Admissions Leader Passionate About Helping Students Make Their ‘First Major Decision’

The lifeblood of the University of New Haven are the faculty and staff members who dedicate their lives to helping our students reach their goals. Periodically, we’ll introduce you to a member of the staff so you can learn more about them – beyond their day to day work.

Next up is Philip Howard, associate director of undergraduate admissions, who loves music, basketball, and celebrating Thanksgiving with his family.

Renee Chmiel: Where did you grow up?
Philip Howard: I lived in a lot of different places growing up because my dad was in the military. I was born in Leominster, MA, and lived there for five years. Then my dad’s job moved us to Los Angeles, CA, for another five years, then Reston, VA. By 7th grade, we had moved to Norwalk, CT, which I call my hometown, and we lived there until I graduated from Norwalk High School. After high school, I went to college at Sacred Heart University on a basketball scholarship. Then, when I was pursuing my MBA at Sacred Heart, I was a GA for Vincent Mangiacapra, who today is the associate vice president and chief information officer for the University of New Haven.

RC: What are your favorite movies?
PH: I like to watch documentaries and action movies. Some of my favorites are Scarface, Goodfellas, Dead Presidents, Boyz n the Hood, and Do The Right Thing, just to name a few. I like these movies because I can relate in some way to how realistic they seem to me based on where they take place, how the characters come to life, and the story being told.

RC: If you could experience a moment or period of history, what would it be?
PH: I think the 1970s because that’s the era where I think some of the best music was produced and recorded. My favorite artist is Michael Jackson, and I think his best album is “Off the Wall,” which was produced in 1979. I would also choose the 1970s because there were so many good artists, such as Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and groups, such as Earth, Wind & Fire, who produced so many classics in the soul music category.

RC: What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?
PH: I went to Costa Rica with one of my best friends, and we went zip lining. I usually would not take this type of risk because I am afraid of heights. As I was coming in on the landing, I didn’t break soon enough, and I scraped my shins on the landing platform because I was going too fast and cut my legs. I walked the rest of the trail back, but that’s one memory I’ll never forget.

RC: What is something you are passionate about?
PH: Basketball has always been a part of my life, and I really enjoyed coaching my son’s basketball teams over the years. I like teaching the kids new skills and showing them how they can improve and build their confidence. It’s very gratifying to me. My son Jayden is 14 now, and he plans to try out for his high school basketball team next year.

RC: What do you enjoy the most about working at the University of New Haven?
PH: Working in the admissions office, I really enjoy working with prospective students because it’s usually the first major decision they must make in their lifetime about selecting a college, and I am able to help them through the process. I get an opportunity to meet so many different students from around the country to discuss their dreams and goals and to answer their questions about how we can help make it a reality for them. Being able to make a positive impact in a young person’s life is such an amazing feeling to me.

RC: What is your favorite holiday?
PH: Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because my family lives in different states and we usually get together on this holiday all under one roof. My parents live in Redding, CA, my brother and his family live in Stockton, CA, my sister lives in Chicago, and my other brother lives in Danbury, CT. We have a tradition where we plan to celebrate Thanksgiving together at least every year or every other year when we can.