As National Physical Therapy Month comes to a close, Hampton University is highlighting the importance of collaboration, professional development, and patient-centered care in preparing the next generation of rehabilitation professionals.

Through its Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program, Hampton University is strengthening the physical therapist–physical therapist assistant (PT–PTA) relationship through educational partnerships with Riverside College of Health Sciences and ECPI University. These collaborations provide students with opportunities to learn alongside their peers, develop professional relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of how teamwork contributes to effective rehabilitation care.

The partnerships reflect a shared commitment to excellence in physical therapy education, mutual respect for the distinct contributions of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, and a common goal of improving the lives of patients and the communities they serve.

One example is Hampton DPT students’ participation in a spinal cord injury laboratory experience at Riverside College of Health Sciences. Working alongside physical therapist assistant students, Hampton students collaborate on mobility interventions based on patient case studies before presenting their findings to classmates. Students discuss patient evaluations, examination findings, prognoses, and plans of care, gaining practical insight into the complementary roles and responsibilities of rehabilitation professionals.

Hampton students also participate in an immersive dementia simulation at Riverside, helping them better understand the challenges individuals living with dementia may encounter, particularly those affecting physical therapy participation and independent living. At Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital, students observe patient care involving individuals with neurological impairments and see firsthand how physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language therapists work together to optimize patient outcomes. These experiences also introduce students to specialized rehabilitation equipment and therapeutic interventions used in clinical practice.

Hampton’s partnership with ECPI University’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program further extends collaborative learning beyond the classroom. Through initiatives such as Golden Years Wellness Day and shared educational sessions focused on community health, therapeutic exercise, and physical agents, students from both institutions strengthen their communication skills and deepen their appreciation for the complementary roles they will play in rehabilitation settings.

Perhaps most importantly, these experiences foster professional relationships that continue beyond individual learning activities. Many DPT and PTA students have remained in contact throughout their respective educational journeys, building connections that lay the groundwork for future collaboration in clinical practice.

As National Physical Therapy Month concludes, Hampton University’s work serves as a reminder that advancing rehabilitation care begins long before professionals enter the workforce. By creating opportunities for students to learn with and from one another, the University is helping cultivate a culture of collaboration, compassion, and shared responsibility that extends from the classroom to the clinical setting.

Through its partnerships with Riverside College of Health Sciences and ECPI University, Hampton continues to invest in the future of physical therapy by preparing practice-ready rehabilitation professionals who understand that better patient care begins with working together.

About the contributors

Elizabeth Locke, PT, Ph.D., is chair of Hampton University’s Department of Physical Therapy. Charlene Jensen, PT, DPT, MMHPE, serves as adjunct faculty in Hampton University’s Department of Physical Therapy and dean of Allied Health Programs at Riverside College of Health Sciences. Justina Morales, PTA, is program director at ECPI University.

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. 

Darien Birks’ summer research in machine learning and maternal health reflects Hampton’s growing research enterprise and its commitment to advancing scientific discovery. 

HAMPTON, Va. — Darien Birks ‘28, a third-year mathematics major from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, earned recognition as a Top Presenter at the GENESIS Summer Student Research Symposium following his participation in the Amgen Scholars Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he conducted research exploring the use of machine learning to identify potential protein biomarkers associated with postpartum hemorrhage. 

Birks’ achievement reflects Hampton University’s commitment to expanding undergraduate research opportunities as the institution advances toward R1 status, the classification reserved for doctoral universities with very high research activity. Through the work of students and faculty across disciplines, Hampton continues to strengthen its research capacity, pursue solutions to pressing societal challenges and prepare the next generation of scientists, scholars and innovators. 

“Research is essential to Hampton University’s mission and to our responsibility to prepare students to lead, discover and serve,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams ’83. “As we advance toward R1 status, the scholarly work of our students and faculty demonstrates how Hampton continues to push the needle forward. Darien’s experience illustrates what can happen when students are equipped to apply their academic training to meaningful research questions. Across our campus, we are advancing work that addresses critical needs, and we are continually building worl-ready leaders of character and consequence” 

During his summer experience in the Leiderman Lab at UNC-Chapel Hill, Birks analyzed a dataset containing more than 1,100 proteomic biomarkers to investigate whether differences in protein expression could help distinguish patients who experienced postpartum hemorrhage from those who did not. The condition involves significant blood loss after childbirth and can be life-threatening. 

