Howard University has hired a well-known actress and stage director to serve as the dean of the school’s recently reestablished College of Fine Arts.
Phylicia Rashad, 72, who played Claire Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” will begin her post on July 1, 2021.
Rashad who graduated magna cum laude from Howard in 1970 with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree will undoubtedly catapult the school’s theater and directing programs—which has a reputation of producing actors like the late Chadwick Boseman—to greater heights.
“I can think of no one individual better suited to take on this role than Ms. Phylicia Rashad,” said Howard’s president, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick. “Given Ms. Rashad’s reputation as well as her capabilities and impressive lists 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.”
While it’s rare to see actors take on administrative roles at colleges and universities, it is not unprecedented. Actor Clifton Davis, who starred in such television shows as “Amen” and “That’s My Mama,” served as vice chancellor for development at Elizabeth City State University in the early 2000s.
Experts predict that Rashad’s visibility on campus will undoubtedly help the university maintain its connection with the acting community, while also helping to secure deep philanthropic gifts from weathy donors.
“It is an honor to welcome one of Howard’s acclaimed daughters back home to Alma Mater,” said Dr. Anthony K. Wutoh, the university’s provost. “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,” he added.
