Hampton, Va. – Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzz words. At Hampton University, they are critical areas of discovery, education, and understanding for students, faculty, and alumni alike. And on Tues., Feb. 21, 2023, Hampton University held its first-ever Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion summit.
Participants included:
Cecil Johnson, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Pharmaceuticals/R & D at Johnson & Johnson
Stephani Lewis, General Counsel and Chief Diversity Officer for IKEA North America
Melonie Parker, Chief Diversity Officer at Google
Gena Pemberton, Omnicom Health Group Inc., Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Gerty Simon, Morgan Stanley Vice President/ Regional Diversity Officer
Dr. Janice Underwood, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Cathy Council, New York Life’s Head of DEI Center for Awareness and Advocacy at
Chris Howlette, KapEX Foundation Board Officer
The session was moderated by Derek Lewis. Mr. Lewis is a current member of the Hampton University Board of Trustees and is a consultant and Speaker, having most recently served as the President of PepsiCo Multicultural.
In a “standing room only” session of more than 300 persons, the event hosted Hampton students from all majors and all classifications.
Among the key take-aways shared, were:
To be effective and meaningful, DEI should be connected to business goals
Accountability is key in demonstrating buy-in. Use data in decision-making to bring greater relevance to the DEI matters which are confronted
Recognize that each student is “enough”; remember always to be your true authentic self
“Lift others as you climb” and help others as you move along in your career
Recognize the competitive advantage that Hamptonians have in the marketplace; leverage experiences and build relationships with fellow Hamptonians
Be adaptable, and recognize that everything will not be perfect in every job secured, but with the right attitude, success is always possible
Students had some of the most insightful and engaging questions of the program. Several included the below:
How do you handle being the only minority in a group and feeling that you are not heard or seen?
How do you deal with your ideas being shot down, when you believe with better understanding or advocacy it would be a great concept?
What other dimensions exist beyond race and sexual orientation?
As prizes for the event, five iPads donated by the KapEX Foundation were raffled. And Morgan Stanley provided a paid shadowing intern opportunity at its Newport News Office for one lucky student.
At the conclusion of the evening, students interested in internships, externships, and job opportunities met with several of the sponsors and participants at their recruitment tables. Finally, planning is beginning on the next Hampton student DEI Summit.
HAMPTON, Va. — Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams introduced Anthony D. Henderson, Sr., as the new director of athletics at a press conference February 23 in the Convocation Center lobby. “We have been and always will be a championship athletic program,” said Williams. “The young men and women that represent our athletic program are some of the greatest ambassadors of this University and selecting their new leader who will work hand and glove with me was so very, very important.”
Henderson comes to Hampton from Yale University where he served as deputy director of athletics, leading all revenue generation and extending the brand and messaging of Yale Athletics through private philanthropy, corporate support, ticket sales, marketing efforts, community engagement, strategic communications, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Prior to Yale, Henderson was the senior associate athletics director and executive director of athletics advancement at The College of William & Mary, leading athletics philanthropic strategies and assisting in ensuring financial stability for The Tribe. Additionally, he was the sport administrator for the football program. Henderson also has served as the associate athletics director at the University of Akron where he was responsible for day-to-day operations of the Z-Fund, the fundraising arm of Akron Athletics and each of its 20 sports, including fundraising for capital projects, scholarships, and major gifts.
“I came here in 1995 as an 18-year- old from Powhatan, Va., first generation college graduate,” said Henderson ‘00. “The life lessons that I took from here playing under Coach Taylor and the professors that poured into me while I was here; there is no way that I am standing here in this position without all of that behind me.”
Prior to joining the University of Akron, Henderson served as assistant director of athletic development at Old Dominion University (ODU). He managed donor relationships and helped grow the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation’s endowment to more than $16 million. Additionally, he contributed to increasing the overall donor membership to 52% during his tenure.
Preceding his employment with ODU, Henderson worked as the senior account executive at The Event Authority, LLC, in Charlotte, NC; the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in Virginia Beach, VA; Disney Sports Attractions in Orlando, FL; and the Richmond Braves baseball club in Richmond, VA.
In sync with President Williams’s vision of providing the number one student experience, Henderson describes the athletics department using the acronym, ELITE:
E is for excellence. It’s in our charter. Standard of excellence.
