Charting a Course for Impact: Careers at Howard University
Howard University, a beacon of academic excellence and a cornerstone of Black higher education, offers a diverse array of career opportunities for individuals seeking to contribute to its enduring legacy of "Veritas et Utilitas" - Truth and Service. The university’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and impactful environment extends to its hiring practices, which are designed to be fair, consistent, and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Talent Acquisition division of the Office of Human Resources plays a pivotal role in this process, diligently working to recruit and hire qualified candidates whose skills and aspirations align with the overarching strategic goals of Howard University. This deliberate approach to hiring, often described as selecting staff “for fit,” is not merely a procedural step but a significant contribution to the University’s profound mission.
Exploring Opportunities within the Howard University Ecosystem
The Howard University experience is multifaceted, encompassing not only its esteemed academic institutions but also its vital healthcare and research arms. For those drawn to the front lines of patient care, operations, administration, or essential support services, Howard University Hospital presents a compelling landscape of meaningful opportunities. These roles are integral to the hospital's mission of providing compassionate and high-quality healthcare, often with a particular focus on serving underserved communities.
Beyond the hospital, the University itself is a vibrant hub of innovation and learning, offering a vast spectrum of positions across its 14 schools and colleges. With more than 130 areas of study, Howard provides a rich environment for faculty, researchers, administrative staff, and support personnel to thrive. Whether one's passion lies in pioneering new research, shaping young minds, or ensuring the smooth operation of a world-class institution, a career at Howard University offers the chance to be part of something truly transformative. The University actively seeks individuals who are not only skilled in their respective fields but also share a commitment to its foundational values and its ongoing pursuit of excellence.
A Legacy of Impact: Howard University Alumni Shaping the World
The true measure of an institution's success can often be found in the achievements of its alumni, and Howard University boasts a constellation of individuals who have made indelible marks on society. These alumni, who have walked the same halls and engaged with the same spirit of inquiry as current students and staff, exemplify the transformative power of a Howard education. Their diverse paths highlight the breadth of possibilities that a career at Howard can unlock and the profound influence its graduates wield.
Pioneering Medical Advancements and Humanitarian Efforts: Dr. Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologist, inventor, researcher, and humanitarian, embodies the spirit of innovation and service deeply ingrained in the Howard ethos. Her journey began with an early fascination for science, leading to a merit award for her discoveries at a cancer research workshop at the young age of 16. She later graduated with honors from Howard University's College of Medicine in 1968. Dr. Bath’s career was marked by groundbreaking achievements, including becoming the first woman ophthalmologist appointed to the faculty of the University of California in 1974 and the first woman to chair an ophthalmology residency program in the United States in 1983. Her dedication to ophthalmic health extended to underserved communities, where she pioneered community ophthalmology, a discipline that brought vital services to thousands. Further solidifying her commitment to accessible healthcare, she co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in 1976, advocating for eyesight as a basic human right. Her inventive genius led to the development of the Laserphaco Probe, a surgical tool that revolutionized cataract treatment with enhanced precision and reduced patient discomfort.
Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard
Illuminating the Cosmos and Inspiring Future Scientists: Dr. Beth Brown, an astrophysicist and educator, represents another shining example of Howard's impact on scientific discovery and outreach. Her early fascination with science fiction blossomed into a profound interest in the cosmos. She pursued astrophysics at Howard University, seizing opportunities for internships at NASA during her undergraduate studies. Her academic journey continued at the University of Michigan, where she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Black woman to earn a doctorate in astronomy from the institution. An astronomy course she developed during her graduate education continues to be taught and remains a popular offering at the University of Michigan. Upon completing her doctorate, Dr. Brown returned to NASA as an astrophysicist, dedicating her work to collecting data on elliptical galaxies. Her passion for the universe was matched by a deep desire to share that wonder with others. She excelled in communicating complex astronomical concepts to the general public through television interviews, combining her approachable demeanor with her extensive expertise. Dr. Brown was particularly passionate about encouraging minority students to pursue careers in physics, leaving a legacy of inspiration for aspiring scientists.
Championing Democracy and Civil Rights: The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings, a lawyer, orator, and tireless advocate, dedicated his life to preserving American democracy. Born to parents who had experienced the hardships of sharecropping, Cummings understood adversity from an early age. With the unwavering encouragement of his mother, who championed education despite her own limited formal schooling, he achieved remarkable success. He became the first African American in Maryland history to be named Speaker Pro Tempore, a testament to his skill and leadership. Cummings graduated from Howard University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and subsequently earned his law degree from the University of Maryland. He maintained a lifelong connection to Howard, serving in the Maryland House of Delegates for 14 years before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996. In Congress, he became a powerful voice for the working class, particularly in his Black-majority district. His commitment to justice was evident in his vigorous efforts to combat voter suppression, launching investigations and monitoring organizations accused of targeting voters of color. The issue of voter suppression was deeply personal for Cummings, who recalled his mother’s dying words, urging him to defend the right to vote. He vowed to fight until his passing in October 2019 to ensure this fundamental right for all citizens.
