Dean Raquel Monroe Marks Her First Homecoming at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
By Chad Eric Smith, Director of Marketing & Communications, Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
Header Image: 25/26 Mister and Miss Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, Quinn Taylore and Nia Anderson, with Dean Raquel Monroe (far right) and Assistant Dean for Administration Denise Saunders Thompson (far left).
Featured Image: Dean Raquel Monroe alongside Khalid Y. Long, Associate Dean of Research and Creative Endeavors and Interim Chair of Theatre Arts; Chancellor D. Mills, Director of Bands; and Melonie Mills.
The 101st Homecoming at Howard University, Oct. 19-26, 2025, held special meaning this year, as it marked Dr. Raquel Monroe’s first Homecoming as Dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. Over several days of celebration, reflection, artistry, and Bison pride, Dean Monroe immersed herself in the rhythm of tradition, the brilliance of the College community, and the expansive future of Howard’s artistic legacy.
Here’s a look back at Dean Monroe’s first Homecoming at The Mecca.
Open House: Welcoming the Next Generation
The College kicked off Thursday with a vibrant Open House showcasing the depth and diversity of Fine Arts at Howard. Throughout the day, prospective students and their families experienced the full scope of the College—from the Porch Music Series on the Childers steps, featuring a live student jazz combo and performances by world-renowned and award-winning faculty, to information sessions, workshops, panels, and student artwork curated by CABCoFA student Jazzlyn Rainey.
Dean Monroe greeted guests during the CABCoFA Information Session, encouraging students to honor their creative instincts and consider Howard as the home where their artistry can take root and flourish. She then visited a lively Alumni “Unplugged” panel, followed by time at the afternoon Porch Performances featuring faculty and alumni. She noted how meaningful it was to witness her colleagues in their element, practicing their craft in community.
By the end of the Open House, Dean Monroe expressed gratitude “for the reminder that you don’t truly know an artist until you experience their craft.” The Open House set a joyful, forward-looking tone that flowed directly into the evening’s events.
Honoring Legacy and Illuminating the Future
Thursday evening at the CABCoFA Alumni Mixer, Dean Monroe delivered spirited remarks celebrating the artistry, scholarship, and vision that define the College. She honored the legacy of former interim dean, Dr. Gwendolyn Everett, for more than 25 years of service, thanked her passionate team within the Office of the Dean, and then guided alumni through the pillars shaping her tenure: advancing research and scholarship, championing artistic production and public programming, and expanding recruitment and engagement. She spotlighted faculty excellence—from national recognitions and groundbreaking exhibitions to performances and creative achievements—and emphasized building sustainable systems, innovative initiatives, and a bright future for Fine Arts at Howard.
Dean Monroe also shared her vision for supporting students by "easing the financial burden" and "inviting more students into the fold" through the creation of the Living Legacy Endowment. She explained that the College needs an initial $100,000 to launch the fund, with a long-term goal of growing it to $5 million to provide generous scholarships across all disciplines.
We are creating legends. We are a house of legends, and the people who study here become legendary.
Lifting Up Showtime
On Friday, Dean Monroe shared a message of encouragement and affirmation with the celebrated Howard Showtime Marching Band. Calling them the “visual and aural representation of Howard University,” she applauded their discipline, dedication, and excellence. Her rallying words served as both a reminder of Showtime’s impact and a declaration that the College of Fine Arts stands proudly behind their creative brilliance.
A Homecoming of Culture, Community, and Celebration
Homecoming Saturday brought Bison energy in full force. Dean Monroe joined the crowd of almost 10,000 spectators at Greene Stadium as Howard secured a 33–27 victory over Morgan State. During the game, she spent time with beloved cultural icons Cedric the Entertainer and Howard’s own Anthony Anderson, who earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the College in 2022. She also connected with hip-hop legend The D.O.C., with whom she had met earlier in the day to discuss a potential collaboration with the College, one of several exciting opportunities on the horizon.
A Deepened Commitment
Dean Monroe closed out her first Homecoming weekend more rooted, more inspired, and more energized than ever. Embodying the HU spirit, she looks ahead with gratitude for the alumni who built the foundation, pride in the students shaping the present, and confidence in the College’s ability to light the path forward for the arts of the African Diaspora. With renewed momentum, she continues her work to strengthen the College, amplify its impact, and build a future worthy of Howard’s legacy and its limitless creative community.
To hear more about the Dean's First 90 Days and her vision for the future of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, all are welcome to attend or watch the live stream of the Dean’s Address on Thursday, November 13, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. in Cramton Auditorium.