Prior to coming to the college, Howard had little experience in interacting with faculty, however her organizational skills and ability to resolve conflicts were praised. Additionally, she was praised as a "tough administrator" who "knows the system" by former Buffalo Common Council President George K. Arthur; and it was said that she had the respect of students. The college had a reputation as a "tough place to manage," and was expected to have difficulty in attracting qualified candidates to the position of the presidency.