Addressing National Disparities with a Commitment to Inclusive, Patient-Centered Care
October 30, 2024 – Hampton, VA – If Flemmie P. Kittrell Hall could speak, it would share stories of transformation, progress, and dedication within Hampton University’s School of Pharmacy. Named after Dr. Flemmie P. Kittrell, a trailblazing nutritionist and educator, Kittrell Hall embodies her legacy of service to underserved communities. Dr. Kittrell was the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in nutrition, and her pioneering work addressed malnutrition and health disparities across the globe, with an unwavering focus on culturally sensitive care and advocacy. Her legacy, enshrined in Kittrell Hall, sets the foundation for training pharmacists dedicated to health equity.
A Brand New Day of Service and Leadership in Health Education
The Hampton University School of Pharmacy proudly celebrated the grand reopening of Kittrell Hall on October 25, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical education and community service. The ceremony brought together esteemed leaders, faculty, students, and community members to commemorate the revitalization of this iconic facility.
The event was marked by lovely weather as alumni and the community gathered on the lawn of Kittrell Hall on the Friday of Homecoming to witness a brand-new day for the University. Dean Dr. Anand Iyer provided inspiring remarks that emphasized the transformative power of education and the critical role of the School of Pharmacy in shaping future healthcare leaders.
“Today marks a special day for us,” Dr. Iyer stated. “Kittrell Hall has been renovated and is now ready to provide students with academic and clinical components of the pharmacy curriculum needed to ensure success and excellence for our students. It’s a ‘hallelujah moment.’ This has been a longtime coming and we’re proud of the faculty and staff that helped to bring this initiative to life.”
Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader impact of the School of Pharmacy on the region and beyond. “The reopening of Kittrell Hall symbolizes our dedication to providing top-tier education and fostering a diverse workforce in the healthcare sector,” said President Williams. “Together, we’re paving the way for the next generation of pharmacists who will make a difference in their communities.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced with the presence of local elected officials, including Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck and Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, and Hampton Board Trustee Zachary Scott, class of 1978, who expressed their excitement and support for the School of Pharmacy, its mission, and the cohort of students on the path to their doctorate in Pharmacy.
Attendees participated in a tour of the newly renovated facility, which boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborative learning spaces, and advanced technology designed to enhance the educational experience. The event concluded with a reception, fostering connections among students, faculty, alumni, and community members.
The newly renovated Kittrell Hall is a two-story, 19,200-square-foot facility dedicated to the School of Pharmacy. This comprehensive renovation enhances efficiency, comfort, and functionality for both staff and students. The updated space now includes state-of-the-art laboratories, a mock pharmacy, specialized exam rooms, and modern classrooms, all designed to support an immersive, hands-on learning environment. With upgrades to building systems and energy efficiency, Kittrell Hall provides an optimized, comfortable setting that meets the high standards of contemporary pharmacy education. Kittrell houses three classrooms, four labs, an IV and observation room, student lounge, and new admin spaces an offices. The building is equipped with new wireless access control entry locks that allow the school to monitor and assign specific access for students and personnel for additional security. Instructional spaces include integrated tracking cameras, SMART boards and other AV tools which allows presenters to stream, cast and record presentations and lectures in real time all from one centralized location as well as other tools that encourage group learning amongst students.
The Role of Culturally Competent Pharmacists
In the renovated Kittrell Hall, Hampton University’s PharmD program empowers students with both the scientific expertise and cultural competence necessary to address healthcare disparities. With only 14% of licensed U.S. pharmacists from minority backgrounds, culturally competent pharmacists are essential for providing quality care in an increasingly diverse society. Studies show that culturally aligned care leads to better patient adherence and outcomes, especially in underserved communities. The enhanced facilities in Kittrell Hall offer students experiential learning opportunities to develop these skills and apply them in clinical scenarios that mirror real-world healthcare challenges.
For more information about the Hampton University School of Pharmacy and its programs, please visit https://home.hamptonu.edu/pharmacy/
Elevating Hampton Excellence
Culturally competent care is linked to better patient outcomes, as studies have shown that minority patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans when served by healthcare providers who understand their cultural backgrounds. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services highlights that improving cultural competence in healthcare could decrease preventable hospital readmissions, address chronic health conditions, and lower the national healthcare cost burden, which is projected to reach $6.8 trillion by 2030.
Through the Elevating Hampton Excellence initiative, Hampton University’s School of Pharmacy addresses these disparities by preparing pharmacists who are attuned to the social determinants of health and capable of bridging gaps in healthcare. This approach not only positions graduates as leaders but also aligns with Hampton’s mission to uplift communities and empower individuals with equitable access to high-quality care.
About Hampton University
Hampton University, nestled along the scenic shores of Hampton, Virginia, is a dynamic historically Black institution with a storied legacy of academic excellence, pioneering research, and dedicated community service. Here, students discover an empowering environment that fuels their ambitions, nurtures their potential, and inspires them to rise, lead, and excel.
Founded in 1868, Hampton combines a robust liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on scientific and professional disciplines, offering a wide range of distinctive programs, including leading-edge degrees in STEM, business, arts, and health sciences. The University is at the forefront of research in areas such as atmospheric science, cancer treatment, and cybersecurity, driving innovation that impacts the world. Contributing $530 million annually to both the regional and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s economy, Hampton plays a vital role in regional development while championing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity.
Recognized by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Colleges in America” and honored by Coastal Virginia as the “Best Private College,” Hampton University is a close-knit community of learners and educators representing 44 states and 32 territories and nations. Committed to nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, Hampton prepares its students to lead and thrive in an evolving world.
For more information, visit www.hamptonu.edu.
For media inquiries, please contact Mahogany Waldon in the Office of University Relations, at mahogany.waldon@hamptonu.edu or 757-727-5987.
