1997
Albert Howard
Nebraska
Having served four years as a barber in the U.S. Navy, Albert Howard opened his own shop in Lincoln, Neb., in 1955. In 1960 he founded the Lincoln Barber College (later renamed College of Hair Design). He purchased a cosmetology school in 1975, merged it with the College of Hair Design, and it became one of the first schools in the U.S. to be licensed to train both cosmetology and barber styling students.
In 1982, he purchased the Columbus Beauty College, in Columbus, Neb., which he operated until his death in 1983. During his time as a barber he served as president of the former National Association of Barber Schools and was elected Barber of the Year by the Associated Master Barbers and Beauticians of America. Mr. Howard was inducted into the Barber Hall of Fame in 1997.