Light the Torch: CABCoFA Welcomes Its Newest Bison
By Chad Eric Smith, Director of Marketing and Communications, Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
Header Image: New Bison pose for a group photo in front of Lulu Vere Childers Hall, home to the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.
Five days before classes began, the 2026–27 academic year had already found its rhythm. Outside Lulu Vere Childers Hall, the Howard University Showtime Band welcomed new students with music as they gathered with Rita’s frozen treats in hand and prepared to enter the building that would become their creative home. It was a spirited conclusion to an orientation designed not simply to share information, but to begin building belonging.
Earlier that morning, the College’s newest Bison gathered inside the Digital Auditorium at Howard University’s Blackburn Student Center. Mister CABCoFA Parker Bryant and Miss CABCoFA Me’kaili Johnson opened the program, ensuring that the students’ formal introduction to the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts began with a welcome from their peers.
Dr. Khalid Y. Long, associate dean of academic affairs, then introduced himself and invited members of the Office of the Dean to introduce themselves or stand to be recognized. The moment offered students an early look at the people whose work will support their academic progress, creative development and overall well-being throughout their time at Howard.
Dean Raquel Monroe welcomed the students and shared her vision for the College, noting that she, too, was beginning a new chapter. Entering her second year at CABCoFA, Monroe playfully referred to herself as a “sophomore” in her own journey. She also introduced “Light the Torch,” the College’s theme for the 2026–27 academic year, setting a charge for students to recognize the artistic legacy they have entered and consider how they will help carry it forward. Learn more about the "Light the Torch" theme by reading Dean Monroe's recent letter to the CABCoFA community here.
That community of support became even more visible as representatives from the College’s three academic departments introduced themselves and their colleagues. Interim Chair Dr. Elka Stevens represented the Department of Art, while Chair Carroll V. Dashiell Jr. represented the Department of Music. In the absence of Department of Theatre Arts Chair Omiyẹmi Green, Lashawnda Ìyá Ìfánìkẹ Batts, who previously served as assistant chair and musical theatre coordinator, welcomed students on the department’s behalf. Faculty and staff from each department were also recognized, allowing students to see the breadth of expertise and guidance surrounding them.
Fine Arts Student Council President Noel Desire Best facilitated a student leadership panel featuring Nia Breaux, Shyeen Garris, Me’kaili Johnson, Parker Bryant, Jamone Small and Tashi Mhoon Cooper. Together, they offered incoming students a peer-level introduction to life within the College. A Howard-themed Kahoot! brought friendly competition to the auditorium, while the Fine Arts Student Council Executive Board introduced students to the Next Big Star program and the fifth annual Chadwick A. Boseman Day—two of the many opportunities awaiting them beyond the classroom.
The afternoon ultimately carried students from Blackburn to Childers Hall, where music, frozen treats and departmental breakout sessions transformed a formal orientation into a joyful homecoming. By the time classes began Aug. 17, those students were no longer simply arriving at CABCoFA. They had met the people who would teach, guide and challenge them—and received their first invitation to take their place within Howard’s artistic legacy and light the torch for what comes next.
