The Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program
In April 2024, the Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship transitioned into the Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program. The Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program honors “Reggie” Howard’s legacy by supporting students who demonstrate a strong commitment to making a positive impact in communities through service, scholarship, and leadership. The Office of University Scholars and Fellows and the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture partner in administering this new program.
Although new merit scholarships for the Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship will not be awarded, support will be provided for current Reggie Scholars through their graduation, the new Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program, and need-based financial aid. This scholarship honors Reginaldo “Reggie” Howard, the first African American President of the Associated Students of Duke University and an A.B. Duke Scholar. He was tragically killed in an automobile accident during his sophomore year in 1976, but his ambition and commitment to helping others lives on.
Spotlight on Jaden Small
Jaden Small is a junior from the Bronx, NY, studying Political Science with a Political Economy concentration, a minor in History, and a PPE Certificate. Jaden has financial markets experience at J.P. Morgan, having worked in Fixed Income Treasury Sales and moving into Securitized Products Sales in Summer 2026. His primary interests lie at the intersection of global markets and international policy with a focus on how private capital can be deployed in emerging markets across the Global South—particularly in modernizing African economies through renewable energy and public infrastructure investment. On campus, Jaden serves as VP of Public Relations for BlackGen Capital, a student-run investment firm with chapters across several universities. He is also a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity, and serves as an artist and audio engineer for Duke Small Town Records, Duke's student-run record label.