Using his mathematical background, Birks identified relevant features in the data and developed predictive models using logistic regression and random forests. His analysis examined how effectively patterns in protein expression could differentiate between the two patient groups. 

Among the proteins that emerged as notable in his analysis were prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS) and hemoglobin, which presented potential avenues for further investigation. Birks subsequently presented his findings at the GENESIS Summer Student Research Symposium, where he received a perfect score on his poster presentation and was recognized as a Top Presenter. 

The experience also helped Birks define his future direction. Although he valued the opportunity to study biological patterns that could eventually inform clinical decisions, the research prompted him to consider how he could contribute more directly to the development of medical technologies. 

“I realized that I want to work on developing medical technologies that can make a more direct difference in patients’ lives, particularly in underserved communities that may not have access to the latest treatments,” Birks said. 

That interest has led him toward medical research and development, particularly medical accelerator physics, where mathematics and physics can be applied to the design of technologies used in cancer treatment. 

While Birks’ summer project focused on maternal health, his experience demonstrated how mathematical modeling and computational methods can be applied to biomedical questions. His recognition as a Top Presenter highlighted the value of undergraduate research in developing analytical skills, communicating scientific findings and preparing students for future contributions to discovery. 

As Hampton continues to build its research enterprise on the road to R1 status, the scholarship of students such as Birks represents an important part of that progress. Across mathematics, engineering, health sciences and other fields, research creates opportunities for students to apply classroom learning to real-world questions while contributing to a broader culture of inquiry and innovation. 

For Birks, the summer experience provided both recognition for his work and a clearer sense of the role he hopes to play in the future of medical technology. For Hampton, his achievement reflects the University’s continued investment in developing scholars whose knowledge and discoveries can serve communities and advance the public good. 

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. 

Housed in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, The Script begins a new chapter as a publication for students, by students. 

HAMPTON, Va. — Oct. 7, 2026 — The Hampton Script is entering a new era of student journalism with the launch of its first print issue under student leadership. The launch will take place Oct. 22 at noon in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications  Auditorium (546 E. Queen Street, Hampton, VA 23668). 

Guests will have the opportunity to network with the student reporters who helped bring the publication to life, learn more about the development and reporting behind their stories, and hear their perspectives on how they plan to use The Script to strengthen and amplify the student Voice. 

Now housed within Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, the publication is shifting its focus toward providing independent, 

student-driven coverage of the issues, people and experiences shaping the Hampton University community through a digital format with the addition of two print issues per academic year. 

The Script has served the Hampton University community with campus and local news since 1928. Its transition to a student-led publication marks a new chapter in that nearly century-long history, placing Hampton students at the forefront of the publication’s reporting, editorial decisions and storytelling. 

“Here at Hampton, we are all here for you. We love our students, and even if you make a little misstep, the whole idea is to make you into a well-rounded person,” says President Darrell K. Williams ’83. “The University doesn’t expand by people staying in their boxes; it expands because you have a great idea and you’re not afraid to do something new. So I would encourage all of you to be bold and use your voice. Don’t be afraid and don’t take counsel of your fears. If you have an idea, try it.” 

The transition also provides student journalists with an opportunity to gain hands-on newsroom experience while creating a publication centered on the voices and perspectives of the student Body. 

“One of my priorities as dean has been to expand hands-on, experiential learning because journalism students must not only study journalism—they must practice it,” says Dean Julia A. Wilson. “The Hampton Script gives our students a real-world newsroom where they learn the responsibility that comes with publishing information for real audiences. They must ask difficult but fair questions, verify information, seek various perspectives, meet deadlines, and uphold the standards of accuracy, fairness, and ethics that we teach in the classroom. This transition creates a strong bridge between academic instruction and professional practical experience. At the end of the day, we are preparing students to not only graduate with journalism and communications degrees, but to enter the professions with the required skills, judgment, confidence – and experience to become the next generation of media leaders.” 