L is for leadership. I want our student athletes to know that they have leaders that they can come to in our department.
I is for integrity. We will do things the right way; we’ll follow the rules and we’ll win with class.
T is for teamwork. That is what we’re built on.
E is for energy.You have your attitude and your output; making sure everybody’s focused and on the right page. That is one of our core values as well.
“He brings a championship mentality and he brings the skills and the attitude necessary to lead this great group of student athletes and all of our coaches,” said Williams. “We could not ask for more. So he has my support and I know he will have the support of this entire institution.”
Henderson will report directly to the University president, serve as a member of the Administrative Council, and oversee 17 NCAA Division I varsity athletic programs.
For more information on Hampton University football, contact the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5757, or visit the official Pirates website at https://home.hamptonu.edu/.
Hampton, Va. (January 6, 2023) – Kamaria Horton, a Hampton University senior computer science major, has been named a Schwarzman Scholarship winner. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, she describes herself as a “passionate and goal-oriented person with the work ethic and the determination to do what it takes to achieve my goals. I hold myself to a very high standard.” Horton has been awarded a one-year, fully funded graduate scholarship at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Schwarzman Scholars, named after American billionaire Stephen A. Schwarzman, is the first scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century. The program is designed to build a global community of future leaders who will serve to deepen understanding between China and the rest of the world.
Senior Kamaria Horton
Dr. Jean Muhammad, chair of the Hampton University Department of Computer Science, says, “If there was ever a deserving student to get this award, it is certainly Kamaria. She has an excellent character. She helps her peers. It’s just amazing to me and she has been like this ever since she entered the university and our department; it didn’t just happen. This is just who she is.” Mentoring and helping others is a significant component of the Schwarzman Scholars Program. Horton stated, “I will be able to identify and learn the skills needed to be an effective mentor. I will also be able to learn from so many other leaders and the steps they took in life. It is interesting and inspiring to hear the unexpected turns and decisions that lead a person to where they need to be in life. This information will help me explore different options to achieve my career and personal goals but also learn methods to adapt to unexpected changes in my life. Ultimately, this experience will connect me to people in a brand new way by learning a new language and perspective of life from a different culture.”
Horton was selected through a rigorous and thorough selection process. Dr. Carlton Long, D.Min., and Hampton University Associate Professor and Director of the Freddye T. Davy Honors College states, “Hampton has been very engaged in prestigious scholarship pursuits, and so it’s through intentionality that Hampton has had three Schwarzman Scholars, and it is now the official HBCU leader in terms of producing Schwarzman Scholars, particularly if you consider the fact that we were the first HBCU to win the prize.” The competition for prestigious scholarships is demanding. “We’re helping the students to understand that it’s important to build a portfolio early on, to innovate and to have all kinds of rich experiences, to lead on and off-campus so you have a track record of engaging and changing the world,” added Dr. Long.
Horton joins fellow Hamptonians Ivana Thomas, a member of the inaugural class of Schwarzman Scholars in 2016 and the first winner from an HBCU. In 2016, Thomas graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. Another Schwarzman Scholar Adaya Sturkey graduated from HU as a pre-med major in 2018. Sturkey is currently a medical student in South Carolina.
“The model Schwarzman student or candidate is generally a senior undergraduate student; an honors student with at least a 3.7 GPA; a student who is curious about the world and who has a demonstrated track record of curiosity and leadership,” Long.
Horton’s career goal is to work in the technology field, and notes, “Whether it be researching and raising awareness of the effects of biases in Artificial intelligence systems or building more accessible STEM education platforms, I want my work to make a positive impact for the world around me. My goal is always to be a better person than I was yesterday and strive for deep introspection and personal growth.”
MSNBC President Rashida Jones Headlines Alumni Honorees
(HAMPTON, VA) – Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism & Communications alumna and MSNBC President Rashida Jones headlines the school’s distinguished alumni, as SHSJC prepares for its 20th-year anniversary celebration on Feb. 10, 2023, Dean Julia A. Wilson announced today.
The celebration commemorates the $10 million donation in 2002 from the Scripps Howard Foundation. The gift was made during the tenure of the Foundation’s former president and chief executive officer, Judith Clabes, a champion for excellence in journalism and journalism education. The Foundation, the longtime philanthropic arm of, The E.W. Scripps Company, is now an affiliate of the newly created public-facing Scripps Howard Fund.
