It’s been more than 50 years since graduating magna cum laude from Howard University – a historically black college with a bachelor’s in fine arts and now, Cosby Show show star Phylicia Rashad, 72, has been named dean of the College of Fine Arts at her alumini this week.
The award winning actress and director will start the position on July 1.
“I can think of no individual better suited to take on this role than Ms. Phylicia Rashad,” Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick said in a statement announcing the news. “As we reintroduce our campus community and the world at large to Howard’s College of Fine Arts, the dean will play an instrumental role in ensuring an auspicious beginning for this reestablished institution.”
“It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and to work with the Howard University administration, faculty and students in reestablishing the College of Fine Arts,” Rashad who recently starred in the hit show ‘This Is Us’ said in a statement, according to CNN.
“I would like to see the work that was established during my time blossom again with a new thrust,” she added to the Washington Post.
As dean, Rashad will set her eyes on teaching, modernizing the school’s curriculum, expanding enrollment and designing a more modern fine arts building, Frederick told the Post.
“Given Ms. Rashad’s reputation as well as her capabilities and impressive list of accomplishments, she will undoubtedly empower the college to transcend even our incredibly high expectations,” Frederick said in his statement.
“Under her leadership,” he added, “Howard will continue to inspire and cultivate the artists and leaders who will shape our niche and national cultures for generations to come.”
