Christopher B. Howard

2012 Honoree - One of the youngest college presidents in the United States

The words "Forming Good Men and Good Citizens" are inscribed on a flag that overlooks the Hampden-Sydney College campus. Those same words can be applied to the college’s 24th president, Dr. Christopher B. Howard, who arrived at the historical all-male liberal arts college in 2009.

Howard, 42, is one of the youngest college presidents in the United States. He also is the first African American to lead the 236-year-old institution in Hampden Sydney, Va. Howard’s youthful energy, coupled with a sharp intellect and enthusiasm for his work, has not gone unnoticed. The college’s current freshman class is the "largest, most accomplished, most diverse class ever," he said. "That’s very positive. Alumni participation is up, giving is up, and football is winning."

Winning in all aspects of life is important to Howard, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he earned a degree in political science. As a starting running back for the academy’s football team, Howard received the Campbell Award, the highest academic recognition in the country presented to a senior football player.  From 1994 to 1999, Howard served as a helicopter pilot and intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force. As a Rhodes Scholar, he earned a doctorate of philosophy degree in politics at Oxford University in 1994, and a master of business administration from the Harvard Business School. Called to active duty in Afghanistan in 2003, he was awarded a Bronze Star. He currently is an Air Force lieutenant colonel serving as the reserve attaché to Liberia.

Howard said he knew at age 13 that he wanted to serve his country. He also knew that "if you work hard, good things will happen." Watching the work ethic demonstrated by his parents and reading about black history further motivated him to succeed, he said.

Before joining Hampden-Sydney, Howard was vice president for Leadership & Strategic Initiatives at the University of Oklahoma, where he directed the Honors College Leadership Center.  He serves on several advisory boards, including the Impact Young Lives Foundation, supporting South African college students of color, and the National Council of Advisors of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress.

Howard also is co-author of the book, Money Makers: Inside the New World of Finance and Business.

"What our nation and indeed the world needs now are thoughtful, brave and caring young people willing to lead, to serve and to respect others.  Look in the mirror: What the world needs is you!"