Howard University to rename College of Fine Arts after Chadwick Boseman

By Setareh Jalali

Howard University announced yesterday that it will name its newly re-established College of Fine Arts in honor of the late actor and alumnus Chadwick Boseman.  

Boseman attended the school in the late 90’s and was a student when the university made the decision to merge the College of Fine Arts with the College of Arts and Sciences because of employee cuts. Boseman was one of the students who helped lead protests opposing the consolidation, according to the university’s press release. 

After his graduation from Howard in 2000, Boseman remained involved in conversations about the school and advocated for the reestablishment of the college.  

In 2018, the same year that Boseman served as the commencement speaker, the university announced its plans to reestablish the College of Fine Arts.  

“He was filled with ideas and plans to support the effort in a powerful way,” said University President Wayne A.I. Frederick. “Chadwick’s love for Howard University was sincere, and although he did not live to see those plans through to fruition, it is my honor to ensure his legacy lives on…” 

Boseman died of colon cancer last year at 43.  

The news comes a week after the university announced that actress and alumna Phylicia Rashad, known for her portrayal of Claire Huxtable on the Cosby Show, would serve as dean of the college.  

The new facility will also house the Cathy Hughes School of Communications and the university’s television and radio stations.