For the student staff behind The Script, the first debut issue represents more than the return of a printed newspaper. It establishes a new identity for the publication and an opportunity to build a newsroom that reflects the Hampton community. 

“The Script represents more than university news. It’s the student voice in all formats that we value and how we plan to continue to prosper and lead,” says Editor-In-Chief, L. Ceri Mundrati. The first student-led print issue will feature stories identified by The Script’s student staff as 

significant to the Hampton community, including “Standing Tall: Max Frazier Bets on Himself in Final Season,” “Outnumbered: How Hampton’s Gender Gap Influences Campus Culture” and “From Campus to the Ballot Box: Hampton Students Prepare for the Midterms.” 

With coverage spanning sports, lifestyle, politics, science and more, the issue reflects the range of interests and experiences within Hampton’s student body. The publication will continue covering the stories that matter to students while expanding its digital and multimedia presence. 

As The Script approaches a century of documenting life at Hampton University, its student staff hopes this new chapter will preserve that legacy while creating a publication Hampton students can see themselves reflected in. 

About The Hampton Script 

The Hampton Script is the student-led news publication of Hampton University, housed within the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. Established in 1928, The Script covers news, culture, sports, student life, and issues affecting the Hampton University community. 

About The Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications 

The Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications is committed to preparing its students with a high-quality and well-rounded education for global careers in journalism and strategic communications. SHSJC emphasizes accuracy, balance, fairness, integrity, and high ethical standards of excellence through journalism and strategic communications. The Scripps Howard brand is internationally renowned as an educational foundation that promotes, supports, and enables aspiring journalists. 

RSVP for “The Hampton Script: A New Chapter” Official Launch via: 

https://partiful.com/e/JaxhQmVvc2ff4aOKaIe3?c=tUJNuq7O

Media Contact: 

L. Ceri Mundrati 

Editor-in-Chief, The Hampton Script 

hamptonscript@gmail.com 

(757) 727-540 

Two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer returns to Hampton University for a historic homecoming, bringing her celebrated exhibition to the nation’s oldest African American museum as the university honors her extraordinary legacy during Homecoming 2026 

HAMPTON, Va. (October 15, 2026) — Before she brought the kingdom of Wakanda to life, reimagined Black history through the lens of cinema, and transformed costume design into a powerful expression of cultural identity, Ruth E. Carter was a Hampton University student dreaming of what was possible within the walls of the Little Theatre and Costume Shop. Now, the trailblazing costume designer whose career is defined by a remarkable series of historic firsts is returning to her alma mater for a homecoming worthy of her legacy. 

Hampton University Museum, the nation’s oldest African American museum, will welcome Ruth E. Carter Afrofuturism in Costume Design HOMECOMING!, a celebrated exhibition showcasing Carter’s groundbreaking artistry and cultural influence, on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The exhibition brings Carter’s extraordinary body of work home to the institution that helped shape her artistic journey, creating a powerful convergence of Black history, cinematic excellence, cultural preservation and future possibilities. 

Carter’s return carries a significance that extends beyond the exhibition gallery. She made history as the first African American to win the Academy Award for Costume Design, earning the honor for her work on Black Panther in 2019. In 2023, she won her second Oscar for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, becoming the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards. She subsequently became the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history and made another historic mark as the first Black costume designer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Now, in a moment that brings her personal journey full circle, Carter returns to Hampton University, where her dreams took shape, to share her artistry with the community that knew her long before the world celebrated her achievements. At a university whose history is inseparable from the preservation and advancement of African American culture, her homecoming represents more than a homecoming for an acclaimed artist. It is a celebration of what becomes possible when education, imagination, heritage and opportunity converge. 