Breaking Barriers in Public Service and Governance: David Norman Dinkins, the first African American Mayor of New York City, served from 1990 to 1993, leaving a significant imprint on urban leadership. A lawyer and author, he joined the faculty of Columbia University after his mayoral term. Born in 1927, Dinkins served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He utilized his veteran educational benefits to pursue mathematics at Howard University, earning his bachelor of science degree in 1950. He later obtained his law degree from Brooklyn Law School. Dinkins was a foundational member of several influential organizations, including the Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus of New York State, the Council of Black Elected Democrats of New York State, and the One Hundred Black Men. He also held positions as vice president of the United States Conference of Mayors and was a member-at-large of the Black Leadership Forum. His passing in November 2020 marked the end of a distinguished career dedicated to public service and community empowerment.
Ascending to the Nation's Highest Offices: Vice President Kamala D. Harris, a distinguished alumna of Howard University, credits her time at the institution as her “formative years,” where her passion for politics was ignited. After earning her undergraduate degree from Howard and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings, she embarked on a career in law and public service. She served as District Attorney of the City and County of San Francisco, and later as California's Attorney General, where she focused on holding corporations accountable and protecting vulnerable populations. In 2017, she became a United States Senator for California, making history as the second African-American woman and the first South Asian-American to hold the position. Her senatorial work included impactful contributions to committees such as Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Intelligence, the Judiciary, and the Budget. In 2019, she announced her presidential candidacy, with her first press conference held at her alma mater, Howard University. Her historic selection as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate in 2020 marked a significant milestone, as she became the first Black woman and the first Asian-American to run for vice president on a major party ticket. Her inauguration as Vice President of the United States on January 20th, 2021, represented a momentous acknowledgment of the leadership Black women have consistently demonstrated.
Shining a Light on the Arts and Mental Health Advocacy: Taraji P. Henson, an Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, and passionate mental health advocate, is another testament to the creative and entrepreneurial spirit nurtured at Howard. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in challenging circumstances, Henson’s path to acting was not without its obstacles. She initially pursued electrical engineering at North Carolina University but later transferred to Howard, graduating in 1995. After moving to Los Angeles, she balanced an office job with early acting roles in television. Her breakthrough came with the film "Baby Boy" in 2001, leading to a prolific film career. Her role as the mother in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" earned her an Academy Award nomination in 2008. In 2015, she returned to television with her Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning portrayal of Cookie Lyon in "Empire," further solidifying her status as a versatile and acclaimed performer. Henson has also become a prominent advocate for mental health, using her platform to raise awareness and destigmatize conversations around psychological well-being.
Read also: Discover the scholarship at Howard University's History Department
Defining Literary Voices and Cultural Narratives: Zora Neale Hurston, a towering figure of 20th-century literature, made profound contributions to American letters and the study of Black culture. Born in Alabama in 1891, her family eventually settled in Eatonville, Florida, where her father served as mayor, marking an early instance of leadership within her community. Hurston's educational journey included studies at Morgan College and an associate's degree from Howard University, where she was an active participant in student government and co-founded The Hilltop newspaper. She later earned a BA in anthropology from Barnard College, immersing herself in the vibrant Black cultural renaissance of Harlem alongside literary giants like Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen. Hurston dedicated her life to documenting and celebrating Black culture, undertaking extensive research in Haiti and Jamaica to study the religions of the African diaspora. Her findings were disseminated through various publications, and she masterfully wove her research into her fictional works. While her groundbreaking novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" and other early short stories were initially overlooked by mainstream audiences, Hurston's unique focus on the experiences of Black women broke literary conventions and ultimately cemented her legacy as a seminal voice in American literature.
Leading Movements for Social Justice and Self-Determination: Kwame Ture, formerly known as Stokely Carmichael, was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a leading voice in the Pan-African and Black nationalist movements. Born in Trinidad in 1941, he immigrated to New York City in 1952. His engagement with civil rights began in high school with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). During his undergraduate studies in philosophy at Howard University, he participated in his first Freedom Ride. After graduating from Howard in 1964, Ture became a field organizer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), playing a crucial role in the Freedom Summer campaign to register Black voters. Disillusioned by the slow pace of integration and the persistent violence against activists, he famously coined the slogan "Black Power" in 1966, advocating for Black self-determination. He later joined the Black Panther Party and traveled globally, engaging with revolutionary leaders. In 1969, he changed his name to Kwame Ture and settled in Conakry, Guinea, where he dedicated the remainder of his life to fostering Pan-African unity.
A Commitment to Fairness and Equal Opportunity
Howard University's hiring policy is underpinned by a steadfast commitment to non-discrimination. The University unequivocally states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, marital status, religion, or disability. This principle is not just a statement of policy but a guiding force in all recruitment and selection processes, ensuring that all qualified individuals have an equal opportunity to contribute to the University's mission. This inclusive approach fosters a diverse and dynamic workforce, enriching the intellectual and cultural environment of Howard University for students, faculty, and staff alike.
The Howard University Difference: Cultivating Potential
The shared experiences of Howard alumni, from the groundbreaking research of Dr. Patricia Bath and Dr. Beth Brown to the public service of Mayor David Dinkins and Representative Elijah Cummings, and the influential careers of Vice President Kamala Harris, Taraji P. Henson, Zora Neale Hurston, and Kwame Ture, all point to a common thread: Howard University cultivates potential and empowers individuals to achieve extraordinary things. The University's educational philosophy, as articulated by Vice President Harris, emphasizes that "you can do any collection of things, and not one thing to the exclusion of the other. You could be homecoming queen and valedictorian. There are no false choices at Howard." This philosophy permeates the entire university, encouraging a holistic development that prepares individuals not only for successful careers but for lives of purpose and impact.
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