Dr. Eddie J. Howard Jr. has been named Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Success at USC Salkehatchie. Dr. Howard brings over two decades of student-centered experience and a proven record of fostering student achievement to the institution.

"Dr. Howard’s impressive background and genuine passion for student success resonate deeply with our institutional values,” Dean April Cone said.  “We are confident that his leadership will be instrumental in shaping a vibrant and supportive environment where our students can flourish."

Prior to joining USC Salkehatchie, Dr. Howard served as Dean of Students and Executive Director for Housing and Residential Life at Fort Valley State University. His extensive leadership experience in student affairs and enrollment management also includes serving as Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) from 2021 to 2022. Before his tenure at NKU, Dr. Howard held the position of Vice President for Student Affairs at Youngstown State University, where he was responsible for implementing comprehensive service programs and activities aimed at enhancing students’ academic success opportunities.

Howard says he aims to create the best experience possible for Salkehatchie students, preparing them not only to meet their career goals, but also to be leaders in their communities.    

“By empowering students, we continue to build the bedrock of the civic hopes and aspirations our society holds,” Howard said.

Dr. Howard earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Youngstown State University, a Master of Education in Student Personnel in Higher Education from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Valdosta State University.   He is married to Zelda Hughes-Howard, and they are the proud parents of four children: Kristafer, Averry, Taylor, and Trinity. They recently welcomed twin grandsons, Xaiver and Malik.