Dean Wilson will present SHSJC’s coveted Achievement of Excellence Award to Jones, a 2002 graduate, while 2011 alumna Jessi Mitchell of WCBS-New York and 2008 alumnus Justin Tinsley of ESPN will be inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
“To paraphrase the famous Frank Sinatra song, 2002 was indeed ‘a very good year,’” Wilson said. We are grateful to Judith Clabes for the opportunity to relocate the great work done in the Mass Media Arts department into its own building as part of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. We’re delighted to honor Rashida Jones who was a shining star among the talented SHSJC graduating class that first year. She has gone on to run MSNBC, one of our nation’s most prominent and successful cable news networks. We are delighted to have her join our celebration – and salute her achievements with our school’s highest award.”
“Hampton University is a living reflection of our own company’s motto, that is: ‘Give light and people will find their way,” said Adam Chase, vice president and general manager at WTKR, The E.W. Scripps station in Norfolk, VA. “We’re proud of our longtime partnership with Hampton, helping to foster workplace diversity and providing the media industry with qualified journalists and communication professionals.”
WCBS’ Mitchell attended Hampton University on full academic scholarship and graduated magna cum laude, with a degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in Spanish. ESPN’s Tinsley is a senior sport and culture reporter at that network and is the author of the hip hop music icon’s chronicle, “It Was All a Dream: Biggie and the World that Made Him.”
“We are fiercely proud of these highly accomplished graduates,” Wilson said. “They are emblematic of our school’s acumen in, and commitment to, producing world-class journalists.” She added that the school still is accepting commitments from news groups, public relations organizations and other corporations to present their companies’ opportunities to students and offer student interviews and ‘a foot in the door’ at the all-day Career Fair that precedes the evening award presentations. A total of 30 companies can be accommodated in the school building for the Career Fair, with each company contributing a $1,000 or $1,500 donation.
The 20th anniversary celebration culminates with a media star-studded evening reception for alumni, students, sponsors and corporations at The Landing Hotel Marina, near the school. The celebration will include past and present leaders of the school, students, faculty, staff and alumni. SHSJC’s namesake, Scripps Howard Fund and the E. W. Scripps Company, will serve as the event’s ‘Presenting Sponsor;’ while The Washington Post, GrayTV, Virginia Association of Broadcasters and WAVY-TV are participating donors for the Career Fair.
“We thank the Scripps organization for our longstanding and treasured partnership, as well as its gracious sponsorship of this special event,” Wilson said. “And, we’re honored to have news icons and strategic communications companies such as The Washington Post, our local TV stations and the Virginia Association of Broadcasters among our participants.
“We believe media companies; corporate communication recruiters and other participants will find some outstanding potential employees and interns at this historic event. This 20th anniversary reflects our school’s legacy of providing a stellar “Standard of Excellence” in teaching and service to our students,” Wilson continued. “For our media and corporate partners, it is a reminder of our commitment to pursuing academic excellence and innovation in a fast-changing news and media landscape. And we appreciate our partners’ ongoing financial and intellectual support, as we build on our legacy, and continue making plans to create a Global Media Center that will prepare our students for careers in the global marketplace.”
For more information, please contact Assistant Dean Carol Crabbe (757) 727-5405 or shsjc@hamptonu.edu).
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About The Scripps Howard Fund
The Scripps Howard Fund is a public charity that supports philanthropic causes important to The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) and the communities it serves, with a special emphasis on journalism education, excellence in journalism and childhood literacy. At the crossroads of the classroom and the newsroom, the Fund is a leader in supporting journalism through scholarships, internships, minority recruitment and development and First Amendment causes. The Scripps Howard Awards stand as one of the industry’s top honors for outstanding journalism, and the Fund’s annual “If You Give a Child a Book …” childhood literacy campaign has distributed thousands of new books to children in need across the nation. In support of its mission to create a better-informed world, the Fund also partners with Scripps brands to create awareness of local issues and support organizations that help build thriving communities.The Scripps Howard Foundation, an affiliated organization with the Scripps Howard Fund, supports Scripps’ charitable efforts through its endowment, key assets and major donations.
