Early Bird

In memoriam

MSU Denver mourns the loss of Nate Howard, educator and Community Cabinet member.

By Lindsey Coulter

October 6, 2021

Nate Howard, Metropolitan State University of Denver affiliate faculty member and Community Cabinet member, died unexpectedly Sept. 24.

After earning his bachelor’s in Education from Clark Atlanta University, Howard received a master's degree in Botany and Plant Biology from the University of Colorado Boulder. He also earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Phoenix. 

Described as kind, selfless, generous and dedicated to his community, Howard was a passionate educator and advocate for his students. In addition to being a Roadrunner, he was a CityHawk, serving as an adjunct professor at the Community College of Denver, and a proud Prairie View High School Thunderhawk.

Howard, a Colorado native, served for 12 years as a beloved and widely respected teacher at Prairie View. During his time at the school, Howard was also an assistant football coach and coached girls golf, positively impacting the lives of many students.

In 2019, he became the president and CEO for Lincoln Hills Cares, a nonprofit organization that gives Denver students opportunities to do ecology and conservation field work in the Rocky Mountains. The organization’s goal is to better prepare students for higher education and to expose them to careers in STEM, sustainability and environmental stewardship. He was also highly involved in the Vistage Executive Exchange.

Services for Howard will be held at Prairie View High School Stadium on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Several Prairie View High School students and colleagues shared their reflections and memories in a recent article in the Brighton Blade.

MSU Denver extends its deepest sympathies to Howard’s wife, children and grandchildren.