WASHINGTON — Wayne A. I. Frederick, Howard University’s interim president, has been selected as the university’s 17th president, the university says.

The Howard University Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of a Presidential Search Committee that included alumni, trustees and faculty.

“After conducting an exhaustive national search, we identified a finalist pool, comprised of both internal and external candidates. From this stellar group, Dr. Frederick stood out as supremely qualified, remarkably motivated, and uniquely suited to lead Howard University,”

Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. said, in a news release.

Frederick, who is a scholar, surgeon, researcher and administrator, previously served as the unversity’s provost and chief academic officer.

Frederick is a graduate of Howard University. He enrolled at the age of 16 and earned a dual Bachelor of Science and medial degree at 22.

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