Hassan Minor, PhD, died in Reston, Va. on Oct. 10, 2025. He was 78 years old.

His first visit to Martha’s Vineyard was in high school during a fishing trip with his father, and after moving to Massachusetts for graduate school, the Island became a cherished part of his life — first as a visitor, then as a seasonal resident, and later year-round — for more than 50 years.

Hassan was born in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 1, 1946, to Anne Cornelius and Harry Francis Minor.

For 23 years, he provided senior leadership at Howard University, serving the first 10 years as vice president for external affairs and university research, and then for more than 12 years as senior vice president and chief strategy officer. In addition to leading communications and technology, he was also the university’s liaison to the federal government.

At Howard, he oversaw the university’s major capital projects, including the Vernon E. Jordan, Jr. Law Library, the restoration of the Howard Theatre, and the neighborhood redevelopment effort known as the LeDroit Park Initiative.

He founded the Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science, now in its 20th year, a project that was especially meaningful to him. His colleagues at Howard warmly remember his deep commitment to the university’s mission and to the success of his team.

Prior to his tenure at Howard University, he was a member of the faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the first managing director of the Corporation for Boston for 10 years, and served two terms as a regent of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. During this period he was also a consultant to the Rockefeller family and was selected as a fellow for Stanford University’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences.

He was a governor of the American Institute of Planning and a director of the American Planning Association. He served on the boards of numerous organizations including the Boston Museum of Science Corporation, CFBanc Corporation and the United South End Settlements. He was a trustee of the Community Foundation of Greater Washington and of the Langley School in McLean, Va.

After retirement, he consulted in education, technology, urban planning and government affairs. He was a member and a Sire Archon of the Beta Nu Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. He loved to read and had an extensive collection of books and art.

He completed his BA in urban studies at the University of Detroit, a master of social work from Brandeis University, and a master of city planning and doctor of philosophy from MIT. He served for several years in Army intelligence and in the Vietnam War.

More than anything, he loved and was proud of his family and celebrated the accomplishments of his daughters and son-in-law. It was at MIT that he met his wife, Dr. Linda Cummings. Along with Linda, Hassan instilled in their daughters the importance of education, and always supported and encouraged them. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family at their home on Martha’s Vineyard. He adored his grandchildren and delighted in being “Granddad” to Graham and Elinor, both of whom share his quick wit, love of music,and determination.

A celebration of his life is being planned for the spring.