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 undergirding. 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. 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 the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications
Founded in 2002, the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications emphasizes excellence and innovation while adhering to the core standards and ethical principles of the industry. The Scripps Howard School is equipped with a professional television studio and control room, a live, FM radio station (WHOV 88.1 MHz) with digital streaming to the Internet, high-tech classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art Promethean boards and a 150-seat stadium-style media auditorium. Students and alumni have worked internship positions and launched media careers with top-ranked organizations such as Google, NPR, Radio One, St. Petersburg Times, The Washington Post, Essence Magazine, Time Magazine, ESPN, USA Today, Bloomberg News, Ogilvy, Burson-Marsteller, ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and many more.
KapEX Foundation to Announce Scholarship Awards Program for Hampton Students
Featured panelists include Google, Ikea, Johnson & Johnson, and others
HAMPTON, Va. (FEB. 14, 2023) — On Tues., Feb. 21, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hampton University Student Center, in honor of the 2023 Black History Month celebration, Hampton University is holding a Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit.
In addition to celebrating Black History Month in a meaningful way with top national business leaders, this session is intended to achieve several objectives:
To expose students to new and growing fields for which many are well-suited
To provide students with “aspirational visions” of future success through engagement with Hampton alumni and other speakers
To create on-campus exposure opportunities for corporation representatives to meet/greet Hampton’s stellar students and build deeper/richer relationships between influential partner firms and Hampton students
Featured participants include:
Derek Lewis, Leader, Consultant, Former President, PepsiCo Multicultural
Cecil Johnson, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion -Pharmaceuticals/R & D at Johnson & Johnson
Stephani Lewis, General Counsel, Chief Diversity Officer, IKEA North America
Melonie Parker, Chief Diversity Officer, Google
Gena Pemberton, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Omnicom Health Group Inc.
Dr. Janice Underwood, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Gerty Simon, Vice President/ Regional Diversity Officer, Morgan Stanley
Cathy Council, New York Life, Head of DEI Center for Awareness and Advocacy
Dr. Barbara Inman, Vice President for Administrative Services, said, “Hampton’s partnership with these amazing organizations and their representatives will provide important information on the growing career opportunities focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Many of the speakers are Hampton alumni further demonstrating the great benefits of a Hampton education.”
Other event participants include Hampton philanthropic partners Riverside Healthcare and Sentara Healthcare. Finally, the KapEX Foundation will announce its awards program wherein four students will be awarded $5000 scholarships for the fall 2023 semester. The program is only available to Hampton students, and awards announcements will occur by April 30, 2023.
For additional information on submitting an application for this fund or if you have questions, contact Dr. Felicia Blow at 757.727/5350.
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.
Hampton, Va. (January 24, 2023) – “It was a great honor and privilege to be the keynote speaker for the Dollar Tree Corporation’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. program. As we all know, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King was a giant for justice and equality for all. However, what makes his recognition and celebration much more special is that his mother Alberta Christine Williams King enrolled in Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University) and earned a teaching certificate in 1924. And Dr. King and I share a special bond of fraternity brothers as we’re both members of the first black Greek-lettered fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams.
“We truly appreciate you sharing the connections Hampton University has with both the King family and Rosa Parks. We appreciate you sharing your personal story, your kind comments about our organization, and how you connected it to our theme of “Advancing the Dream…Educating, Evolving, and Sustaining Momentum,” said Bobby Patrick, Senior Vice-President of Merchandising-Variety, Leader of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, of Chesapeake, Virginia.
About Dollar Tree
Founded in 1986, Dollar Tree Inc. is a leading operator of more than 16,000 discount variety stores throughout North America in 28 states and five Canadian provinces. For more information please visit: dollar tree.com
HAMPTON, Va. (January 23, 2023) – Hampton University Vice President and Chief of Staff Dr. Walter T. Tillman, Jr. has been elected as a board member of the Hampton Roads Philharmonic (HRP).
“Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams has prioritized Hampton’s increased engagement with our local and regional community. As a new member of the Hampton Roads community and a lifelong lover of diverse musical genres, I am delighted for this opportunity to serve my new community. Thanks to the current members who have welcomed me with open arms. I look forward to the great music we shall make together,” said Dr. Tillman.
Hampton University Vice President and Chief of Staff Dr. Walter T. Tillman, Jr.
