Howard University Names Crystal Brown as Vice President of Communications

Seasoned communications strategist will drive marketing, brand and communications for the University
Crystal Brown

Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick today named Crystal Brown the new Vice President of Communications and Chief Communications Officer (CCO).  She will begin her duties January 30, 2017. 

Previously the Chief Communications Officer at the University of Maryland, College Park, Brown brings to the position 20+ years of communications and leadership in the higher education industry and has an extensive portfolio of accomplishments across public and private sectors.

“Ms. Brown understands the importance of communications strategy in advancing the brand and reputation of a university,” said Dr. Frederick.  “Her depth of experience and proven track record will help us navigate the dynamic world of communications we face today. I look forward to Howard benefiting from her leadership.”

Brown will be responsible for developing a strategic communications plan for the University and overseeing marketing, brand, media relations, crisis communications and reputation management.  Serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, she will advise the president and other senior officers on a broad range of internal and external communications. 

“Howard University is known for its exceptional scholarship,” said Brown. “The impact of its extraordinary faculty, alumni, students, and staff is felt around the globe. I’m looking forward to joining this remarkable academic community and helping to raise the profile of these notable achievements locally, nationally, and internationally.”

At Maryland, Brown provided critical leadership for a number of key areas, including media relations, issues management, and crisis communications.  During her tenure she developed initiatives that enhanced the university’s reputation and offered guidance through key times of crisis. 

Previously, Brown held the position of senior vice president for the PK-12 education practice at Widmeyer Communications agency, overseeing the firm’s largest education clients. Brown also served as senior vice president of E-Luminate Group, a marketing and strategic communications firm specializing in education technology and education policy.

Brown currently serves as the immediate past chairperson of the Board of Directors for the National Education Association Foundation and is a member of the Advisory Board for DreamBox Learning.

Brown received a B.A. in Rhetoric and Communications with high distinction from the University of Virginia.

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, nine Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 60 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States.  For more information on Howard University, please visit www.howard.edu.

Anthony D. Owens
Assistant Director, Media Relations
Howard University
anthony.owens@howard.edu
202-870-9208

Source: Howard University