University Park, Pennsylvania (May 6, 2023) —Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams today addresses the class of 2023 in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University.
Williams, who earned a master’s in business administration from Penn State, was invited to share his lessons in leadership gained throughout his illustrious career in the military. In his address, he shares details of his commitment to developing innovative 21st-century leaders of character for our community, nation and the world. Williams also spoke to his strategic vision for delivering the #1 student experience in America as part of his new role at the helm of Hampton University.
The 1983 graduate of Hampton was inaugurated the 13th President of his alma mater last month and under his ambitious leadership, he recently released the strategic plan, “Elevating Hampton Excellence,” a bold 10-year vision for the institution’s future.
RICHMOND, VA –(May 5, 2023) -Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced Margaret O. Daramola as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s new Poet Laureate. Ms. Daramola was born in Nigeria and is a student at Hampton University where she is receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Minor in History this spring. A Dean’s List honoree every semester, she is the Vice President of the African Student Association, a member of Hampton University’s Pre-Law Society and was awarded the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship and Student Poet initiative award. Since 1988, the Governor appoints the honorary position of Poet Laureate of Virginia to serve a term of two years.
“I had the privilege of hearing Ms. Daramola first-hand at the investiture of Hampton University’s President Darrell Williams this past March and was greatly impressed by her presence and passion,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Virginians will be honored to have such a talented poet represent us as Laureate. I have always believed that the promise of Virginia’s future is represented in young adults like Margaret. Suzanne and I look forward to Margaret blessing Virginians across the Commonwealth with her incredible gift.”
Contacts: Office of the Governor: Macaulay Porter, Macaulay.Porter@governor.virginia.gov
For more information, visit: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2023/may/name-1002529-en.html
Dr. Jeanette Davis, also known as Dr. Ocean, Collaborates with Colleagues to Receive $3 Million U.S. National Science Foundation Grant
Hampton, Va. (May 3, 2023) – Hampton University Adjunct Professor Dr. Jeanette Davis, Marine Microbiologist and ocean science consultant on the movie, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at Marvel Studios, was part of a team of collaborators who were recently awarded a $3 Million U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for the marine science department to support the next generation of young scientist.
Dr. Davis, also known as Dr. Ocean, lectures on international stages, speaking about the importance of empowering young people through science. She holds membership on several graduate advisory committees and has been featured in Ebony, Essence, and Black Enterprise as the “next great marine biologist.” She has worked with distinguished scientists to author a national publication released from the White House that highlights essential ocean research and technology topics for the next decade.
The Hampton alumna is a two-time best-selling author of children’s science books. Her first book, Science isEverywhere, Science is for Everyone, was ranked #1 Featured Children’s book on Amazon. A second book, Jada’s Journey Under the Sea, highlights marine life and ways to care for and protect the ocean. Young readers learn about geology, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and astronomy in a fun and innovative way.
Dr. Davis’ work to increase research and innovation reflects President Williams’ vision to distinguish Hampton among institutions of higher learning. She earned her B.S. in Marine and Environmental Science from Hampton University and a Ph.D. in Marine Microbiology from the University of Maryland where she focused on marine drug discovery.
For more information, visit: https://drjeanettedavis.com/
Hampton, Va. (April 28, 2023) – Hampton University Child Development Center hosted “Careers for Kids,” a first-of-its-kind hands-on learning activity on campus. The event, which featured classrooms and learning stations on the lawn of the Eva C. Mitchell Building included: Hampton Police Department, Hampton Fire Department, Hampton University Army ROTC, Hampton University Men’s Basketball Team, Hampton University Nursing Department, Hampton University Terpsichorean Dance Company, and Hampton University Starbucks Manager Lance Sharpe. The event also featured Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck who read to students. “It is an impressive event, and it just goes to show what kind of students Hampton University is producing,” said Tuck.
“Careers for Kids” is the brainchild of Mya Marks, a sophomore Elementary Education major, who started working at the development center last semester and wanted to do something special for the kids. “I hope that they take away different opportunities in life like seeing the leaders of their community and seeing that they can go down different paths,” said Marks.
The Center uses a theme-based, child-centered curriculum that meets the individual needs of children, is process-oriented and focuses on children learning skills and behaviors that help them to be successful, life-long learners.
Hampton students are encouraged to develop leadership skills in line with our strategic vision for preparing them for future workplace opportunities. “We want to give these students the number one experience,” said Hernandez. “Mya took the command, leadership and put it together… the children are excited.”
