The author interviews Muriel A. Howard, president of the State University of New York College at Buffalo, who is set to become the first black leader of any of the "big six" higher-education associations in Washington. She was named last week as the new president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Ms. Howard, 60, is scheduled to take over the top post at the public-college group in August. In an interview, she talked about the milestone her selection marks, her leadership style, and the challenges she will face. The highlights of the discussion are presented.