Hampton, VA (November 19, 2024) – In a momentous celebration of faith, leadership, and education, Hampton University celebrated its newly established School of Religion with an opening ceremony that brought together luminaries, alumni, and members of the community. The November 14th event, held in the historic Memorial Chapel, was a powerful testament to the university’s commitment to nurturing moral leadership in an ever-changing world.
Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams opened the ceremony with words of affirmation, emphasizing the institution’s historic legacy of academic excellence and moral fortitude. “This School of Religion isn’t merely an addition to our campus; it’s a clarion call to equip leaders who will illuminate the path toward justice, equity, and service,” he said.
The ceremony was marked by fellowship, fervor, and a firm foundation of leadership and support for the new school. Reverend Dr. Debra L. Haggins, University Chaplain, was also formally installed as the Founding Dean of the school during the ceremony.
In full academic regalia, members of the University faculty and surrounding Hampton community eagerly welcomed Dr. Haggins and the school as a brand-new day on campus was commemorated. With a chapel full of people, Rev. Dr. Haggins was affirmed as Founding Dean of the School of Religion. Haggins received an encouraging and inspiring welcome to the deanship by Dr. Ziette Hayes, dean, Hampton University School of Business, acknowledged the charge to lead the school, and assured all in attendance of her devotion to the call of ‘servant leadership.’
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Robert Michael Franklin, esteemed theologian, ethicist, and public intellectual, who spoke passionately about the vital need for moral leadership in today’s society. “In an era marked by deep division and unprecedented challenges, moral leadership is not a luxury—it’s a necessity,” Dr. Franklin declared. “This School of Religion stands as a beacon, preparing the next generation to lead with integrity, compassion, and unwavering faith. Hampton has always been at the forefront of transformative education, and this moment reaffirms our collective responsibility to the world.”
Dr. Franklin’s remarks drew a standing ovation as he underscored the School’s role in addressing the pressing moral dilemmas of our time, from marriage and family to social justice and environmental stewardship. “We need leaders who can navigate complexity without compromising values, who can heal rather than divide,” he added. “The School of Religion is uniquely positioned to provide such guidance, rooted in faith and academic rigor.”
Faith and Religion: A Vital Part of Today’s Society
Studies consistently show the significance of faith and religion in the lives of Americans. According to the Pew Research Center, around 63 percent of U.S. adults identify as Christians, while 29 percent of Americans identify as religiously unaffiliated, a notable increase from previous decades. While religious affiliation has evolved, 71 percent of adults still see themselves as “spiritual” in some form, and nearly 30 percent of Americans attend religious services regularly, showing the sustained importance of faith-based communities in contemporary society.
Despite changing dynamics, nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of Black Americans consider religion central to their lives, more than any other racial group, reinforcing the importance of cultivating culturally aware and ethically grounded religious leaders who can meet the needs of diverse communities. The demand for leaders who can address complex moral issues has never been greater, making Hampton University’s School of Religion essential for educating tomorrow’s faith leaders.
According to Harvard Divinity School research, religion remains important today because it provides individuals with a sense of meaning and purpose in life, fosters social cohesion and community, offers moral guidance, can contribute to psychological well-being, and can motivate positive social change, with studies showing that religious involvement is often linked to higher levels of happiness, volunteerism, and community engagement
New Era Advances Faith-based Learning, Weaves Modernity into Theological Studies
In her closing remarks, the Reverend Dr. Debra L. Haggins, an esteemed theologian and educator, articulated her vision for the School and its students. “At the Hampton University School of Religion, we aim to cultivate leaders who understand that faith isn’t confined to the pulpit—it’s a force that can transform communities,” she said. “Our mission is to prepare our students to be moral architects, shaping a world that reflects the highest ideals of humanity.”
Rev. Dr. Haggins emphasized the importance of academic inquiry, spiritual growth, and community engagement in the School’s curriculum. “Through the intersection of scholarship and service, we will inspire our students to lead with courage and conviction,” she stated.
The School of Religion’s opening marks a significant milestone in Hampton University’s legacy of producing leaders who make a profound impact. As attendees left the ceremony, many echoed the sentiments of inspiration and hope. “This is a new chapter not just for Hampton, but for the broader faith community,” said one alumnus. “It’s clear that this School is poised to shape leaders who will change the world.”
