HAMPTON, VA (October 30, 2025) – The Freddye T. Davy Honors College at Hampton University kicked off Family Weekend with the induction of twenty University Scholars. The ceremony was held in the Cove ConferenceRoom in McGrew Towers on Thursday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m.
The university’s esteemed Executive Vice President and Provost Betty H. Stewart, Ph.D. was the keynote speaker. She spoke of her collegiate S.T.E.M. experience and praised the University Scholars for their exceptional achievements. Moreover, she encouraged the new inductees to maintain the standard of excellence academically and not neglect the social aspects of their collegiate experience.
University Scholars are the highest qualified merit scholars. These first-time freshmen are required to have a 3.5 unweighted GPA, and a minimum of 1000 SAT or a composite score of 22 on the ACT.
“Inviting the highest achieving incoming freshmen is vital to the Honors College. They are able to immediately join our community of high achievers and set the tempo for their classmates and others who seek membership in the spring the semester,” noted Honors College Director TaKeia N. Anthony, Ph.D.
University Scholars are the only freshmen eligible to receive the distinction of being inducted to the Freddye T. Davy Honors College during their fall semester.
The twenty University Scholars inducted were: James Arthurton; Sarah Baumann; Christian Bell; Riley Bell; Joshua Dancy; Andrew (Clifford) Eacholes; Nailah Echols; Sophia Edwards; Camden Ennis; Kaliyah Fulp; Xavier Heggie; Caden Jenkins; Imani Johnson; Zion Murphy; Lydia Murray; Maryam Muhammad; Nere Atunah-Jay; Elijah Plenty; Lauren Pugh; Kennedi Williams; Joshua Dancy.
Hampton University: A National Leader in Research, Innovation, and Opportunity
Hampton University is a prestigious Carnegie R2-designated research institution, nationally acclaimed for its pioneering work in atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and aerospace. With an annual economic impact of $530 million across the region and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hampton stands as a powerful engine of innovation, workforce development, and inclusive economic growth.
Consistently recognized for academic excellence and transformative outcomes, Hampton ranks in the Top 10 HBCUs by U.S. News & World Report, was recently named one of the “Best Colleges in America” by Money magazine, and honored as the “Best Private College” by Coastal Virginia Magazine.
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is a proud, close-knit, vibrant community of scholars, representing nearly every 44 states and 32 territories. With a legacy rooted in empowerment and education, the university is committed dedicated to fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, preparing students to lead with purpose and integrity in a rapidly evolving world. Learn more at: www.hamptonu.edu
For media inquiries, please contact Richelle Payne in the Office of University Relations at universityrelations@hamptonu.edu.
