The Unconventional Path: 7 Shocking Facts About Chris Howard, The Rhodes Scholar, Bronze Star Recipient, And ASU Executive

Dr. Christopher B. Howard is one of the most uniquely qualified and decorated leaders in American higher education today, a figure whose career trajectory spans the elite worlds of military service, academia, and executive leadership. As of late 2025, his work as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (EVP and COO) of the Arizona State University (ASU) Public Enterprise places him at the forefront of one of the nation's most innovative and expansive university systems. His story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, transitioning seamlessly from a decorated U.S. Air Force officer to a two-time university president before taking on a pivotal executive role at ASU. This article dives deep into the extraordinary life and current activities of Dr. Chris Howard, exploring the key milestones that have shaped his unconventional career and the philosophy that drives his commitment to transforming higher education. We will explore his academic achievements, his decorated military service, and his current mission to coordinate enterprise-wide initiatives, technology, and advancement at Arizona State University.

A Full Biography of Dr. Christopher B. Howard

Dr. Christopher B. Howard's life is a testament to the power of commitment and intellectual rigor, marked by a rare combination of military discipline, academic excellence, and executive management.

• Full Name: Christopher B. Howard
• Current Position (2023-Present): Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (EVP and COO) of the Arizona State University (ASU) Public Enterprise.
• Previous Presidential Roles:
  • President of Robert Morris University (RMU) (2016–2022).
  • President of Hampden-Sydney College (2009–2016).
• Military Service: United States Air Force (Active and Reserve). Served as a helicopter pilot and an intelligence officer.
• Military Decorations: Awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan.
• Reserve Service: Concluded his military career as a Reserve Military Attaché to Liberia, Africa.
• Education:
  • B.S. in Political Science, United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).
  • Doctorate in Politics, Oxford University (Rhodes Scholar).
  • MBA with distinction, Harvard Business School.
• Athletic Background: Former running back for the Air Force Academy football team.

The ASU Executive: Driving Innovation at the Public Enterprise

Dr. Howard's move to Arizona State University in 2023 marked a significant shift from the traditional university presidency to a high-level executive role focused on large-scale innovation and operational efficiency. As the EVP and COO of the ASU Public Enterprise, his responsibilities are vast and central to the university's mission. He works closely with ASU President Michael Crow and other senior leaders to coordinate and execute enterprise-wide initiatives. His portfolio includes oversight of critical areas such as technology infrastructure, advancement strategies, and the overall operational efficiency of one of the largest and most ambitious public research universities in the world. This role leverages his unique blend of strategic planning from his time as a military intelligence officer and his deep understanding of academic structures gained from his presidential tenures. The focus of his work at ASU is heavily centered on scalability and access, ensuring that the university’s commitment to "measuring success not by who we exclude, but rather by who we include and how they succeed" is operationally sound. His leadership is key to managing the complexity of a university that has consistently been ranked as the most innovative in the nation.

From the Gridiron to the Rhodes Scholarship: A Path of Excellence

The foundation of Dr. Howard's relentless drive was laid early in his life, beginning with his time as a student-athlete at the United States Air Force Academy. He was a running back for the Falcons football team, where he developed the discipline, teamwork, and resilience that would define his future career. This experience at a service academy instilled a profound sense of duty and commitment to excellence.

The Rhodes Scholar Achievement

Perhaps the most significant academic milestone in his career was being named a Rhodes Scholar. This prestigious scholarship allowed him to pursue a Doctorate in Politics at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. The Rhodes Scholarship is globally recognized as one of the most competitive and selective awards, reserved for students who demonstrate outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service. This achievement solidified his status as a formidable intellectual force, capable of bridging the gap between rigorous academic theory and practical leadership. Following his time at Oxford, Dr. Howard further honed his executive management skills by earning an MBA with distinction from the highly competitive Harvard Business School. This trifecta of education—a military academy B.S., an Oxford DPhil, and a Harvard MBA—is an exceptionally rare and powerful combination, providing him with a holistic perspective on complex organizational challenges.

A Legacy of Service and Transformative Leadership

Before his current role at ASU, Dr. Howard’s career was defined by service, both in uniform and in the academic world. His military service is a critical component of his leadership philosophy.

Decorated Military Service

Dr. Howard served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a helicopter pilot and an intelligence officer. His service included a tour in Afghanistan, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star—a testament to his bravery and leadership in a combat zone. He concluded his military career as a Reserve Military Attaché to Liberia, Africa, demonstrating his commitment to international relations and service well beyond his active duty. This background in high-stakes, global environments informs his current approach to managing the massive operations of a public enterprise university.

Impact as a University President

Dr. Howard's transition to higher education leadership was transformative for the institutions he led. He served as the President of Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia from 2009 to 2016, where he focused on strengthening the college's financial position and academic programs. He then moved on to become the President of Robert Morris University (RMU) in Pennsylvania from 2016 to 2022. During his tenure at RMU, he was known for his innovative approach to student success, his focus on workforce development, and his ability to build strong community partnerships. His leadership at both institutions was characterized by a commitment to access, affordability, and preparing students for the demands of the 21st-century global economy. His unique journey—from Air Force pilot to intelligence officer, from Rhodes Scholar to university president, and now to a top executive at ASU—provides him with an unparalleled perspective on leadership. He often speaks about the importance of integrity, resilience, and the power of a diverse background in solving complex problems. His life story is a powerful narrative of how varied experiences can forge a truly exceptional and impactful leader in the modern era.