Michelle Covington, mother of student Langston Covington, age 3, said the program is outstanding. “Langston is learning a lot and he is growing socially which I think is important in addition to the academics.”
Aisha Houston the mother of four-year-old daughter, Jada Houston said, “I felt like this gives students a little bit more exposure to what they see on a normal basis. This can definitely trigger some career choices in the future. This is a good event.”
Pictured Left to Right: Derek Lewis, ’88, Thea Mitchem, ’95, Willie Williams, NHAA President, Reanee’ Ivey Ellis, ’79, Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams, ’83, Melonie Parker, ’88 and Leonard Allen-Smith, ’16
Hampton, Va. (May 1, 2023) – The New York Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc., sponsored the 2nd Annual NHAA, Inc. Legacy Blue Gala and Awards Dinner held in New York, NY. The event was held as fund-raising support for the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc., Student Emergency Fund to provide gap-funding for students at Hampton. The program also included special alumni recognitions highlighting continued leadership and success at the University, in the NHAA, Inc. and in their local communities.
Alumni from the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, and North Carolina Regions travelled to New York to support the President’s strategic initiatives to “Elevate Hampton’s Excellence”. “The National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. has established a goal to raise $1 million for their student emergency fund. In this one event, alumni and friends of Hampton has pledged over $86,000 and are continuing to count in-coming donations,” said Brint M. Martin, assistant vice president for alumni affairs.
There were a number of notable alumni in attendance, and President Darrell K. and First Lady Myra Williams attended on behalf of the University, thanking the participants and the donors.
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See photo gallery: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14fjpZSytudqn0jFtx0Ve4cDYwP8az0pt
Hampton, Va. (May 2, 2023) –Hampton University Professor Susanne L. Toney, Ph.D., teaches students about understanding the best use of credit cards and shares tips on decisions about money as they begin their careers and enter the real world. As an expert for business and finance, Dr. Toney expanded her classroom reach to include WalletHub online readers.
“I am glad to be featured on WalletHub and to have multiple opportunities to share tips for improving financial literacy,” said Dr. Toney who serves as Edwin G. Nourse Endowed Chair of Business and Economics, Center for Entrepreneurship, Economics, Finance and Accounting and Enactus Faculty Advisor at the James T. George School of Business. “It is my hope that sharing such knowledge will help to bridge the wealth gap.”
In the classroom, Dr. Toney says her goal is to educate students early on the importance of spending money wisely, investing and saving for the future, and maintaining good credit. “We often lag behind other communities in the area of financial literacy, especially building and securing wealth for future generations.” Instructing students on financial independence and sustainability fulfills the President’s vision to deliver the #1 student experience in America.”
When questioned if consumers place too much emphasis on a credit card’s annual fee, Dr. Toney advises consumers to focus on late fees, rather than annual fees. She adds, it is smart to have a no-annual fee card for emergencies.
In “Best Credit Cards with No Annual Fee WalletHub, Experts Track 1,500+ Offers to Help You Get the Best No Annual Fee Credit Card,” John Kiernan, Credit Card Editor, discusses the pros and cons of cards that do not charge membership fees for owning the card. WalletHub is an award-winning personal finance company that empowers consumers to lead financially healthy lives. WalletHub is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Pictured left to right: Past Presidents of the Richmond Chapter NHAA, Inc., Yolonda Thompson, President Williams, Patricia Perry, currently regional first vice president for the Middle Atlantic Region, and Edward Gilchrist, LTC, (retired)
Richmond, Va. (May 2, 2023) – Hampton University President, Lieutenant General Darrell K. Williams, United States Army (retired), joined by fellow military retirees and past presidents of the Richmond Chapter National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. The fundraiser was held at the Military Retirees Club, Richmond, Virginia to upgrade the facility. President Williams is a visionary leader and crown jewel for the students at Hampton “He is such a rare and most distinguished soldier, statesman, scholar that we can look up to,” said Edward Gilchrist, LTC, (retired). “To hear the young folks talk about the President in such glowing terms is really spectacular and it really rejuvenates you.” The President’s outreach supports the University’s strategic plan Elevating Hampton Excellence to “develop and maintain an alumni engagement plan that advances enrollment and development goals while increasing the percentage of living alumni participating in university programming to 40%.”
Hampton, Va. (May 1, 2023) – Hampton University recently launched the Level Up to Service Internship Event, a pilot program that convened the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Hampton City Schools, and Hampton University to teach students about internship and career opportunities within the Federal government.