“We are also looking forward to the professional advice that Dr. Tillman may be able to offer our organization, especially with regards to developing a long-term strategic plan,” said Dr. Chelsey Hamm, Director of Music Theory and Aural Skills, Christopher Newport University.
The HRP is excited about the possible collaborations between the orchestra and Hampton. Engaging students and faculty is an important goal of HRP. Dr. Hamm states, “The HRP is also hoping to benefit the University; for example, we would be delighted to welcome students for internships or volunteer work for Community Engaged Learning courses. We have endless volunteer opportunities, from social media to music librarianship to concert setup and take down, and we love working with young-adult volunteers.”
The HRP is a volunteer orchestra comprising community members that include active and retired military, music teachers, students, senior citizens, and youth. The orchestra performs four programs throughout the season: October, December, March, and May; HRP Music Director Steven Brindle leads it. “Sharing our passion for the music with a live audience is why we’re here,” said Brindle.
The mission of the HRP is “To strive for artistic excellence, increase community awareness and participation in the performing arts, program a diverse selection of repertoire, and create a variety of educational opportunities and experiences,” said Dr. Hamm.
For more information on HRP, Phone:757-726-7369 or https://www.hrphil.org/.
Hampton, Va. (January 24, 2023) – Hampton University senior Margaret Daramola was selected to deliver her poem “Promised Land” during the 130th Annual Hampton University Founder’s Day Ceremony. Daramola is the winner of the Hampton University Student Poet Initiative Award.
“We are excited that Margaret is the recipient of this distinguished award. The student Poet Initiative is the brainchild of our illustrious President Williams, who continues to create opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. Linda Malone-Colon, dean, School of Liberal Arts and Education; and primary investigator for the Center for Teaching and Learning in the Humanities, Arts, and Sciences.
The poem tells the story of Hampton University. “By concretizing my experience at HU, I aim to tell a story of resilience, using an extended metaphor to which every Hamptonian can relate,” says Daramola. While writing the poem, she says Hampton University’s student body, faculty, and history were considered. “With this poem, I wish to remind the students of their resilience and the faculty of their immeasurable value,” said Daramola.
Daramola was born in Nigeria and grew up in Switzerland. The English and history major is the recipient of the prestigious Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. She chose to attend Hampton University because, as she says, “I was very interested in African history and African American literature. What attracted me to Hampton was its curriculum in the School of Liberal Arts and Education. I came to Hampton on a full-ride scholarship to play volleyball. Playing Division I volleyball in the USA was a dream come true. It was through athletics that I got my foot in the door.”
Pathway Through Survival is a collection of poetry published by Daramola about healing. She wants young people to remember that “healing may not look like what we envision it to look like, but it will come if we persevere and work on it,” said Daramola.
“Margaret is truly one of Hampton’s student stars and is a shining example of the promising individuals that we attract to Hampton and that we nurture towards excellence and to realize their full potential, “said Malone-Colon.
Founder’s Day occurred on Sunday, January 29 at 11:30 a.m. in Robert C. Ogden Hall.
HAMPTON, Va. (January 29, 2023) – President Darrell K. Williams presided over his first Founder’s Day celebration as Hampton University celebrated the 130th Annual Founder’s Day Ceremony on Sunday, January 29, 2023.
“Amazing and awesome are my thoughts when I consider the connection between the founder Brigadier General Armstrong and myself, a retired Army officer, accepting the mantle and pushing us forward. Amazing!” said Williams.
Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute was founded on April 1, 1868 by Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong. The Institute offered an education of “the head, the heart, and the hand” to the formerly enslaved. In keeping with tradition, a commemorative service was held at the Hampton University Cemetery, during which President Williams placed a wreath on General Armstrong’s tombstone.
Hampton University Alumnus Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, president emeritus of The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), who served from 1992 to 2022, was the Founder’s Day keynote speaker.
Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, Featured Speaker
“Though a visionary, General Armstrong could never have imagined that one day an African American would also be a military general and the president of this institution,” Dr. Hrabowski said during a motivational address in the historic Robert C. Ogden Auditorium on the Hampton campus. “I want us to celebrate today the idea of this journey of leadership and excellence,” Hrabowski said.
Hrabowski and his wife Jacqueline are both 1970 graduates of then Hampton Institute and are generous supporters of their alma mater. In 2018, Hampton University recognized their generosity with the naming and dedication ceremony of the Freeman and Jacqueline Hrabowski Student Success Center.
