnson Becomes President

In 1926, Mordecai Wyatt Johnson became the first African-American president of Howard University.

1928: Establishment of the Howard University Gallery of Art

In 1928, the Howard University Gallery of Art was established by Howard's board of trustees to serve as an academic resource.

1932: Publication of 'The Journal of Negro Education' Begins

In 1932, Howard University began publishing 'The Journal of Negro Education'.

1942: Students Pioneer "Stool-Sitting" Technique

Beginning in 1942, Howard University students began pioneering the "stool-sitting" technique at a local cafeteria that denied service to African Americans, blocking other customers from getting service. This was a tactic that later became a prominent part of the Civil Rights Movement.

January 1943: Students Organize Sit-Ins and Pickets

In January 1943, Howard University students began organizing regular sit-ins and pickets around Washington, D.C. at cigar stores and cafeterias that refused to serve them because of their race.

1944: End of Sit-In Protests

In the fall of 1944, the sit-in protests organized by Howard University students, which had begun in January 1943, came to an end.

1960: End of Mordecai Wyatt Johnson's Presidency

In 1960, Mordecai Wyatt Johnson's tenure as president of Howard University concluded after serving since 1926.

1965: Griffith Stadium's Last Year of Use

In 1965 Griffith Stadium, located on the site where Howard University Hospital would be built, was in use as home of the MLB Senators and NFL's Washington Redskins.

1965: Lyndon B. Johnson's Speech at Howard

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson delivered a speech to the graduating class at Howard University, outlining his plans for civil rights legislation and endorsing affirmative action to combat the effects of segregation.

1975: Jeanne Sinkford Appointed First Female Dean

Also in 1975, Jeanne Sinkford was appointed as the dean of Howard University's school of dentistry, making her the first female dean of any American dental school.

1975: Opening of Howard University Hospital

In 1975, Howard University Hospital opened on the eastern end of campus, on the site of the former Griffith Stadium.

1975: Freedman's Hospital Closes, Howard University Hospital Opens

In 1975, the historic Freedman's Hospital closed after 112 years of use as Howard University College of Medicine's primary teaching hospital. Howard University Hospital opened that same year to continue serving as HUCM's teaching hospital and to serve the surrounding community.

1976: Birthplace of the Quiet Storm Radio Format

In 1976, WHUR-FM became the birthplace of the quiet storm late-night radio format, created by student intern Melvin Lindsey, named after Smokey Robinson's song and album 'Quiet Storm' and 'A Quiet Storm', respectively.

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1986: Rhodes Scholars

Between 1986 and 2017, Howard University produced four Rhodes Scholars.

1989: Student Protest Against Lee Atwater's Appointment

In 1989, Howard University students protested the appointment of Republican National Committee Chairman Lee Atwater to the university's board of trustees, leading to his resignation and that of Howard's President, James E. Cheek.

1993: Founding of The Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center

Founded in 1993, The Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center (RBC) was established to enhance international engagement for the benefit of the Howard University community.

1997: Protests Against College of Fine Arts Absorption

In 1997, Chadwick Boseman, as a student, led protests against the absorption of the College of Fine Arts into the College of Arts & Sciences.

1998: Scholar Production

Between 1998 and 2009, Howard University produced a Marshall Scholar, two Truman Scholars, twenty-two Fulbright Scholars, and ten Pickering Fellows.

April 2007: Call for President Swygert's Ouster

In April 2007, the head of the faculty senate called for the ouster of Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert, citing a state of crisis within the school.

May 2008: Sidney Ribeau Appointed President

In May 2008, Howard University announced that Sidney Ribeau of Bowling Green State University would succeed H. Patrick Swygert as president.

June 2008: Swygert's Retirement Announcement

In June 2008, H. Patrick Swygert retired as president of Howard University after announcing his decision in May 2007.

2009: Scholar Production

Between 1998 and 2009, Howard University produced a Marshall Scholar, two Truman Scholars, twenty-two Fulbright Scholars, and ten Pickering Fellows.

2013: Allegations of Crisis at Howard University

In 2013, Howard University faced allegations of crisis, including criticisms from the vice chairwoman of the board of trustees and allegations of fiscal mismanagement from the Council of Deans.

July 2014: Wayne A. I. Frederick Named President

In July 2014, Howard's Board of Trustees officially named Wayne A. I. Frederick as the school's 17th president, after he served as interim president since October 2013.

