President Ribeau to lead Howard University

BOWLING GREEN, O.—Bowling Green State University President Sidney A. Ribeau will become the 16th president of Howard University on Aug. 1, trustees of that institution announced Wednesday (May 7).

Located in Washington, D.C., Howard University is one of the nation’s leading, historically black institutions, and is comprised of 12 schools and colleges with 10,500 students. The private university offers 120 areas of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees and operates Howard University Hospital, a Level One Trauma Center.

For the past 13 years, Ribeau has served as president of BGSU, where he initiated a number of successful, innovative, values-based initiatives that provide students with an academic environment that develops culturally literate, technologically sophisticated, productive citizens.

Ribeau upgraded Bowling Green’s communications and computing technology and encouraged collaboration with other institutions to increase operational and cost efficiencies. Under his leadership, BGSU was recognized for its residential learning communities, values-based education and innovative graduate programs. Bowling Green offers programs in more than 270 academic and professional fields and maintains an enrollment of approximately 21,000 students.

“I am excited by the opportunity to head this historic institution,” said Ribeau. “Howard is a remarkable university, a truly international university and one that has made significant contributions not only in this country but around the world, training principally African-Americans for global leadership roles in America and the world.”

Ribeau sent an email message to faculty, staff, students, friends and supporters earlier today, announcing his decision to leave BGSU. “This is a message I never imagined writing,” he admitted, noting it is a bittersweet moment for him and his family. “The kindness and support shared with us will be sorely missed, while a world of new challenges and possibilities awaits us. In 13 years much has been accomplished on campus by dedicated faculty, staff, students, and our administrative team

“The Search Committee was very impressed with Dr. Ribeau’s credentials and his reputation as a facilitator of change and collegial leader. He is a charismatic executive who works effectively inside and outside the institution he heads,” said Gen. Colin L. Powell, U.S. Army (Ret.), who with Richard D. Parsons, chairman of the board of Time Warner, Inc., co-chaired the Howard University Search Committee.

“Dr. Ribeau brings to Howard a complete academic resume, having served as professor, dean and vice president,” Parsons noted. “He has built a well-rounded and impressive resume as a scholar and academic leader in higher education and has a solid record as an effective fund-raiser.”

In addition to his responsibilities at BGSU, Ribeau serves as a trustee for Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association and on the Division I Board of Directors for the National Collegiate Athletic Association. In Ohio, he has served as chair of the Inter-University Council of Presidents. He is also active throughout the state, working with the Bowling Green Area Community Partnership, Regional Growth Partnership, Worthington Industries, Toledo Symphony, Convergys Corp. and The Andersons Inc.

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Howard University news release

(Posted May 07, 2008 )