More than 200 Hampton University and high school students met with representatives from OPM, which serves as the chief human resources agency and personal policy manager for the Federal Government as well as representatives from various federal agencies who helped them apply for internships and navigate the USAJOBS website to search for opportunities.
First Lady Myra Williams, Hampton alumni class of 1983 and key organizer of the event, said, “Hampton is focused on tapping into the government recruitment and paid internship opportunities for students on campus and in the community. The event complements the President’s view that every student leaves the school graduating with either a job or some other kind of position.”
“President Biden has a commitment to paid internships as a part of the DEIA Executive order,” said Dr. Janice Underwood, Hampton alumni class of 1998 and director of the office of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. “Our hope is to replicate this across all HBCUs, Hispanic serving institutions, and institutions that serve people with disabilities and tribal affiliated institutions. We want to make sure that we are going to communities that are typically underserved in the federal government as opposed to just waiting for them to apply.”
HAMPTON, VA (April 28, 2023) – Hampton University announced today that TowneBank has pledged $1 million to the university for naming rights within Armstrong Stadium and premier engagement with the Department of Athletics. The grant also outlines career services and professional development opportunities between the university and the TowneBank family of companies.
Pictured from left to right: Doug Favre, Towne Insurance Risk Advisor; Evelyn Graham, Hampton University Vice President for Development; Tom Hasty, TowneBank Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Regulatory Risk Management Officer; Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams; Brian Skinner, President of TowneBank Virginia & Northeastern North Carolina; Alexis Swann, President of TowneBank Peninsula and Williamsburg; Anthony Henderson, Hampton University Director of Athletics; Joseph Walters, Hampton University Director of Development; JT Hasty, Towne Insurance Account Executive
Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams said, “We are extremely excited about this news and we look very much forward to our enhanced partnership. We truly appreciate TowneBank and its continued support and advocacy of Hampton and our vision to amplify and sustain an athletic program and culture of excellence that promote national university pride and build high-achieving leaders and champions. Thank you, again, TowneBank!”
“This gift marks the largest partnership between TowneBank and an HBCU,” said Alexis Swann, president of TowneBank Peninsula and Williamsburg. “We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and find new, strategic ways to enhance our relationship with Hampton University.”
As a premier institution of higher learning, Hampton University seeks to partner with corporations to bring real-world experiences to students through professional interactions, internships, and workforce opportunities. “We commend Hampton University for its dedication to preparing students for positions of leadership and service,” says Tom Hasty, TowneBank SEVP and Chief Regulatory Risk Management Officer and honoree of the 2022 Hampton University Outstanding Alumnus-at-Large award. “Working alongside HU helps us to leverage the diversity that exists in our community to ensure that our workforce accurately reflects that diversity.”
Evelyn Graham, Vice President of Development, said, “Words cannot express our gratitude for TowneBank’s generosity. We know that they will be thrilled with the caliber of our students, the excellence of our operations, and the engagement of our faculty through this partnership.”
Anthony D. Henderson, Sr., Director of Athletics, indicated that funding will be utilized in the following ways:
To fund the installation of a trophy suite within Armstrong Stadium effectively upgrading the Adult Zone from a tent to a semi-permanent structure
To support the “Pirate on the Move” travel campaign that allows Hampton Athletics to support fundraising activities during athletic events away from the university
To align with the rest of the CAA medical service staff to establish a sideline injury tent for football athletes
Mr. Henderson said, “We thank TowneBank so much for their generous contribution. Its partners like them that make our work possible. This partnership also will help showcase TowneBank and further advance the brand of this banking institution. We look forward to building on this amazing relationship.” In addition to the items above, the partnership will also include branding of TowneBank on the Hampton Athletics website, signage at athletic events, and customized access to students to include interviewing, internships, and employment at the bank and its family of companies.
Contact Evelyn Graham (757-727-5356 or Evelyn.Graham@hamptonu.edu) or Joseph Walters (757-637-2122 Joseph.Walters@hamptonu.edu) for more information.
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About Hampton University
Hampton University is a comprehensive institution of higher education, dedicated to the promotion of learning, building of character and preparation of promising students for positions of leadership and service. Its curriculum emphasis is scientific and professional with a strong liberal arts under girding. In carrying out its mission, the University requires that everything that it does be of the highest quality. A historically black institution, Hampton University is committed to multiculturalism. The University serves students from diverse national, cultural and economic backgrounds. Research and public service are integral parts of Hampton’s mission. In order to enhance scholarship and discovery, the faculty is engaged in writing, research, and grantsmanship. In achieving its mission, Hampton University offers exemplary programs and opportunities which enable students, faculty and staff to grow, develop and contribute to our society in a productive and useful manner. Visit www.hamptonu.edu for more information.