“As a student at Hampton, I dreamed big dreams within these walls of the Little Theater and Costume Shop. To return to my alma mater to have my name placed on Armstrong Hall and bring my exhibition, ‘Afrofuturism in Costume Design’ home, is a true full-circle moment. Hampton, including the professors and classmates, helped shape the artist I would become, and it is such an incredible feeling to share this journey with the community that knew me before the Oscars. I look forward to generations of students, alumni, families, and visitors experiencing my exhibition — not only to see the costumes, but to discover the stories, history, craftsmanship, and cultural legacy woven into each design. These costumes preserve our past, celebrate who we are today, and imagine who we can become. I hope every visitor leaves inspired to see themselves as part of that history—and empowered to help shape its future,” Carter said. 

From the regal, technologically inspired fashions of Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to the historically grounded costumes of Selma and the cultural imagination of Sinners, Carter’s work has helped redefine how audiences see Black life, history and possibility on screen. Her designs transport viewers across generations, bridging the past, present and future through the language of costume. 

Her artistry does more than establish a character or evoke an era. It builds worlds, preserves cultural memory and envisions futures in which Black identity, innovation and imagination stand at the center of the story. Through meticulous research, masterful craftsmanship and an unmistakable creative vision, Carter demonstrates how costume design can serve as both an artistic discipline and a living record of cultural heritage. 

The exhibition has previously been presented at prominent cultural institutions, including the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Jamestown Settlement, the Museum of Pop Culture and SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film. Its arrival at Hampton University places Carter’s celebrated work within a museum whose mission is deeply connected to the preservation, interpretation and celebration of African American art and culture. 

For Hampton students, the exhibition offers an opportunity to study the creative decisions, historical research and technical mastery behind some of cinema’s most memorable visual worlds. For alumni and visitors, it offers an invitation to encounter the work of an artist whose achievements have expanded the possibilities for generations of Black creatives. And for the Hampton community, it is a homecoming that brings one of its own back to the place where her story began. 

The exhibition unveiling anchors a week of special recognition for Carter during Hampton University’s Homecoming 2026. She will serve as grand marshal of the university’s Homecoming Parade and receive another enduring distinction as Hampton honors her through the renaming of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts in her honor, with the department’s name to be installed on Armstrong Hall. The recognition will celebrate Carter’s lasting contributions to the arts while establishing a visible connection between her legacy and the generations of Hampton students who will follow in her footsteps. 

Together, the exhibition and university honors create a remarkable convergence of firsts: the pioneering artist who broke barriers on Hollywood’s biggest stage returns to the institution that helped nurture her talent, bringing her work to a museum dedicated to preserving African American history and culture. It is a moment that affirms Hampton’s enduring role in cultivating talent, expanding opportunity and preparing students to make history of their own. 

For Hampton University, welcoming Carter’s work home is more than an exhibition opening. It is a celebration of the dreams first imagined in a classroom, the doors opened through education and the cultural legacy carried forward through art. In Carter’s return, the university sees a powerful reflection of its own enduring promise: to prepare leaders and visionaries whose influence reaches far beyond the Home by the Sea. 

For more information about Homecoming 2026, visit: https://home.hamptonu.edu/homecoming/ 

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. 

First HBCU to Exhibit Work by David Drake

Hampton, Va. – The Hampton University Museum today announced that it will accept the loan of a historic stoneware vessel by renowned enslaved African American ceramicist David Drake (ca. 1800–ca. 1870), known widely as “Dave the Potter,” from the artist’s descendants. The jar was previously owned by artist Theaster Gates, who decided to transfer ownership to Mr. Drake’s heirs in May 2026 during his Gagosian gallery exhibition honoring Mr. Drake’s life and contributions. Mr. Drake was born into slavery in the Edgefield district of South Carolina, and made an estimated 40,000 jars in bondage. He defied anti-literacy laws, and risked life and limb inscribing his name and poems onto vessels that he would never have the right to own. Over 150 years later, in 2021, Drake’s work broke the auction record for American ceramics. Hampton University Museum will unveil the jar during a private Homecoming museum reception, on October 21, 2026. 

“It is indeed an honor to showcase this historic pottery,” said Hampton University Museum Director Dr. Vanessa Thaxton-Ward.

