Dr. Howard graduated with his bachelor's degree in biology from Western Carolina University in 1995. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 2000. He moved to Oak Island in 2000, where he currently resides.
He has served as President of the Southeastern District of the NC Optometric Society, served eight years on the Brunswick County Board of Health, and served on the Brunswick County Health and Human Services Advisory Board.