Setting a New Standard for Faith-Based Education
As the world continues to shift post-pandemic, people are becoming more and more interconnected via digital platforms and technology, and faith remains a way that people forge a sense of community with others. However, the idea of faith has changed drastically as the expression of one’s spiritual beliefs have changed since the start of the pandemic. Many places of worship have gone to digital experiences and many faith-based leaders also offer digital services and platforms to connect with their congregations and communities. Hence the need for more robust and modern academic environments in the faith-based field.
The School of Religion is already off to a historic start. It offers the only HBCU doctoral program in religious and theological studies. Furthermore, the school is led by Hampton University’s first female chaplain. This new academic unit expands on the spiritual foundation of the campus and is slated to provide not only a touchpoint for nurturing the next generation of faith-based leaders, but the school will also help to advance religious studies inside and outside of the classroom setting.
Setting a new pace for excellence, the inaugural enrollment of 60 students signals strong interest and confidence in the university’s distinctive approach to theological education. This landmark achievement marks the beginning of a dynamic chapter dedicated to nurturing the next generation of ethically driven religious leaders. Through rigorous academic preparation and a deep commitment to social justice, this initial cohort exemplifies the school’s mission to produce faith leaders ready to transform communities, foster spiritual growth, and address the complex moral and ethical challenges of contemporary society. The Hampton University School of Religion is dedicated to bridging traditional religious scholarship with the evolving moral and ethical challenges of modern society. With an emphasis on cultural awareness, social justice, and community engagement, the school aims to develop students who can address the complex issues facing faith communities today.
Areas of opportunity that the school could potentially address through its academic rigors and community-based learning opportunities span from family and marriages, K-12 Christian education, scientific ethics, economics, entrepreneurship, ministry versus the marketplace, ethical leadership, organizational change, and so much more.
“Hampton’s School of Religion will cultivate a generation of leaders committed to shaping ethical communities through scholarship and service,” said President Williams. “As we launch this new chapter, we’re reminded of the responsibility our leaders carry to foster understanding, compassion, and action. We’re honored to have Dr. Haggins inspire our students and faculty with her dynamic background in religious studies as well as her strategic skills in building faith-based leaders.”
Building on a 100-year Legacy of Ministerial Leadership, Community Outreach
Hampton’s School of Religion is an extension of its esteemed Ministers’ Conference, which holds a legacy of over 100 years. The Ministers’ Conference, established in 1914, is the longest-running interdenominational conference of Black ministers in the United States. It was founded to provide Black clergy with resources, fellowship, and spiritual uplift in an era when many were barred from other opportunities due to racial discrimination. The conference grew rapidly, becoming a vital annual event for religious leaders nationwide, offering theological education, social and political discourse, and a powerful network for Black clergy. Building on this foundation, the new School of Religion aims to deepen the university’s impact on theological education and empower future faith leaders.
The Ministers’ Conference has also welcomed famous individuals to the campus of Hampton University. Past attendees have included the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1962; the Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker of Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City; the Rev. Jesse Jackson; the Rev. Al Sharpton; the Rev. T.D. Jakes; and in 2007, Barack Obama.
The Memorial Chapel, When Sacred Spaces Meet State-of-the-Art Learning
Hampton’s rich history provides the perfect backdrop for the School of Religion. A pillar of the program will be the Memorial Chapel, which has received recent technological updates.
The University’s Memorial Chapel is an Italian-Romanesque structure that features a 150-square tower and four-faced illuminated clock. Built in 1886, the elaborate building was designed by New York architect J.C. Caby. It’s still used as a college sanctuary for non-denominational services. The chapel is one of six National Historic Landmarks on campus. The pews are made of yellow pine and were built by Hampton trade school students. Carved African American and Native American faces adorn the trim throughout the chapel.
Today, the Chapel features newly installed video displays and two 85” TV screens for mounted viewing. A 16×19 video wall is being planned for later installation.
Additionally, the School of Religion will offer a variety of learning options for students including asynchronous courses, virtual course opportunities, community-based learning projects, blended learning, personalized learning, inquiry-based learning and more.
