Dr. Ziette Hayes is Dean of the James T. George School of Business at Hampton University, where she provides strategic leadership for one of the nation’s premier business schools at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). An accomplished higher education administrator, educator, and former corporate executive, she has dedicated more than two decades to advancing academic excellence, strengthening industry partnerships, and preparing future business leaders to succeed in an increasingly global and technology-driven economy.
Dr. Hayes joined Hampton University in 2002 after an accomplished corporate career with General Electric, where she spent eleven years in finance and business operations. Her corporate experience provided a strong foundation in strategic planning, financial management, organizational leadership, and project execution—expertise she has successfully translated into higher education leadership.
Since joining Hampton University, Dr. Hayes has served in progressively responsible leadership roles including Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Dean of the James T. George School of Business. During her tenure, she also served as Executive Director of the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (2020–2022), where she oversaw administrative and operational leadership for one of the nation’s leading proton therapy centers while supporting the university’s broader strategic initiatives.
As Dean, Dr. Hayes has led transformational initiatives designed to enhance student success, increase corporate engagement, and strengthen the national reputation of Hampton University’s School of Business. Her leadership philosophy centers on ensuring that students graduate not only with strong academic credentials, but also with the professional experiences, leadership competencies, and industry connections necessary to thrive in competitive global markets.
Under her leadership, the School of Business has significantly expanded strategic partnerships with leading corporations including Deloitte, PwC, Prudential Financial, Amazon, and numerous other organizations. These collaborations have created enhanced opportunities for students through internships, scholarships, executive mentoring, experiential learning, professional certifications, leadership development programs, and direct career placement. These partnerships have further positioned Hampton University as a premier source of diverse business talent for employers across multiple industries.
Dr. Hayes has championed experiential learning throughout the curriculum by promoting internships, consulting projects, executive engagement, entrepreneurship, and applied business education. Her vision is to create graduates who possess technical competence, ethical leadership skills, professional confidence, and the adaptability required to lead organizations through rapid technological and economic change.
Throughout her career, Dr. Hayes has been recognized as an innovative educator dedicated to student achievement and instructional excellence. She has received numerous honors recognizing her contributions to teaching, leadership, and service, including the President’s Ambassador of Excellence Award, Edward L. Hamm Distinguished Teaching Award, Provost Innovative Teaching Award, Pearson ONE Professor Award, South Atlantic Region Inspiring Educators Award, and the Educational Development Award presented by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Committed to lifelong learning and professional excellence, Dr. Hayes holds several nationally recognized professional credentials, including the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification, along with advanced certifications in Artificial Intelligence for Higher Education and Generative AI Project Management. Her continued investment in emerging technologies reflects her commitment to preparing both students and institutions for the future of work.
Dr. Hayes earned a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Long Island University, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Central State University.
A respected voice on business education, workforce development, and leadership, Dr. Hayes frequently speaks on topics including strategic partnerships, student success, corporate engagement, diversity in business education, innovation, project management, and the future of work. She has emphasized the importance of creating business leaders who are equipped to solve complex organizational challenges through collaboration, innovation, ethical decision-making, and inclusive leadership.
Dr. Hayes’ leadership continues to strengthen Hampton University’s legacy of excellence by building meaningful relationships between academia and industry, expanding opportunities for students and faculty, and ensuring that graduates are prepared to become transformative leaders in business, government, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit organizations around the world.
