From student-athlete to college president: Charles J. Gibbs’ remarkable journey

By Kelvin Childs

Charles J. Gibbs (’91, BBA; ’04, MEd; ’20, EdD) stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. He credits Howard University not only for sharpening his skills and talents but also for preparing him to lead as the seventh and first African-American president of Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY). His journey to the presidency was forged through his education and 16 years of leadership at Howard from 2000 to 2016.

During his tenure at Howard, Gibbs wore many hats, serving as national recruiter for undergraduate studies, dean of residence life and on-campus housing, director of intercollegiate athletics, senior director of alumni affairs and vice provost for student affairs. These roles taught him the pivotal role of alumni support in institutional success.

“It is very difficult for a president or chief development officer to approach foundations or corporations without evidence of support from alumni and institutional leadership,” Gibbs said. “Alumni backing is critical for long-term survivability.”

He underscored the point: “It is hard to convince someone to entrust you with their treasures and resources when your own community won’t support you.” For Gibbs, alumni support lays the groundwork for collaborative efforts that attract corporate, foundational and institutional giving, ensuring the sustainability and growth of institutions like Howard.

Before joining MCNY in July, Gibbs served as CEO of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., an organization committed to uplifting communities of color. He intimately understands the importance of early academic intervention, reflecting on his own journey as a special education student and football player from Montclair, New Jersey. Programs like Upward Bound gave him his first glimpse of college life, setting the stage for his academic and professional achievements.

“Upward Bound actually gave me insight into what living on a college campus was like,” Gibbs said. Before participating in the program, he struggled with doubts about his future, wondering why he wasn’t being recruited with scholarship offers. That changed when he received a life-changing call from Howard’s legendary coach Willie Jeffries, the first African-American head football coach at a Division I-A school.

“I recall vividly sharing with my grandmother and mother that I received a scholarship from Howard University. It was probably one of the proudest days of their lives,” Gibbs said. His family understood the historical significance of Howard, established through the Freedmen’s Bureau and originally a Teachers College for freed slaves. “To see their grandson and son attending this great institution brought them pure joy. The only thing they wanted to know was, ‘Where’s my Howard sweatshirt?’”

Graduating with three degrees and “zero student debt” remains a point of pride for Gibbs. “At Howard, if there's a will, there's a way,” he said. “You have to put yourself in a position to receive blessings and then make the most of them. I came in as a scholar-athlete and left as a doctor of education.”

Now leading MCNY, Gibbs continues to inspire others with his story — a journey that began with perseverance and opportunity. From the lessons he learned at Howard University, Gibbs became the leader, educator and visionary he is today, embodying the power of purpose-driven education.