Howard University has appointed renowned historian and bestselling author Dr. Ibram X. Kendi to lead its newly established Institute for Advanced Study, marking a
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
Kendi, a MacArthur Fellowship recipient and one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people, brings considerable scholarly credentials to the position. His appointment continues Howard's legacy of housing influential Black intellectuals and fostering groundbreaking research on racial justice.
“This is the most fulfilling career choice I have ever made,” said Kendi, who is currently a professor at Boston University but has held teaching positions at American University, University of Florida and SUNY Albany. "I have had my eye on the Mecca my entire career, studying its history and witnessing what Howard means to the culture.”
The new institute will implement a competitive residential fellowship program, bringing together international scholars to pursue research projects across various disciplines. A unique aspect of the program pairs each fellow with a Howard student, creating mentorship opportunities while advancing research goals. The fellowship program will also be available to Howard's faculty members.
Howard's Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Anthony K. Wutoh said there is a strong alignment between Kendi's work and the university's mission.
“Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's exceptional scholarship and unwavering commitment to social justice align perfectly with Howard University's mission and values as we deepen our scholarship on the African Diaspora," he said.
The institute's research agenda is ambitious, targeting persistent inequities across multiple sectors including technology, healthcare, education, environmental issues, economics, governance, and the criminal legal system. This comprehensive approach reflects Howard's historical commitment to addressing systemic racism through scholarly inquiry.