About TowneBank
Founded in 1999, TowneBank is a company built on relationships, offering a full range of banking and other financial services, with a focus of serving others and enriching lives. Dedicated to a culture of caring, Towne values all employees and members by embracing their diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences. Today, TowneBank operates over 45 banking offices throughout Hampton Roads and Central Virginia, as well as Northeastern and Central North Carolina – serving as a local leader in promoting the social, cultural, and economic growth in each community. Towne offers a competitive array of business and personal banking solutions, delivered with only the highest ethical standards. Experienced local bankers providing a higher level of expertise and personal attention with local decision-making are key to the TowneBank strategy. Towne has grown its capabilities beyond banking to provide expertise through its controlled divisions and subsidiaries that include Towne Wealth Management, Towne Insurance Agency, Towne Benefits, TowneBank Mortgage, TowneBank Commercial Mortgage, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty, Towne 1031 Exchange, LLC, and Towne Vacations. With total assets of $16.73 billion as of March 31, 2023, TowneBank is one of the largest banks headquartered in Virginia.
Students Share Research Efforts and Engage with Peers and Faculty at Largest Annual Display of Student Research at Hampton University
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hampton, Va. (April 12, 2023) – Three distinguished Hampton alumni were tapped to deliver keynote addresses as part of the 27th Annual School of Science Research Symposium which kicks off today at 4:00 p.m. and runs all day tomorrow in the Student Center.
Keynote sessions will address the theme, “S.T.E.M.: The Answer to Life’s Questions,” and feature Dr. L. Michael Burke, Jr., ’90, CEO and founder of ASIR Materials Corporation, an entrepreneurial venture with the mission to develop and commercialize the next generation of materials suitable to handle the ever-changing needs of the device and biomedical industries. Dr. Burke will be followed by Dr. Trevon Swain, ‘09, who is Scientific Reviewer for the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Audra Stone, ’03 and ’10, Clinical Protocol Developer at Odyssey Systems, a leading provider of outstanding management, analytical, and technical support services to the government and private sectors, will close out the main sessions.
“The annual research symposium provides a forum to highlight the outstanding research conducted by undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty in different disciplines at Hampton University,” said Dr. Isi Ero-Tolliver, Dean of the School of Science. “The symposium also provides an opportunity for interested students to be exposed to a variety of research fields and the opportunity to network with faculty, graduate students, and other scientists within their area of interest.”
The mission of the Hampton University School of Science is to provide quality and rigorous instructional programs, conduct discipline-specific research, engage in service, and demonstrate leadership. An integral part of its mission is to educate students based on a commitment to ethics in education and sustained excellence. With a collaborative team of interdisciplinary faculty members, the School of Science implements state-of-the-art pedagogy and innovative technologies to promote and cultivate students with competence, integrity, and compassion. Graduates are well-prepared for professional, scientific and academic careers with applicable skills to compete for direct entry into the workforce and graduate and professional programs.
Rich in history, steeped in tradition, Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. In addition to being one of the top historically Black universities in the world, Hampton University is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators, representing 49 states and 35 territories and nations that is committed to Delivering the #1 Student Experience in America.
Hampton, VA April 12, 2023 – Hampton University Provost and Chancellor JoAnn Haysbert, Ed.D. has been named to the 2023 “Top 25 Women Making a Difference in the World of Academia” by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education magazine, an annual list that showcases the exceptional contributions and leadership skills of women in the academic world.
“Dr. Haysbert has been an instrumental leader at Hampton University for several decades, providing guidance and insight that have strengthened Hampton’s reputation and success,” said HU President Darrell K. Williams. “Her exceptional work ethic, combined with unparalleled vision and expertise, have made her one of the most respected academic leaders in the industry today.”
A prolific grant writer and fundraiser, Dr. Haysbert has secured both public and private funds for Hampton University and has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have improved the quality of education, research, and the student experience on campus. She has also been a critical voice during the transition in leadership, maintaining a keen eye on the preservation of the standard of excellence known as Hampton University.
“I have been at Hampton from 1980 through 2005 and from 2011 until present for a total of 37 years,” said Dr. Haysbert. “I am humbled by the honor, and it confirms my belief that according to II Chronicles 26:5: ‘As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.’ I also hope that my journey as a first-time college graduate from a small town in South Carolina will serve as an example to others, that ‘performance does count’,” she said.
