In Memoriam | Dr. Orlando Taylor

Howard University is saddened to report on the recent passing of Dr. Orlando Taylor, Emeritus Dean and Professor of the Graduate School and the Cathy Hughes School of Communications. A native of Chattanooga, Tenn. Dr. Taylor was a graduate of Hampton University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in education. He then completed a master’s degree from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. in education from the University of Michigan. 

A respected expert in speech-language studies and speech disorders, Dr. Taylor joined Howard University in 1973, following a brief tenure as professor of communication sciences at the University of the District of Columbia. Dr. Taylor served in various positions of increasing responsibility at Howard University, including executive assistant to the president, interim vice president for academic affairs, dean of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, and chair of the department of communications and chair of the department of communication arts and sciences. Prior to Dr. Taylor’s retirement from the University, his leadership roles included serving as the dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for research. 

Dr. Taylor was a nationally recognized communications leader.  He was particularly sought out as an expert on access and equity in higher education and preparing the next generation of researchers and faculty members.

A prolific scholar and researcher, Dr. Taylor served as principal investigator for more than $40 million in federally and privately sponsored research, graduate training and program development grants, including programs funded by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Education, the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and many others.

He authored over 75 publications in journals, books, and monographs and was a fellow and recipient of honors from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Additionally, he was the recipient of honorary doctorates from Purdue University, Indiana University, The Ohio State University, Hope College, DePauw University, Denison University, and Southern Connecticut State University.

Howard University is grateful for Dr. Taylor’s contributions to the Howard University community and his national service to graduate education. The Howard University community will continue to keep the Taylor family in its thoughts and prayers.

Details of arrangements and an opportunity to leave messages are available here.