HUAA Election Results
The 2026 Howard University Alumni Association election cycle marked a historic milestone for alumni engagement, delivering one of the most successful and record-breaking elections in the Association’s history. Under the operational leadership and management of Kaleab Debebe, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at Howard University, in collaboration with Dr. Kandace Harris, President of the Howard University Alumni Association, the election achieved unprecedented alumni participation, strengthened outreach efforts, and reflected a renewed commitment to transparency, engagement, and alumni involvement across the global Bison network. The election resulted in nearly 10% voter participation among eligible alumni — one of the highest turnout rates in recent HUAA history. The success of the election reflected months of strategic planning, voter engagement initiatives, data coordination, communications management, and collaboration across university departments, alumni leadership, volunteers, and the Elections Committee.
Serving as the operational lead throughout the election cycle, Debebe coordinated the execution of the process from candidate onboarding and communications strategy to alumni outreach, voter education, election logistics, and cross-functional collaboration with university stakeholders. His leadership helped modernize election operations, improve alumni data integrity, expand voter outreach through digital and SMS campaigns, and ensure a smooth and transparent election experience for alumni worldwide.
Following the conclusion of the election, alumni elected a new generation of national and regional leaders to guide the association forward. Karen E. Shropshire, a proud member of the Classes of 1979 and 1982, was elected President of the Howard University Alumni Association. Joining the executive leadership team are Vikki M. Walton as Vice President for Administration, Velva Dawson as Vice President for Finance, Rhonda Nolen as Vice President for Membership and Engagement, and A'Donna C. Cooper as Secretary.
Regional leadership positions were also filled by alumni representing Howard communities across the country, including Melissa R. Estrado, Lisa M. Robinson, Muhammad M. Salaam, Jarrah M. Hamer, Chadrick Kennedy, Camille Harvey, and Philip A. Pratt.
University and alumni leaders praised the 2026 election cycle as a defining moment for the association, citing the strong engagement from candidates, volunteers, committee members, and alumni voters nationwide. The historic turnout demonstrated the continued passion and commitment Howard alumni have toward strengthening the university and advancing the mission of Truth and Service.
As the newly elected administration prepares to begin its term, the momentum generated during this record-breaking election is expected to further expand alumni engagement, mentorship, volunteerism, philanthropy, and collaboration across the Howard University community.