May 2016: Obama's Commencement Address

In May 2016, President Barack Obama delivered a commencement address at Howard University, encouraging graduates to advocate for racial change and prepare for future challenges.

2016: Yardfest Returns

After a two-year hiatus, the Yardfest returned in 2016 as one of the cherished traditions of Howard University's Homecoming week, which includes the Homecoming Football Game and Tailgate, Pep Rally, Coronation Ball, Greek Step-Show (Howard NPHC Greeks), and Fashion Show.

2016: Opening of the Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRB)

In 2016, the Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRB) opened as a multi-story research facility designed to promote collaborative research. The facility cost $70 million to complete.

2017: Rhodes Scholars

Between 1986 and 2017, Howard University produced four Rhodes Scholars.

2017: Google Establishes 'Howard University West'

In 2017, Google Inc. launched a pilot residency program called 'Howard University West' on its Mountain View campus to promote diversity in the tech industry.

2017: Establishment of the Bison STEM Scholars Program

In 2017, Howard University established the Bison STEM Scholars Program to increase the number of underrepresented minorities in STEM research careers.

2018: 'Howard University West' Renamed 'Tech Exchange'

In 2018, 'Howard University West' expanded into a full academic year program and was renamed 'Tech Exchange', including other minority-serving institutions.

2018: Student Sit-In Over Funding Misuse

In 2018, nearly 1,000 Howard University students held a sit-in to protest the administration's handling of funding, after a post revealed the misuse of financial aid and tuition remission, which led to a Department of Education investigation.

2020: Chadwick Boseman's Death

Chadwick Boseman died in 2020 from cancer.

2020: Financial Aid Distribution

In 2020, 82% of first-year students at Howard University received need-based financial aid.

2020: MacKenzie Scott Donates to Howard University

In 2020, MacKenzie Scott donated $40 million to Howard University.

2020: Bison STEM Scholars Program Renamed

In 2020, The Bison STEM Scholars Program was renamed the Martha and Bruce Karsh Stem Scholars Program (KSSP) following a $10 million donation.

May 2021: College of Fine Arts Named After Chadwick A. Boseman

In May 2021, Howard University announced that the re-established college of fine arts would be named the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.

2021: Freshman Class Applications

In 2021, Howard University received 29,391 applications for the incoming freshman class, with 10,362 (35%) being accepted.

March 2022: $785 Million Investment Announced

In March 2022, Howard University announced a $785 million investment over four years to construct new STEM and academic buildings, including those for the Chadwick Boseman School of Fine Arts and the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, and to renovate existing buildings.

July 2022: Disney Storytellers Fund Established

In July 2022, The Walt Disney Company established the Disney Storytellers Fund at Howard's Cathy Hughes School of Communications and the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts to support creative student projects.

October 2022: Disney Storytellers Fund Expands

In October 2022, the Disney Storytellers Fund expanded to other HBCU campuses.

2023: Tax-Exempt Bond Issued for Housing

In 2023, Howard University issued a $300 million tax-exempt bond to address housing issues as part of a larger $785 million investment.

2023: Howard Selected to Lead Research Center

In 2023, Howard University was selected by the Department of the Air Force to lead a research center focused on tactical autonomy technology for military systems.

2023: MacKenzie Scott Donates to Howard University

In 2023, MacKenzie Scott donated $12 million to Howard University.

February 2024: Ice Skating Club Competes

In February 2024, the Howard University Ice Skating Club became the first HBCU organization to compete in an intercollegiate figure skating competition, the Blue Hen Ice Classic. The club competed in the Team Maneuvers – Low event, Gabrielle Francis competed in the Pre-Preliminary Women Excel event, and Maya James competed in the Juvenile Women Short Program.

2024: Value of the 2020 Donation Adjusted for Inflation

As of 2024, the $10 million donation from 2020 towards the Martha and Bruce Karsh Stem Scholars Program is worth approximately $11.9 million when adjusted for inflation.

2024: Cost of the Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRB) Adjusted for Inflation

As of 2024, the $70 million cost to complete the Interdisciplinary Research Building (IRB) is equivalent to $89.4 million when adjusted for inflation.

February 2025: Howard Achieves R1 Carnegie Classification

In February 2025, Howard University became the first HBCU to achieve Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification.

November 2025: MacKenzie Scott's $80 Million Gift

In November 2025, MacKenzie Scott donated an $80 million gift to Howard University, which included $17 million for the Howard University College of Medicine. This gift marked one of the largest donations in the school's history.