Wayne A. I. Frederick, President Emeritus, Howard University

Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick is President Emeritus of Howard University, having served as the institution's 17th president from 2014 to 2023. Under his leadership, Howard University made significant strides in student opportunity, academic innovation, public service, and fiscal stability. He was recently appointed by the Howard University Board of Trustees as the distinguished Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery.

During his presidency, Dr. Frederick led numerous reform initiatives, including the expansion of academic offerings, the establishment of innovative programs to support student success, and the modernization of university facilities. His tenure marked a period of considerable growth and transformation for the university.

Dr. Frederick graduated from Howard University’s dual bachelor of science/medical doctorate program at the age of 22. He later earned master’s of business administration from Howard University's Business School in 2011. His academic career began as the associate director of the Cancer Center at the University of Connecticut. An accomplished scholar, Dr. Frederick has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, abstracts, and editorials, and is a widely recognized expert in the fields of healthcare disparities and medical education. His medical research focuses on reducing racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in cancer-care outcomes, with a particular emphasis on gastrointestinal cancers.

Throughout his career, Dr. Frederick has received numerous recognitions, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. In 2021, he was recognized by the Carnegie Corporation of New York as one of 34 naturalized citizens honored for their contributions to strengthening the United States.

Dr. Frederick currently serves on the boards of the American Cancer Society, Humana, and Insulet. He is an active member of several professional associations, including the American Surgical Association and the American College of Surgeons. Recently, he was appointed Senior Independent Director of Mutual of America and also serves as an advisor for Boston Consulting Group.