Dr. Campbell’s 20+ years of university leadership will guide Hampton University towards its North Star in academia, research, and scholarship.
Hampton, Va. (October 17)— Hampton University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Vera Combs Campbell ‘95 as Assistant Provost for Student Support and SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison at Hampton University, a key new leadership role that will strengthen academic strategy, assessment, and institutional effectiveness across the university.
In this role, Dr. Campbell will oversee programs and strategies that enhance academic advising, student persistence, and holistic support while also coordinating compliance with regional accreditation standards. She will serve as chair of the University’s 2028 SACSCOC decennial reaffirmation processes, advancing Hampton’s accreditation standing and institutional effectiveness
Advancing the University through Scholarship
Dr. Campbell brings to this post a strong record of scholarship, assessment leadership, and academic innovation. Since joining Hampton’s School of Pharmacy faculty in 2005, she has advanced through roles of growing responsibility, serving as Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Assessment.
A scholar of pharmacology and toxicology with deep interest in drug abuse and addiction, Dr. Campbell has published in peer-reviewed journals and delivered presentations at national and international scientific conferences. Her research has included investigations of opioid and nicotine co-abuse, and she designed and offers an elective course in Drugs of Abuse. Dr. Campbell is also deeply invested in advancing innovative methods for student learning assessment, curricular evaluation, and outcome measurement in higher education.
Executive Vice President & Provost Dr. Betty Stewart offered her strong endorsement of the appointment: “Dr. Campbell’s combined expertise in rigorous scholarship, curriculum, and student outcomes makes her uniquely suited to guide Hampton through the next phase of academic excellence. Her vision and dedication will help us elevate our institutions’ standards and deliver even greater value to students, faculty, and community alike.”
President Darrell K. Williams also affirmed the significance of the addition: “We’re delighted to welcome Dr. Campbell into Hampton’s senior academic leadership. Her commitment to evidence-driven instruction and institutional advancement aligns with our strategic priorities. I’m confident she will be a transformative force in shaping our academic future.”
Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Hampton University (1995), a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the Medical Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (2000), and a graduate certificate in Higher Education Assessment from James Madison University (2013). Prior to joining Hampton’s faculty, she held postdoctoral appointments at Howard University and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Leading Hampton to its North Star
In her new role as Assistant Provost, Dr. Campbell will lead university wide efforts in assessment, accreditation, program review, data analytics, and faculty development. She will partner with colleges, schools, and administrative leaders to strengthen Hampton’s academic mission, ensure continuous improvement, and align programs with institutional goals.
“Hampton University has shaped every stage of my academic and professional journey. To now lead efforts that directly impact the student experience is both humbling and deeply meaningful. My focus will be on building pathways that empower students to thrive academically while upholding Hampton’s enduring mission of excellence in education and service,” said Dr. Campbell.
Dr. Campbell assumed the Assistant Provost portfolio over the summer, reporting directly to the Provost’s office. She joins a leadership team that’s charged with positioning Hampton University to meet evolving demands in higher education, strengthen student success, and expand national impact.
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.
