Howard U. Picks Sidney Ribeau as new president

Jet, May 26, 2008 by Kevin Chappell

Howard University Board of Trustees has named Sidney A. Ribeau its 16th president, replacing H. Patrick Swygert, who is retiring in June after 13 years at the helm of the Washington, D.C., school.

Ribeau, who is currently president of Bowling Green State University in Ohio for 13 years, will assume leadership at Howard in August.

"I am excited by the opportunity to serve this historic institution," Ribeau said. "Howard is a remarkable university, a truly international university and one that has made significant contributions not only in this country but around the world, training principally African-Americans for global leadership roles in America and the world."

Raised in Detroit, Ribeau received a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University in 1971. He earned a master's and a doctoral degree in interpersonal communication from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaigu, in 1973 and 1979, respectively.

Gen. Colin L. Powell, who co-chaired the Howard's search committee with Time Warner Board Chairman Richard D. Parsons, said Ribeau is a perfect fit for the university. "The search committee was very impressed with Dr. Ribeau's credentials and his reputation as a facilitator of change and collegial leader," Powell said.

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Ribeau serves as a trustee for Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association and on the President's Council for the National Collegiate Athletic Association. In Ohio, he has served as chair of the Inter-University Council of Presidents. Under Ribeau's leadership, Bowling Green's enrollment increased to approximately 21,000 students, and the university was recognized for its residential learning communities, values-based education and innovative graduate programs.

"Dr. Ribeau brings to Howard a complete academic resume having served as professor, dean and vice president," said Parsons, a Howard alum. "He has built a well-rounded and impressive resume as a scholar and ... has a solid record as an effective fundraiser."