HAMPTON, VA (November 21, 2025) — A powerful new chapter in leadership development is emerging at Hampton University with the launch of the Leadership Excellence Advancement and Development (LEAD) Initiative, a bold, research-focused effort designed to reshape how leaders are prepared, supported, and elevated across academia.
Funded by the Kenan Charitable Trust, Inc., this initiative represents a major investment in strengthening evidence-based leadership pathways at one of the nation’s most respected HBCUs.
Advancing Leadership in Higher Education
Built on evidence-based practices and informed by national data, the LEAD Initiative tackles a critical gap in higher education: the persistent underrepresentation of diverse voices in influential roles. Hampton, recognized as Virginia’s top-ranked HBCU for economic impact, is leveraging its strength to build a leadership model that reflects cultural relevance, academic rigor, and the lived experiences of the communities HBCUs were built to serve.
“Strong leadership grows from environments that recognize and nurture every voice,” said Hampton University Vice President for Research Dr. Neelam Azad. “LEAD strengthens our commitment to developing leaders who can influence change across institutions, industries, and communities.”
The initiative is guided by a collaborative leadership team led by Dr. Neelam Azad (PI), Vice President for Research, and Dr. Jessica Sullivan (Co-PI), Chair, Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, who oversee program design, research integration, assessment, reporting, and implementation. They are supported by Dr. Denise Charbonnet, Chair, Department of Education; Dr. Katina Ward-James, Director, HU Global; and Program Manager Dr. Robyn Ayscue.
Together, this team advances the initiative’s signature components, from professional development and mentorship structures to student-centered leadership pathways and cross-generational networks, ensuring a unified, research-informed approach to cultivating strong leaders across the higher education landscape.
“The LEAD Initiative builds on Hampton’s legacy of cultivating leaders who reshape their fields,” said Azad. “Our approach grounds leadership development in culturally informed research while opening doors for meaningful growth.”
Through its emphasis on equity-driven leadership, the LEAD Initiative positions Hampton University as a national resource for institutions striving to build inclusive cultures. The program’s influence will extend across communities and industries, strengthening economic mobility, advancing innovation, and inspiring future generations.
Through its emphasis on research-driven leadership preparation and institutional collaboration, the LEAD Initiative positions Hampton University as a national resource for strengthening leadership capacity across colleges, universities, and related sectors. Its impact will extend beyond campus—shaping communities, advancing innovation, and inspiring future generations of leaders.
ABOUT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Hampton University is a prestigious Carnegie R2-designated research institution, nationally acclaimed for pioneering work in atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and cybersecurity. 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 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 community of scholars, representing 44 states and 32 territories. With a legacy rooted in empowerment and education, the university is committed to nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship — preparing students to lead with purpose and integrity in an ever-changing world. Learn more at: www.hamptonu.edu
For media inquiries, please contact Mahogany Waldon in the Office of University Relations at universityrelations@hamptonu.edu.