“I first heard of “Dave the Potter” while working in South Carolina. To have the opportunity to show his work with Henry O. Tanner, Thomas Day and other 19^th Century artisans is remarkable to share with our students, faculty, staff and general public.  Great thanks to the Drake family descendants.”

Navigating Freedom, Revisiting History

The jar will be unveiled by descendants of David Drake, bringing his artistry and enduring family legacy to Hampton University as the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence. Known for inscribing his vessels with words, dates and his signature at a time when literacy among enslaved people was severely restricted, Drake transformed functional pottery into powerful expressions of identity, intellect and agency. Its presentation at the Hampton University Museum, the nation’s oldest African American museum, invites reflection on the contradictions between America’s founding ideals of liberty and the lived experiences of enslaved people, while honoring the generations working to preserve and reclaim their ancestors’ stories. The jar will remain on view through May 2027.

“When I look at Dave’s pottery, I think about the conditions he was living in and the courage it took for him to write his name and poetry into the clay. Our ancestor left something for his family to find – a voice, a connection, a way to know him,” said Yaba Baker, David Drake’s fourth great-grandson. “Thanks to the generosity of acclaimed artist and collector Theaster Gates, and agreements with museums across the country, our family is reclaiming Dave’s work, and we are committed to ensuring that his vessels continue to be shown and made accessible to the public. Loaning this jar to Hampton University Museum is a full-circle moment for me. I attended Hampton, and it literally changed my life! Playing a role in my alma mater being the first HBCU to show a Drake jar fills me with joy and pride.”

Reclaiming a Legacy, Reuniting a Family with their Lineage

Mr. Drake’s descendants are in the midst of a landmark effort to recover ownership of the artist’s artwork from museums and collectors who have long benefited from holding his vessels, while the family has been left out of his legacy. In 2023, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other institutions collaborated on the exhibition, Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina, which featured the work of David Drake. Following the exhibition, the artist’s descendants came together to rebuild family ties, preserve Drake’s history, and advance restorative justice by requesting, as a matter of principle, the return or repurchase of the artist’s work.

“David Drake created extraordinary works of art under a system that denied him ownership of his own labor. His pottery and words survived, but his direct descendants have had no say in their ancestor’s legacy,” said George Fatheree III, advisor to David Drake’s descendants. “Following an agreement with collector Theaster Gates that restored ownership of his vessel to Dave’s heirs, Hampton University Museum now has an opportunity to introduce Dave’s work to new generations. It is in this reciprocal spirit that Dave’s descendants seek to work with museums and collectors, and we hope that even more individuals and institutions will engage with the family towards justice.”

Currently, an estimated 55 museums and dozens of collectors are in possession of Mr. Drake’s approximately 200 surviving works. Since 2025, the family has reached agreements of ethical restitution with 5 museums and two collectors, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens, Ga.; the Telfair Museums in Savannah, Ga., the Milwaukee Art Museum, and Mr. Gates. The agreements support the family’s ongoing mission to reclaim Drake’s artistic and historic legacy, while also underscoring the family’s commitment to keep the artist’s work on view and accessible to the public. Each institution has had the option to repurchase or deaccession their jar, and they all continue to display Mr. Drake’s work. Jars once owned by private collectors now reach wide audiences thanks to partnerships with institutions like Hampton University Museum. The family’s mission is timely. When their effort to recover ownership started, Mr. Drake had four third-great-grandchildren in their late 70s and 80s; an elder passed away earlier this year and the family is eager to see justice served in their lifetimes. 

“As an artist, I have deep respect for David Drake. His artwork holds an essential place in the history of American ceramics, and his story has inspired me and my artistic and curatorial practice for several decades,” said artist and David Drake collector Theaster Gates. “Gifting Dave’s jar to his descendants was a way to honor both his artistry and his family’s right to shape his legacy. Now, they are sharing it with Hampton University’s Museum, bringing a Drake vessel to an HBCU for the first time. I hope students spend time with the work, discover the life behind it, and recognize their own capacity to create something that speaks to generations beyond their own.”

