Phylicia Rashad to become Howard University arts school dean

Phylicia Rashad is set to become the new College of Fine Arts dean for Howard University. 

Howard University issued a press release on Wednesday announcing the news of the hiring of the Howard alumnus, an acclaimed actor of film, stage and television best known for her work on “The Cosby Show” as Claire Huxtable.

Rashad, also a star of the “Creed” films, graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in fine arts from Howard. 

We are pleased to announce that legendary actress and alumna Phylicia Rashad will serve as Dean of the Howard University College of Fine Arts. Read more here: https://t.co/4H0jhg1kRf pic.twitter.com/uWQsDeESHB

— Howard University (@HowardU) May 12, 2021

“It is an honor to welcome one of Howard’s acclaimed daughters back home to Alma Mater. In this full circle moment, Ms. Phylicia Rashad will take the training and skills that she honed as a student at Howard and exuded in an outstanding performing career, and she will share those pearls of wisdom with the next generation of students in the College of Fine Arts. Her passion for the arts and student success makes her a perfect fit for this role,” said Howard provost Anthony K. Wutoh in the statement. 

Rashad’s acting career spans for more than 40 years with credits including “This Is Us,” “Empire,” “David Makes Man,” “Between the World and Me,” “A Raisin in the Sun” and recently her portrayal in Pixar’s Academy Award-winning animated feature, “Soul.”

“I can think of no individual better suited to take on this role than Ms. Phylicia Rashad,” said Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick in the statement. 

“As we reintroduce our campus community and the world at large to Howard’s College of Fine Arts, the dean will play an instrumental role in ensuring an auspicious beginning for this reestablished institution,” he added.
Given Ms. Rashad’s reputation as well as her capabilities and impressive list of accomplishments, she will undoubtedly empower the college to transcend even our incredibly high expectations. Under her leadership, Howard will continue to inspire and cultivate the artists and leaders who will shape our niche and national cultures for generations to come.”

Rashad also taught and mentored fellow Howard University alum Academy Award-nominated actor Chadwick Boseman, who died last August from a battle with colon cancer, when she was a professor at the school. 

Rashad will begin her term as dean July 1.