Actress Phylicia Rashad has announced that she will be stepping down from her position as Dean of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts after the 2023-24 school year. The news comes two years after Rashad was appointed to the role, receiving praise for her efforts from the university administration. However, no statement has been made regarding the reasons behind her departure.
A Legacy at Howard University
Phylicia Rashad is an esteemed alumna of Howard University, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. Over the years, she has also served as adjunct faculty and guest lecturer at various institutions, including New York University, Carnegie Mellon University, SUNY Purchase, Vassar College, and Fordham University. Her dedication to education and the arts has been widely recognized, making her appointment as Dean a natural progression in her career.
Controversial Tweet
In 2021, Rashad found herself in hot water after expressing support for her former co-star, Bill Cosby, whose sexual assault conviction had been overturned. This tweet resulted in a reprimand from Howard University, as it sparked controversy and significant backlash. While Rashad’s intention may have been to support a colleague, her choice of words and timing were unfortunate, considering the serious nature of the allegations against Cosby.
Beyond her role as Dean and her affiliation with Howard University, Phylicia Rashad has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Many people recognize her for her iconic portrayal of Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, a role that earned her two out of her five Emmy nominations. In addition, she has received two Primetime Emmy nominations for her guest appearance as Carol on NBC’s This Is Us. Rashad’s talent extends beyond television, as she also achieved acclaim for her performance as Lena Younger in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, both on stage and in the film adaptation.
In recent years, Rashad has continued to make her mark in the world of television and film. She portrayed Diana Dubois on the Fox series Empire, showcased her acting prowess as Dr. Woods-Trap in Tarrell Alvin McCraney’s Peabody Award-winning series David Makes Man on the OWN Network, and lent her voice to the character of Libba Gardner in Pixar’s Academy Award-winning animated feature, Soul. Additionally, she took on the role of Grandmother Journey in the Netflix holiday musical Jingle Jangle and portrayed Dr. Jones in the HBO Max adaptation of Between the World and Me.
The Future of Howard University’s College of Fine Arts
With Phylicia Rashad’s impending departure as Dean, the future of Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts remains uncertain. Rashad’s tenure made a significant impact, and her absence will undoubtedly leave a void. It will be crucial for the university to find a suitable replacement who can not only continue her work but also bring their unique perspective and vision to the role.
A Lasting Legacy
While Phylicia Rashad’s time as Dean may be coming to an end, her contributions to Howard University and the world of fine arts will always be remembered. From her successful acting career to her dedication to education, Rashad has left an indelible mark. As she transitions into the next chapter of her life, it will be fascinating to see what new opportunities and ventures await her.