In a recent press release, Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick announced that actress Phylicia Rashad will be stepping down as the Dean of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts after the 2023-24 school year. This news comes two years after Rashad assumed the role, and while the administration praised her efforts, the reasons behind her departure remain undisclosed.
A Legacy at Howard University
Phylicia Rashad’s connections to Howard University run deep. Not only did she graduate from the university with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, but she has also served as adjunct faculty and guest lecturer at various prestigious institutions including New York University, Carnegie Mellon University, SUNY Purchase, Vassar College, and Fordham University. Her wealth of experience and dedication to the arts made her a natural fit for the position of Dean at Howard.
An Unfortunate Tweet
However, Rashad faced significant backlash in 2021 when she tweeted her support for her former co-star Bill Cosby, whose sexual assault conviction was ultimately overturned. Her ill-advised message received a reprimand from the university. While there is no confirmation whether this incident played a role in her decision to step down, it undoubtedly created tensions within the Howard community.
A Versatile Performer
Phylicia Rashad rose to prominence through her iconic portrayal of Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, a role that earned her two out of her five Emmy nominations. Her talent extends beyond the sitcom realm, as she also earned Primetime Emmy nominations for her captivating performance as Carol on NBC’s This Is Us in the guest actress drama series category. Furthermore, Rashad received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Lena Younger in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, both on stage and on screen, earning her an Emmy and SAG nominations for Best Actress.
A Continuing Presence
While stepping down as Dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, Rashad’s career in the entertainment industry shows no signs of slowing down. Her recent TV and film credits include standout roles such as Diana Dubois on the Fox series Empire, Dr. Woods-Trap in Tarrell Alvin McCraney’s Peabody Award-winning series David Makes Man on the OWN Network, and the voice of Libba Gardner in Pixar’s Academy Award-winning animated feature, Soul. She has also graced the screen as Grandmother Journey in the Netflix holiday musical Jingle Jangle and portrayed Dr. Jones in the HBO Max production of Between the World and Me.
A Transition for Howard University
As Howard University bids farewell to Phylicia Rashad in her role as Dean, a void in leadership will need to be filled. Finding an individual who not only embodies the talent and dedication to the arts that Rashad possesses but also fosters a sense of unity within the community will be no small task. It will be crucial for the university to select a successor who can build upon Rashad’s legacy and continue to propel the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts forward.
Phylicia Rashad’s departure as the Dean of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts marks the end of a chapter in the university’s history. While the specific reasons for her decision to step down remain undisclosed, her contributions to the institution and the wider world of entertainment cannot be understated. As Howard University prepares for this transition, the legacy left behind by Rashad will undoubtedly shape the future of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts for years to come.
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