Skip to main content
Category: People
Date: August 23, 2018

Dr. Howard-Vital, former interim chancellor, passes away

WSSU News & Information

Photo of Dr. Michelle Howard-Vital
Dr. Michelle Howard-Vital announces the launch of WSSU's motorsports management program in 2006.

Dr. Michelle Howard-Vital, who served as interim chancellor of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) from 2006-07, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 21.

“I have long held Dr. Howard-Vital in high esteem. She was a passionate advocate for higher education who believed deeply in the mission of our nation’s historically Black colleges and universities,” said WSSU Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson. “While the world has lost a true leader, Dr. Howard-Vital’s legacy of service will live on.”

During her 30-year career, Howard-Vital served in various leadership roles in higher education in four states — Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

In addition to serving as WSSU’s interim chancellor, Dr. Howard-Vital was named the first female president of Cheyney University in Pennsylvania in 2007. She also served as interim president at Florida Memorial University for several months in 2017 before stepping down due to illness.

During her time as chancellor, Howard-Vital, Robinson said, she is remembered as a leader who was focused first and foremost on providing a high-quality, student-centered education.

Memorial services are being planned in Chicago and Wilmington, North Carolina.

Tags: Faculty-Staff, Alumni, Media

More News

WSSU math graduates continue to shine with graduate scholarships, internships, bright futures

Just last fall, Simpson, the WSSU mathematics chair, began the 2025-26 academic year with the smallest possible freshman class. Zero. She finished the school year with 13 first-year students.

Read Moreabout WSSU math graduates continue to shine with graduate scholarships, internships, bright futures

Winston-Salem State University earns national recognition for preparing future elementary teachers in the science of reading

The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at Winston-Salem State University has earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for how well it prepares future educators to teach reading to elementary students.

Read Moreabout Winston-Salem State University earns national recognition for preparing future elementary teachers in the science of reading

WSSU celebrates its largest spring graduating class in a decade

WSSU graduates were encouraged May 15 to walk confidently, trust themselves and live with purpose and integrity during Spring 2026 Commencement Exercises in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Read Moreabout WSSU celebrates its largest spring graduating class in a decade