For decades, museums have developed ethical frameworks for returning artwork and cultural objects acquired through theft, fraud, Nazi-era looting, coercion, or the removal of Indigenous cultural heritage. Mr. Drake’s descendants are the first African Americans to seek repatriation for artwork created under enslavement in the United States, and have created a mutually beneficial model for how to engage. Their campaign has received the support of the NAACP, which stated that “The impact of slavery is not confined to our past; it endures wherever institutions continue to benefit from what our ancestors created without recognizing the rights of their descendants.” The family’s decision to loan the artwork to an HBCU located on a former plantation provides additional context about the time period in which Mr. Drake’s artwork was created – and the enduring strength and talent of Black people across generations. 

For more information about Mr. Drake’s descendants and how to support their efforts to reclaim ownership, visit www.davethepotterfamily.org.  

# # # 

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.

Before Juliet & Romeo: A Street Saga takes center stage for Homecoming, Hampton University invites audiences to a murder mystery where the suspects are suspicious, the characters are delightfully eccentric and the truth is anything but innocent. 

HAMPTON, Va. (October 9, 2026) — Fancy a spot of murder with your afternoon tea? Hampton University Theatre is inviting audiences to put on their detective hats, sharpen their wits and prepare for a deliciously twisted tale of murder, courtroom drama and British intrigue with its production of Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution: A Pageantry Drama, running October 9–11 at the Little Theatre in Armstrong Hall. 

With a cast of approximately 26 students and a crew of 15, this production promises a proper British whodunit filled with quirky characters, suspicious circumstances and enough courtroom drama to make even the most seasoned barrister raise an eyebrow. There’s a murder, a man on trial and a courtroom full of people who may not be quite who they claim to be. Everyone has a story. Everyone has a secret. And someone, somewhere, is telling a rather convincing lie. 

Directed by Professor Xorlali Plange, the production offers audiences more than a traditional night at the theatre. It introduces Pageantry Drama, a visually driven theatrical approach that brings fashion, performance and scenic design together to create an immersive experience for the audience. The result is a feast for the eyes, a puzzle for the mind and a reminder that in a good murder mystery, appearances can be terribly deceiving. 

“Pageantry Drama” brings a fresh dimension to the stage, allowing the visual language of costume, movement and scenery to work alongside the actors to deepen the storytelling. Through this approach, students are exploring how theatre can engage audiences not only through dialogue and character, but also through the atmosphere and aesthetics of a production. 

For Professor Plange, the production is also an opportunity to bring students together across disciplines, demonstrating how collaboration can transform a theatrical experience. The work unites performers and production crew in a shared creative undertaking, with each element contributing to the mystery unfolding before the audience. 

And what better way to kick off Hampton’s (pre) Homecoming season than with a little suspense before the festivities? While the University’s highly anticipated Juliet & Romeo: A Street Saga production is poised to bring its own theatrical excitement to Homecoming, Witness for the Prosecution offers an intriguing opening act: one where romance takes a back seat, alibis are questionable and the stakes are positively deadly. 

Audiences should come prepared to question everything. Was justice served? Is the accused truly guilty? And can anyone in this courtroom be trusted? Christie built her reputation on keeping audiences guessing, and this production invites Hampton Pirates and the wider Hampton Roads community to join the investigation. 

So, consider this your official summons. Dress for a date with drama, bring your sharpest suspicions and prepare for a murder mystery that is, quite literally, to die for. 

WHAT: Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution: A Pageantry Drama 

WHEN: October 9–11, 2026 

WHERE: Little Theatre, Armstrong Hall, Hampton University 

DIRECTOR: Professor Xorlali Plange 

For more information about the production, contact Hampton University Theatre. 

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.   

Scholars begin their Hampton journey with a commitment to academic distinction, leadership and service. 

HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 1, 2026) – Hampton University’s Freddye T. Davy Honors College welcomed 31 high-achieving freshmen into its distinguished University Scholars cohort during an induction ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Student Center Ballroom. Held at the start of Family Weekend, the ceremony celebrated a new generation of students whose academic achievements reflect a commitment to excellence, leadership and intellectual growth. 

