Executive Vice President and Provost

Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams proudly announced today the appointment of Betty H. Stewart, Ph.D., as the new Executive Vice President and Provost, effective July 1, 2024.

With a distinguished career spanning 30 years in academia, Stewart brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to academic excellence to her new post, having served as provost at the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) where she spearheaded innovative initiatives in STEM and fostered a culture of collaboration and scholarly achievement.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Stewart and anticipate her building upon a reputation as a dynamic, cross-functional leader with a keen intellectual curiosity and the ability to drive our value proposition forward,” said President Williams. “I am confident she will make a substantial impact on our faculty and external stakeholders.”

Stewart, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Mississippi State and a Ph.D. in Protein Biochemistry, Biological Sciences from Carnegie-Mellon University, touts an exceptionally strong research profile. She is highly regarded for securing a $100 million allocation for a 150,000-sq. ft. building for minorities in STEM at UNT Dallas, creating offices of Sponsored Research and Undergraduate Research, a game-changing move that helped increase the institution’s research profile.

A three-time tenured professor of chemistry at Austin College, Midwestern State University, and UNT Dallas, and a two-time provost/vice president for academic affairs, Stewart served as Fellow at the University of Texas Medical School, led the accreditation for ABET for Engineering Program, and helped obtain a $7 million partnership grant from JP Morgan Chase to support workforce development in north Texas. While at Midwestern State University, Stewart’s contributions to the sciences and STEM field were so significant that there is a lab named after her.

Leading through change, Stewart worked to bring much needed structure to the campus following a period of frequent turnover in administrative leadership positions, including five of six academic deans representing the College of Law, Graduate School, the Schools of Education, Business and Liberal Arts and Sciences. She established and promoted university traditions such as the first-year Ceremony of Lights, the Book Plating Ceremony for newly tenured faculty, and led all Commencement and Hooding ceremonies.

“In Dr. Stewart, Hampton has found a visionary leader who will continue to advance the university’s mission of academic excellence, student success, and community engagement,” said President Williams. “Dr. Stewart’s passion for higher education, commitment to student success, and dedication to nurturing the next generation of scholars align perfectly with our values and aspirations.”