Gaston’s Fifth President: Robert Howard
Dr. Robert Howard stepped into the role of Gaston College president in August 1979, following Dr. Joseph Mills’ resignation that May. Initially serving as “acting” president, Howard officially took the helm on August 27, 1979.
A Charlotte native, Howard moved to Gastonia at age 5 in 1924. He pursued his education at Mars Hill Junior College before earning his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest College in 1940. Howard continued his academic journey, obtaining a Master’s in political science from Wake Forest in 1950 and later a doctorate from the University of North Carolina.
Howard’s career path included military service during World War II, where he served in the Army Air Force in Europe. Following the war, he embarked on a long and distinguished career in education.
His teaching career began in the 1940s at the old Bethany School in Rockingham County. Howard then returned to Gastonia, where he taught and later became principal at Gastonia’s old Wray Junior High (now York Chester Middle School). In 1959, Howard was elected to Gastonia city council.
While serving as Wray’s principal, he was recruited by Dr. Robert Benson, Gaston College’s inaugural president, to organize the college’s evening school in 1966. Howard’s role at Gaston College expanded over time, including positions as dean of instruction and public relations director.
During Howard’s tenure as president, Gaston College expanded its reach. The institution established its Lincoln County campus in the former buildings of Lincolnton’s First Baptist Church. Additionally, the college’s radio station, WSGE-FM 91.7, went on air on October 27, 1980.
Howard announced his resignation as college president in April 1981. Reflecting on his tenure, he told The Charlotte Observer, “Whether I’ve been a good president or not is not for me to say. That’s for the faculty and the public to judge. I feel like I’ve been successful because I feel good about the job I’ve done.”
Howard’s career in education continued as he transitioned to the role of interim president at nearby Belmont Abbey College. Founded by Benedictine monks in 1876, Belmont Abbey made history by appointing Howard as its first non-Catholic president. He served in this capacity from May 22, 1981, to August 1, 1982, preceding Dr. John Dempsey.