About
Professional philosophy
“To the world, you are one person, but to another person, you may be their world." ~Cedric B. Howard
His professional philosophy centers on the belief that transformational leadership, rooted in self-reflection, resilience, and inclusive collaboration, is essential to fostering growth and building strong, thriving organizations and communities.
Dr. Howard's professional philosophy is grounded in his role as a transformational motivator. He believes self-reflection and inner resilience are essential to overcoming obstacles and achieving personal and professional growth. Dr. Howard asserts that by encouraging individuals to confront their internal struggles before tackling external challenges, “Challenges confirm that you’re ready to handle the issue before dealing with external concerns.” This mindset has been a defining aspect of his career, inspiring others to view setbacks not as roadblocks but as valuable opportunities for growth.
Dr. Howard’s vision for education is centered on the belief that strong leadership is the cornerstone of thriving schools and universities. He advocates for leaders who cultivate inclusive, compassionate, and collaborative communities that extend beyond the classroom. This philosophy has driven his ongoing efforts to foster reciprocal relationships between families, communities, and educational institutions, ensuring that education remains a shared, holistic endeavor for all involved.Background
With nearly three decades of experience in higher education, Dr. Cedric B. Howard is widely acknowledged as a significant figure in the field of leadership development.
Dr. Howard is a distinguished leader in higher education, with nearly three decades of experience shaping academic institutions and communities. Throughout his illustrious career, he has earned widespread recognition for his unwavering commitment and significant contributions, which have garnered the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and industry professionals. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, project management expertise, and a keen ability to integrate academic theory with real-world applications. His work spans multiple sectors, including corporate America and government, where he has successfully navigated and led complex, high-impact projects. His strategic vision, combined with his meticulous approach to execution, has resulted in consistently successful outcomes, solidifying his reputation as an influential thought leader and innovator. As a role model for emerging professionals, Dr. Howard’s dedication to excellence, continuous improvement, and ability to inspire others have made him a trusted figure in academic and professional circles. His legacy continues to shape the future of higher education and beyond.
Education
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Education in Educational Administration, and two doctoral degrees—one in Higher Education Administration and the other in Counseling.
Professional Leadership Training & Certifications
State University of New York
SUNY Executive Leadership Institute for Future Presidents
New York, New York (June 2017)American Association of State Colleges and Universities & Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
Millennium Leadership Initiative for Future College Presidents
Washington, DC (June 2014 to July 2015)Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Tacoma
Tacoma, Washington (January 2007 to April 2007)United Negro College Fund
Symposium for Future Presidents
Greensboro, NC (July 2001)Northern Utah Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Northern Utah
Ogden, Utah (September 1997 to June 1998)
Relevant accomplishments
Dr. Howard has achieved several notable accomplishments during his career, such as:
Professional Awards
Community Awards
- CIO Views Magazine (National) – 10 Most Inspiring People in Education (2022)
- United Way of Pierce County (WA) – Live United Award for Community Engagement (2016)
- Washington Student Achievement Council – College Bound Champion Award (2015)
- Weyerhaeuser Company – Dr. MLK, Jr. Living the Dream Award (2013)
- Business Examiner – Top 40 Under 40 of Puget Sound, Washington (2012)
- WA State African American Community Consortium – Father of the Year (2010)