Howard University: Mecca of Black education

Ebony, May, 2003 by Kevin Chappell

Two of the university's newest buildings--the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library and the School of Law Library--deliver on that research theme. Both are digital and conducive to labor-intensive study. Much of the university is connected to a wireless infrastructure, allowing students more mobility and flexibility in their learning. The school dormitories are now wired for the Internet and cable television.

"Howard has all of the attributes of a major research university in terms of facilities, equipment, faculty support, student support. This isn't a second-rate institution. You're not going to be impaired or sacrifice your career if you come to Howard," says Swygert, who, during his first years in office, directed the installation of computers in all dormitories and for all full-time faculty members. "If a student comes here, he or she will be with like-minded people, supportive people, and get a great education. At Howard, we recruit some of the best and brightest African-American students and faculty in the country. They are going to expect not to be disadvantaged in terms of resources and facilities. So we have to deliver."