He earned doctorate degrees from the University of California at Berkeley (Facilitation of motor learning by knowledge of performance analysis results Ed.D.
1954) and from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (An historical survey of the role of sport in society, with particular reference to Canada since 1700.
PhD 1969) He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of Alberta, Canada.
[citation needed] At Alberta, Howell began the graduate program in sport history from which a number of scholars in sport history have graduated, he was dean of the College of Professional Studies at San Diego State University, and he was the foundation chair and first professor of human movement studies at the University of Queensland.
He was renowned for his capacity to stimulate graduate students in the field of sport history and significantly influenced programs in Canada, America, and Australia.