The ceremony brought together Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams, Provost Dr. Betty H. Stewart, university administrators, faculty, staff, students and families to recognize the incoming scholars and mark the beginning of their Honors College journey. 

Keynote speaker Nyla Howard, a fourth-year biology major on the pre-medical track from Huntsville, Alabama, and president of the Honors College for the second consecutive year, encouraged the incoming scholars to look beyond academic achievement and embrace opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills. 

Howard’s message underscored the importance of pairing scholarly distinction with the personal growth and leadership necessary to make a lasting impact on their communities and professions. 

“Inviting the highest achieving incoming freshmen is vital to the Honors College. They set the tempo for their classmates and others who seek membership in the spring semester. This distinct group are the only freshmen eligible to receive an invitation to join the Freddye T. Davy Honors College during their fall semester,” said Honors College Director TaKeia N. Anthony, Ph.D. 

University Scholars represent Hampton University’s highest-qualified merit scholars among incoming freshmen. Eligibility requires a minimum unweighted grade point average of 3.5 and a minimum SAT score of 1,000 or ACT composite score of 22. Their induction recognizes their academic accomplishments while welcoming them into a community designed to encourage continued achievement and leadership development. 

The 31 newly inducted University Scholars are Leon Bailey, Yaw Bamfo, Faith Barbour, Nathaniel Bowen, Kaii Bushyager, Israel Cecil, Christopher Copeland, Cainan Coverson, Sophia Curry, Evan Drinks, Robert Frazier, Brendan Harris, Jade Harris, Elijah Hines, Hannah Hollings, Gabriel Johnson, Amalie Laing, Cadence Mason, Kamari Mayes, Pera McMilliam, Anaiah Murphy, Omare Pittman, Christian Patterson, Taylor Scarlett, Marlowe Sutherland, Selah Sutton, Kennedy Thomas-Williams, Jasmine Washington, Melat Wolde, Mary Amara and Khoshal Rametra. 

Through the Freddye T. Davy Honors College, Hampton University continues to recognize exceptional academic achievement and cultivate students prepared to lead with distinction. The induction of these 31 University Scholars marks the beginning of a new chapter in their Hampton experience, grounded in intellectual curiosity, personal development and the pursuit of excellence. 

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.   

Hampton alumna brings more than two decades of experience in academic leadership, student success and community engagement to the deanship 

Hampton, Va. – A Hampton education helped shape Dr. Sherree R.B. Davis’ career as an educator and administrator. Now, the Hampton University alumna will help guide the academic experiences of a new generation of students as Interim Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Education (SLAE). 

Davis brings more than 20 years of higher education experience to the position. Her background includes academic affairs, curriculum development, faculty affairs, strategic planning, accreditation and student success. 

“Dr. Davis knows Hampton and understands the responsibility that comes with leading one of our academic schools,” said Dr. Betty H. Stewart, Provost and Executive Vice President of Hampton University. “She has worked closely with faculty and students throughout her career and has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic quality. Her experience will be valuable as the school strengthens its programs and continues preparing students for graduate study, careers and service.” 

Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from Hampton University. She continued her education at George Washington University, earning a Master of Arts in Education and Human Development, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration. 

Before serving as Interim Dean, Davis was the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Assistant Professor of Sociology in SLAE.. She worked with faculty, department chairs and University leadership on academic programs, curriculum design, faculty affairs, strategic planning and initiatives supporting student success. 

Davis also previously served as the Chair  of SLAE’s Department of Sociology. As Chair, she increased departmental enrollment by 50%, led the development of a new curriculum in criminology/criminal justice and revitalized the department’s internship program. 

Since returning to Hampton, Davis has also contributed to University-wide academic planning and governance. She currently serves on the University’s SACSCOC Leadership Team, Long Range Planning Committee, and the Committee on the  Instructional Program. 