During his speech, Hrabowski said, “Hampton is the number one producer of African Americans who earn Ph. Ds in natural sciences and engineering in the country. You’re in the top five.” During his rousing and inspiring speech, he challenged every student to stand and repeat, “Thoughts, words, actions, habits, character, destiny. Your thoughts become your words; your words become your actions; your actions become your habits; your habits become your character; and your character becomes your destiny. We become what we think we are,” said Hrabowski.
During the Founder’s Day ceremony, President Williams presented the Hampton University Presidential Citizenship Award to Dr. Jeffery O. Smith, superintendent of Hampton City Schools. Dr. Smith began his tenure as superintendent on July 15, 2015. Under his leadership, the division’s 32 schools earned full accreditation without conditions in 2019. University Chancellor and Provost Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert presented the Hampton University Professors Emeriti Mamie E. Locke, Ph.D., Department of Political Science, History, and International Studies; and Isai Urasa, Ph.D., Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry. Mr. Novelle Dickenson, president of the Hampton University Quarter-Century Club, recognized the 2023 Quarter-Century Club inductees. Senior English major and history minor Ms. Margaret Daramola stole the show with the recitation of her original poem “Promised Land.” She was the winner of the Hampton University Student Poet Initiative Award. Professor Omar Dickenson conducted the University Choir in two soul-stirring musical selections.
The Hampton University family is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Tyre Nichols. We send our deepest condolences to his parents, family, friends and the entire Memphis community. Though you are geographically hundreds of miles from Hampton, what happens to one of us happens to all of us. We are united with you in spirit. There are no words that can alleviate the hurt we all feel in the wake of this senseless tragedy.
Police Chief Cerelyn C. J. Davis said, “this is a failing of basic humanity towards another individual. This incident was heinous, reckless and inhumane.” The Hampton Pirate nation is keeping Tyre’s family, and everyone impacted by this event, in our prayers during this difficult time.
For any member of the Hampton University community who needs additional support in processing this event, please contact the Student Counseling Center. (757) 727-5617.
Hampton, Va. (February 13, 2023) – Hampton University has again distinguished itself in establishing the Hampton University Repertory Theatre to provide professional theatre offerings for the University and Hampton Roads Community.
“One of our goals is to present engaging, thought-provoking, professional theatre for the campus and community,” says Dr. Karen Turner Ward, artistic director for the Hampton University Repertory Theatre. Ward is the Old Dominion Endowed Professor of Fine and Performing Arts at Hampton University and has more than 30 years of experience in writing, directing, acting, and producing in theatre.
Establishing a professional theatre on an HBCU campus provides a platform for professional theatre practitioners, playwrights, designers, directors, and actors to showcase world premieres and set the stage for theatergoers to enjoy many of their all-time favorites. The Hampton University Repertory has the support of an impressive advisory council comprised of Hampton University award-winning theatre and media alums, industry professionals, and successful business advisors — all committed to the University and its distinguished arts legacy.
“On behalf of everyone on the advisory council board of the Hampton University Repertory Theatre, we’re honored to be a part of this historic endeavor of being the first and only repertory theatre housed on a historically Black university campus. We are all examples of why “The Arts Live Here,” and we celebrate the commitment that President Darrell K. Williams, the students, deans, faculty, and staff have to making it a great success,” said Richard Montgomery, advisory council chairman, 1979 Hampton alum, filmmaker, and imaginer at RixStar Studios.
“I credit my experiences in the Little Theatre on campus as the catalyst for my career in Hollywood. My dream began in the costume shop on the second floor of Armstrong Hall and took me to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hampton University Repertory Theatre can provide that same inspiration for students who want to pursue a career in the arts, TV, and film industries. I’ve also established an endowed scholarship to assist students with financial aid to help make their dreams come true,” said Ruth E. Carter, 1982 Hampton Alumna, Oscar-award-winning costume designer, and Hollywood Walk of Fame Honoree.
“I know that the theatre department at Hampton gave me the education for life that has guided me on my 37-year career in the entertainment industry. First as an actor in major Hollywood feature films, then as a producer making independent feature films, and now as a producer and development executive at a major cable network. I know the Hampton Repertory Theater will provide students with the same exposure and experience that helped me succeed. I look forward to working with the advisory council and being a resource for its continued development,” says Raye Dowell, 1982 Hampton alum, BET Networks.
