Sidney A. Ribeau facts for kids

Sidney Ribeau is an American leader in education. He served as the president of two important universities. First, he led Bowling Green State University for 13 years. After that, he became the president of Howard University in Washington, D.C..

Sidney Ribeau's Early Life and Education

Sidney Ribeau was born on December 3, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan. He went to Mackenzie High School. After high school, he continued his studies.

In 1971, he earned his first degree, a bachelor's degree, from Wayne State University. He then went on to get more advanced degrees. He earned both a master's degree and a doctoral degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. These degrees were in a field called interpersonal communication. He finished his master's in 1973 and his doctorate in 1979.

Sidney Ribeau's Career in Education

Mr. Ribeau started his teaching career in 1976. He became a professor of communication studies at California State University, Los Angeles. He was known as a great teacher and helped many students. In 1984, he became the head of the university's Pan African Studies Department. He held this role for three years.

Later, he became a dean at California State University, San Bernardino. A dean is a leader in a university who manages a specific part of the school. From 1990 to 1992, he was the dean of the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. After that, he became the vice president for academic affairs at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He held this important position until 1995.

Leading Bowling Green State University

The plaza in front of the Wolfe Center was named Ribeau Plaza after Sidney Ribeau

In 1995, Sidney Ribeau became the ninth president of Bowling Green State University. During his time there, the university started many new and exciting programs.

One program was the Scholarship of Engagement Initiative. This program helped professors work with outside groups to solve real-world problems. Another program was the President's Leadership Academy, which began in 1997. This helped students develop their leadership skills. Also, the BGeXperience: Vision and Values program started in 2003.

In 2003, Mr. Ribeau received a special award. The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators gave him their President's Award. They recognized his "courage and leadership" in helping Bowling Green State University focus on student learning and growth. During his leadership, the university also received over $126 million in donations. This money helped the university grow and improve.

Leading Howard University

In May 2008, Sidney Ribeau was chosen as the 16th president of Howard University. He officially started his new role in August 2008. He took over from H. Patrick Swygert.

On October 1, 2013, President Ribeau announced he would be leaving his position at Howard University. His time as president ended in December 2013.