Public historian, educator and former National Archives senior appraisal archivist brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, federal service and public humanities to support Hampton’s high-achieving students
HAMPTON, Va. (September 8, 2026) — Hampton University has appointed Dr. Jametta A. Davis assistant director of the Honors College, strengthening the University’s commitment to academic excellence, intellectual inquiry and the development of students prepared to lead with knowledge and purpose.
A public historian, educator, storyteller and community scholar, Davis brings more than two decades of experience spanning higher education, federal service and the public humanities. In her role at Hampton, she will help advance the Honors College’s work to challenge and support high-achieving students through rigorous academic experiences, mentorship and opportunities for intellectual and professional growth.
“Dr. Davis brings an important combination of scholarship, mentorship and public service to Hampton University,” said Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr. Betty H. Stewart. “Her experience developing students, preserving history and serving at the federal level will enrich the Honors College and help our students connect academic achievement with leadership, service and a deeper understanding of the communities they will influence.”
Davis earned her Ph.D. in history from Howard University, with concentrations in African American, African Diaspora and public histories. She is also a graduate of Old Dominion University and North Carolina Central University.
Before joining Hampton, Davis spent more than 15 years with the National Archives and Records Administration. During her federal career, she collaborated on special projects designed to increase organizational effectiveness, conducted government-wide assessments, and participated in the appraisal and recovery of historically significant federal records.
She also designed and facilitated records management training for participants representing 270 federal agencies, bringing together expertise in education, historical stewardship and federal service.
Davis received honors and commendations from the National Archives and the Department of the Navy for instructional excellence and her contributions to agency wide initiatives, including efforts to strengthen pathways for students seeking careers in government.
Her work beyond federal service reflects a similar commitment to education and cultural preservation. Davis has taught and mentored students and directed cultural education initiatives involving oral history, ethnographic fieldwork, and digital storytelling. She has presented at national conferences and contributed scholarship to In Spite of the Double Drawbacks: African American Women in History and Culture.
Davis also has held fellowships at Howard University, Columbia University, Emory University, Duke University, and the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College.
Davis’s appointment brings her scholarly interests full circle. Her research has examined Hampton’s historic role in expanding opportunity for Black communities, and she now joins the University in preparing a new generation of scholars and leaders to extend that legacy through academic achievement, service and professional leadership.
About Hampton University
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is one of the nation’s strongest Historically Black Colleges and Universities and a prestigious Carnegie R2-designated research institution. For more than 150 years, Hampton has prepared world-ready leaders of character and consequence through a distinctive educational experience grounded in academic excellence, leadership, innovation, and service.
Home to students from 44 states and 32 countries and territories, the University is nationally recognized for groundbreaking research in atmospheric science, cancer research, cybersecurity, marine and environmental science, and other disciplines that address society’s most pressing challenges. With an annual economic impact of $515 million across the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hampton continues to advance discovery, strengthen communities, and prepare graduates to lead with purpose in an increasingly interconnected world. Learn more at www.hamptonu.edu.