“I think it’s great exposure for the school, being the first HBCU to be able to operate with a repertory theater company and mainly to provide the residents of Virginia the opportunity to work in professional theater with people that have been on Broadway and have been on television,” said advisory council member Kris Coleman, 1998 Hampton alum, Broadway and television actor.
The staff has an impressive lineup of theatre offerings that will take center stage beginning in the spring of 2023 and including star-studded casts. Not only will Hampton Roads audiences benefit from the establishment of the Hampton University Repertory, but Hampton students will also have the opportunity to view professional theatre on their own campus. An additional benefit will be students’ opportunity to work alongside professional theatre practitioners as repertory interns.
This opportunity to house a professional theatre company on the Hampton University campus and expose our students to theatre industry icons personifies President Darrell K. Williams’ commitment to deliver The #1 Student Experience in America.
For more information, contact Dr. Karen Turner Ward, Artistic Director at 757.727.5402 or karen.ward@hamptonu.edu
Hampton, Va. (January 19, 2023) – Hampton University’s Office of the Vice President for Research organized the two-day research workshop “Cultivating Your Research Ideas: Federal Proposal Development” on January 9 and 10, 2023. The workshop was designed for both STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and non-stem faculty who are interested in applying for federal grants. “This is the first time there has been such a workshop for faculty. Quality Education for Minorities (QEM), our partners in grant writing, coordinated the workshop. I am looking forward to more informative sessions and am hopeful that the workshops will significantly benefit Hampton faculty,” said Dr. Neelam Azad, Vice President for Research and an Endowed University Professor of Pharmacy.
Hampton University President Darrel K. Williams emphasized that research is a major part of the University’s strategic plan. Hampton is presently designated an R3 research institution. Moving forward, Williams’ goal is “to regain R2 designation during the 2025 designation cycle and then work toward achieving R1 designation. I want to make it very clear that I am dedicated to doing those things which are necessary in order to get us there.”
R1 research institutions invest in new technologies and innovations in diverse fields. Because they drive discovery, research universities play a major role in the economy. The Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education recognizes R1 universities as the most research-intensive institutions. To achieve the R1 classification, a university must award at least twenty research or scholarship doctoral degrees and spend at least $5 million on research (as reported by NSF) in the update year.
Climate research is an area of interest for President Williams. Hampton is uniquely positioned for such research because of sits on its own peninsula. “Because of our atmospheric science program, marine biology program, and the excellence that we have in our aviation program, I think it is a natural area of research for us,” Williams stated.
Green energy is another sector where Hampton has notable expertise. Citing the green energy projects that are happening in Hampton Roads and offshore — including wind energy, solar energy, and Hampton’s ties to NASA — Williams says, “We are perfectly positioned to be a leader in this space.”
Williams, a retired three-star general and business leader, notes that the University is in close proximity to a number of military installations. “This is where I think my former military experience might attract some different interests in Hampton. In my opinion, there is no reason the University can’t be the leading research institution in Hampton Roads, if not the Commonwealth of VA,” said Williams.
During the workshop, faculty took part in small group breakout sessions with former program officers and QEM consultants, Drs. Caesar Jackson and Monica Mitchell, founder & CEO MERAssociates, LLC. (MERA) and consultant. Mitchell states her goal is to support Hampton in the development and submission of project ideas and proposals. “We know HU is considered one of the flagship HBCUs that has been successful in securing external funding from federal agencies and we want to ensure that as many faculty as possible can take advantage of those opportunities,” said Dr. Mitchell.
Increasing the capacity of minority-serving institutions to secure funding from external sources is a major component of research. Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert, Hampton University chancellor and provost, said QEM is offering faculty “an opportunity for training that will increase their possibility of securing grants. They are going to be our partners so that as we continue to move our research focus from doctoral training to gaining R2 classification.”
Preparing students to be successful leaders in the workforce and scholars in graduate and professional programs is Hampton University’s goal. “Hampton has always designated itself ‘the standard of excellence.’ We have done this by maintaining awareness of the requirements our students must meet when they move beyond our gates. Higher education is not just a step up from high school, it is a place that literally prepares students to be contributors to our communities,” said Dr. Haysbert.