About Diverse: Issues In Higher Education
For more than three decades, Diverse: Issues In Higher Education has been the premier source of timely news, provocative commentary, insightful interviews and in-depth special reports on diversity in higher education. Savvy individuals who appreciate the crucial and ever-changing role that higher education plays in the lives of students, professionals, their families, and their communities make reading Diverse a regular habit. For more information, visit Diverse: Issues In Higher Education (diverseeducation.com)
About JoAnn W. Haysbert, Ed.D.
JoAnn Haysbert, Ed.D., provost and chancellor at Hampton University, has served for more than four decades as chief academic officer, delivering strategic and inspired leadership that focuses on supporting faculty, promoting continuous growth in research activity, and delivering a rich student experience. She has held positions at Virginia State University, Auburn University, and Alexander City State Junior College.
She has served on professional boards, including the National Campus Compact and the Board of Trustees and Nominating Committee of the College Board. Dr. Haysbert is a member of the Hampton City Schools Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. She holds the BA degree in Psychology from Johnson C. Smith University, the M.Ed. degree in Educational Administration and the doctoral degree in Educational Administration with a teaching specialization in Psychology from Auburn University. She was also selected to participate in the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Institute for Educational Management.
About Hampton University Rich in history, steeped in tradition, Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. In addition to being one of the top historically Black universities in the world, Hampton University is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators, representing 49 states and 35 territories and nations that is committed to Delivering the #1 Student Experience in America.
Hampton University Recognizes Outstanding Students for Excellence in the Classroom, on Campus, and in the Community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hampton, Va. (April 6, 2023) – The Hampton University Honors Council will host its 48th annual Honors Day on Saturday, April 8th at 1:30 p.m. in Robert C. Ogden Auditorium.
The Honorable Catherine J.K. Sandoval, recent federal appointee to the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), will deliver the keynote address based on the theme, “Honors as Key to Delivering the #1 Student Experience in America.” Sandoval, a published author and tenured faculty member at the Santa Clara University School of Law, was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden and confirmed with the unanimous consent of the U.S. Senate in December 2022. The presidential appointment builds on Sandoval’s decades of regulatory, legal, and safety leadership.
“For nearly half a century, Hampton University’s springtime event known as ‘Honors Day’ has been an absolutely amazing opportunity to acknowledge students from every corner of the university based upon their academic achievement,” said Dr. Carlton Long, president of the Honors Council and president and director of the Freddye T. Davy Honors College. “The various academic departments and honor societies are presented with the chance to highlight student exceptionality in academic achievement and leadership. On this special occasion, the President’s Cup Award is customarily announced and presented to a top member of the graduating senior class.”
Professor Sandoval is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, an honor limited to the top 1% of lawyers in each jurisdiction. She earned a B.A. from Yale University, a Master of Letters from Oxford University, and a J.D. from Stanford Law School. Sandoval has achieved a series of historic firsts: first Latina CSB Board Member, first Latina CPUC Commissioner, first Latina tenured professor at SCU Law, first Latina Rhodes Scholar, and the first in her family to earn a four-year college degree.
“It will be a special treat for me to introduce the Honorable Catherine J.K. Sandoval to the Hampton University community,” said Long. “Cathy and I were both members of the same class of U.S. Rhodes Scholars quite some time ago. She was brilliant then, and she is blindingly brilliant now. I am confident that her talk to our students will showcase true wisdom, skill, talent and grace. Honors Day, after all, is – and ought to be – where mentorship and wisdom greet youthful brilliance and eagerness.”
ABOUT THE HONORS COLLEGE AT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Since its inception in 1986, the Honors College at Hampton University (first known as the W.E.B. DuBois Honors College and subsequently renamed the Freddye T. Davy Honors College) was designed for intellectually curious, academically engaged students who want to learn in a close-knit community of their peers at the heart of a vibrant liberal arts university. The Honors College has experienced exponential growth, earning the deep respect of the campus community and rising to the exceptionally high bar set by Dr. Freddye Sue Turner Davy (1922-2012). Honors College students actively and conscientiously develop their scholarly voices through serious academic inquiry, rigorous dialog, and communal sharing.
Rich in history, steeped in tradition, Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. In addition to being one of the top historically Black universities in the world, Hampton University is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators, representing 49 states and 35 territories and nations that is committed to Delivering the #1 Student Experience in America.
