President Barack Obama has appointed Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick, M.D. '94, to the President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs. 

"I feel grateful and honored by this appointment," said Dr. Frederick. "I will work to fulfill President Obama's confidence in me and his commitment to HBCUs."

"The role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the nation's higher education arena and in the discourse of higher education is critical. We must make sure they thrive," he adds. "The 100-plus HBCUs of this nation represent an array of diversity, in size, in scope of offerings and in students enrolled. I appreciate this diversity, and I intend to be a staunch advocate for the role of these very important institutions."

The Board issues an Annual Federal Plan for Assistance to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to the President on participation by HBCUs in federally-sponsored programs; provides advice to the Secretary of Education and makes recommendations in reports to the President on how to increase the private sector role in strengthening HBCUs, with particular emphasis on enhancing institutional infrastructure and facilitating planning, development, and the use of new technologies to ensure the goal of long-term viability and enhancement of these institutions. Members are appointed by the President and include representatives of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, other institutions of higher education, business and financial institutions, private foundations, and secondary education.