Robert Morris University Announces New President Dr. Christopher B. Howard
TribIn a move that marked the end of a national search, Robert Morris University trustees Thursday named Christopher B. Howard, president of Hampden-Sydney College, the eighth president of the school.
Howard, 46, a United States Air Force Academy graduate and Rhodes Scholar, is scheduled to take the helm at Robert Morris on Feb. 1.
“Dr. Howard is a high-energy, charismatic and visionary leader who believes in the power of mentorship — a perfect fit for RMU,” said Gary Claus, chairman of the school's board of trustees.
His appointment marks the conclusion of a search that began shortly after former RMU President Gregory Dell'Omo announced his plans to leave Robert Morris last December. Dell'Omo left Robert Morris in June after 10 years to become the president of Rider University in his home state of New Jersey.
Howard has been president of Hampden-Sydney, a Virginia private liberal arts college for men with an enrollment of 1,100, since 2009. At Robert Morris, he'll oversee a university with an enrollment of 5,350.
While the schools are differ in size and mission, Howard, who previously was vice president for leadership and strategic initiatives at the University of Oklahoma and serves on the board of regents at Baylor University, said all four schools share one important characteristic.
“All of them are committed to excellence and helping people understand this world and the world around them,” Howard said.