Reports of Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau’s retirement caused several reactions on Twitter yesterday as the sudden news shocked faculty, staff and students and supporters of the nation’s most recognized HBCU.
Howard U’s Prez, Sid Ribeau, was a force for good! @MorehousePrez wonders what it is about HBCU culture that cannot abide new voices…
— John Silvanus Wilson (@MorehousePrez) October 2, 2013
Ribeau announced his departure Howard after just five years in office: “This is the time, this is the season, for me to retire from the presidency,” Ribeau told The Washington Post.
In an open letter Ribeau thanked the Howard community for the many accomplishments achieved during his tenure from collaboration. “Serving as the president of Howard University was the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Ribeau.
“In nearly 150 years, only 16 people have had this privilege. It is one I will always treasure. Again, I would like to thank the entire community for supporting me, for extending a collegial spirit and for helping us to expand and renew the Capstone.”
A drop for the university in a major national ranking, a downgrade in its credit rating and declining enrollment may have led Ribeau to make his decision to retire. In addition, a letter by vice chairwoman of Howard University board of trustees Renee Higginbotham-Brooks stating that the school “is in genuine trouble” did not help his position.
Despite all of this, Ribeau and the school reported that Howard hailed the second-largest freshman class in 15 years.
This story is still developing
Tommy Meade Jr. is the Editor of HBCU Buzz. Follow him on Twitter @tommymeadejr
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