Howard University

Howard University, established in 1867 in Washington, D.C., is a private, historically Black research university named after Union General Oliver Otis Howard. Chartered by an act of Congress, it was founded to provide higher education to formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants. The university began with colleges in liberal arts and medicine and has since expanded to include 14 schools and colleges offering over 140 programs of study.

Howard University is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and public service. It has produced a significant number of African American Ph.D. recipients and is a leading producer of African American students entering medical schools in the U.S. The university's mission emphasizes leadership, truth, and service, aiming to develop leaders who will change the world.

The campus, often referred to as "The Mecca," is located in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and spans 256 acres. Notable landmarks include Founders Library, Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, and Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall, all designated as National Historic Landmarks. In recent years, Howard has undertaken significant investments to revitalize its campus, including a $785 million initiative to construct new academic buildings and renovate existing structures.