Government Association ( SGA ), a resident assistant ( RA ), Homecoming King , charter member of Psi Chi Honor Society for Psychology , Alpha Phi Alpha , Mu Gamma Chapter president and Greek Man of the Year . GCSU Alumni Association honored Howard in 2016 with the Ethel Rae Mozo-Stewart Award for distinguished alumni community service .
“ I was fortunate that I was very active at Georgia College when I was an undergraduate . My life was on campus ,” Howard says . “ I was also fortunate that former GCSU President Dr . Edwin Speir Jr . and Vice President of Student Life Dr . Kurt Hofmann identified me as a potential candidate for the field of student affairs .”
“ George College served as a springboard to change the trajectory of my family ,” he says . “ It was the impetus and conduit that transformed the expectation that prior to me , we were hoping that everyone graduated high school . Now , it ’ s the expectation that everyone graduates from college .”
Howard feels obligated to give back to his alma mater . He does so in recognition of the lessons he learned , the sense of belonging he felt and connection he continues to enjoy with Georgia College . So , Howard offers a scholarship dedicated to Georgia College students who are in financial need . He feels fortunate that all his cousins will have college degrees , because the family made a conscious effort to fund them .
“ I ’ ve tried to duplicate this effort at Georgia College ,” Howard says . “ That really speaks to our commitment to social justice by using a social-equity lens to address the needs of our students .”
Howard credits GCSU ’ s psychology program with building his resiliency and teaching him how to have grit . This challenged him to be a good leader and the best version of himself . Resiliency and grit are traits he practices in his career day-in , day-out .
“ I developed these concepts at Georgia College ,” he says . “ I use obstacles in my life as the ability for me to see farther and higher . I learned this trait when dealing with Dr . Greg Jarvie , who taught abnormal psychology .”
Howard earned an 89.40 in his abnormal psychology class , earning him a B . He pleaded his case to Jarvie to get an A .
“ I ’ ll give you an A , if you think you deserve it ,”
Jarvie says . “ Just remember , the grade doesn ’ t define you , the knowledge is the same . If you want an A , I ’ ll give it to you , but you earned a B .”
“ That experience transformed my way of thinking to value the things I ’ ve earned ,” Howard says . “ It showed me I ’ m not just entitled to something , especially when I have fallen short of expectations . It was very clear that even if I had an 89.9 , that does not necessarily mean that I met the expectations of receiving an A .”
Dr . Jarvie helped develop Howard ’ s moral integrity through this lesson .
“ He showed me the importance of having a moral compass to set my course and having the guidepost to realize that expectation and entitlement shouldn ’ t be something that ’ s given to me just because I felt I deserved it , but to value the things I ’ ve earned ,” Howard says . “ That conversation in abnormal psychology really changed me .” “ When I think about GCSU ’ s slogan — to think independently and lead creatively — it ’ s embedded in everything I do ,” he says . “ GCSU has helped me to think and live in a way where I serve as a conduit to transform other lives .”
Through the years , he ’ s felt that serving other students is the reward in his profession . The most impactful student experience for him occurred in February 2000 . He was the chief student affairs officer of a small liberal arts college and working on his doctoral degree .
The homecoming king and queen were in a longstanding relationship since high school . Shortly after the crowning on Saturday night , there was a conflict , and they separated . The following Tuesday , the queen invited the king to her car to get his things . When he began to retrieve them , she pulled a gun on him and shot him three times .
“ He had enough energy to run into my office ,” Howard says . “ And , she ran behind him with the gun . She saw me and threw the gun down . We were able to save his life . This is when I realized the importance of being relevant and active in each student ’ s life .”
The trial took place about a year later . When she was asked what her intent was ? She says she was going to end his life . Then , she was asked , why didn ’ t it occur ?
“ I saw Dean Howard , and the disappointment in his eyes ,” she says . “ So , I threw down the gun and realized I had made a significant mistake .”
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“ That incident spoke to me of my ability and the privilege I have to affect the lives of our students in a positive manner ,” Howard says . “ Fast forward to 2009 . He forgave her . They got married , and the couple named their first-born Cedric . I ’ ve kept in touch with them over the years , and they are happily married .”
The traumatic experience helped Howard realize anyone can make a decision that affects their entire life . This , in part , is why he developed the restorative sanctioning process for student conduct where students are held to a level of accountability .
“ We ’ re in the business of developing individuals to represent us , not just as students , but as global citizens who are doing good ,” he says .
Howard feels honored to be named as one of the “ Top 10 Inspiring People in Education ” by CIO Views Magazine . He was one of hundreds of nominees for this award . He credits his mentors for shaping his trajectory . One , Dr . Paul Jahr , former housing director and assistant vice president for Student Affairs , taught him the greatest struggle you must overcome in life is the one within yourself .
“ This helped me realize that I could be successful ,” Howard says . “ These conversations were very developmental and have had long-lasting effects within my life .”
Now , Howard has those discussions with students to give them hope for their success . In September , he spoke at a fall banquet for the Ronald McNair Scholars Program . To qualify for that program , applicants must be first-generation college students and come from a low-income family . Several scholars were inspired by his remarks and spoke to Howard after the program .
“ You own your truth ,” one student said . “ You own that you came from a home in the housing projects in Macon , Georgia . You own that college was difficult for you . You own that you didn ’ t feel you belonged in college , but you had mentors who got you through it .” “ When I see this next generation owning their truth , that ’ s inspiring to me ,” Howard says . “ It gives me courage that what we ’ re doing is beneficial .”
“ You can ’ t use a national survey or focus group to really get that feeling ,” he says . “ When people understand and accept who they are — and are true and authentic to themselves — it ’ s the greatest gift they can give to the world .”
— GC Communications
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