Davis also brings extensive administrative and faculty experience from Fayetteville State University, where she served for 13 years as an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and for 11 years as Director of the Office of Civic Engagement, Service Learning and Assessment. As Director, she worked with faculty to integrate service learning into academic courses, helped develop an interdisciplinary core course and led faculty development initiatives. Her administrative responsibilities included staff supervision, grant development, assessment and management of operational and Title III resources exceeding $400,000. Her work in that role supported the academic experiences of more than 8,000 students. 

Davis also has experience in accreditation and institutional effectiveness. She served on Fayetteville State University’s Quality Enhancement Plan Steering Committee during the University’s SACSCOC reaffirmation process and led Title III Academic Core Quality activities supporting several departments. She also served as Interim Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator. 

Her research interests include student mental health and crisis intervention, the pedagogical impact of online education, juvenile justice and community corrections. Before and alongside her academic career, Davis worked in Virginia’s juvenile justice and community corrections systems as a juvenile probation officer and criminal justice planner. 

Davis brings a particularly broad Hampton perspective to the deanship. She has experienced the University as a student, alumna, professor, department chair, administrator and parent of a Hampton graduate. In her new role, she will draw on those experiences as she works with faculty, staff and students to advance the School of Liberal Arts and Education. 

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.   

New interim director of admission brings an alumna’s perspective and a forward-looking approach to recruitment, technology and the student experience 

Hampton, Va (September 25, 2026) – For Kelsey Rountree ’15, introducing prospective students to Hampton University is personal. 

The Atlanta native first came to Hampton as a student, earning a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism with a minor in marketing. After beginning her career as an on-air news reporter and multimedia journalist with WALB News 10 in Albany, Georgia, Rountree returned to her alma mater in 2018 as an admission counselor. She advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as assistant director of admission. 

Effective July 1, 2026, Rountree was appointed interim director of admission, overseeing Hampton’s undergraduate recruitment and admission initiatives. Her priorities include strengthening student recruitment, continuing to attract high-quality students, enhancing campus visits, expanding digital engagement, and incorporating artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency. 

“Hampton is rooted in tradition, and that is part of what makes our University so distinctive,” Rountree said. “Students experience a nurturing and intimate environment here. Our waterfront campus provides a beautiful setting that is uniquely Hampton, but what makes Hampton feel like home is the personal care and sense of community that students experience here.” 

Rountree believes that care should begin with a student’s first interaction with Hampton, whether through a campus visit, recruitment event or conversation with an admission counselor. She is focused on building an admissions team defined by dedication, accountability, enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and importantly, a genuine commitment to supporting students and families throughout the admission process.  

“The admission experience is often a student’s first relationship with Hampton, and every interaction matters” Rountree said. “We look for intangible qualities in our students – good character, leadership potential, integrity, and a desire to contribute to our community – and those same qualities should define our admission team.” 

Rountree is also advancing a more digitally focused recruitment experience. Plans include incorporating AI into admission operations to streamline processes; a new 3-D digital campus tour has recently rolled out; and the office is enhancing the in-person tour experience. Hampton has also changed the essay portion of its application to a video essay, giving prospective students another way to share their personalities, experiences and aspirations. 

“Technology should help us become more efficient without losing the personal connection that defines Hampton,” Rountree said. “We want to meet students where they are while giving them an authentic understanding of what it means to become part of the Hampton community.” 

As an alumna, Rountree brings a personal connection to the work and a commitment to introducing a new generation of scholars to the academic excellence, leadership development and traditions of Hampton University. 

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.   

U.S. News & World Report, LinkedIn and Forbes recognize Hampton among leading private universities and HBCUs 

Hampton, Va. (Sept. 24, 2026) – Hampton University has earned top national recognition from U.S. News & World Report, LinkedIn and Forbes, with new rankings highlighting the University’s academic strength, student experience and graduates’ long-term career success. 

The recognitions come during a period of continued academic and research growth at Hampton, a newly classified Carnegie-classified R2 research university. Collectively, the rankings highlight Hampton’s ability to provide a rigorous education while preparing students to lead and succeed well beyond graduation. 

“Hampton’s continued recognition on a national scale reflects the strength of our academic community and our commitment to the #1 Student Experience in America,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams ’83. “Our students come to Hampton to be challenged, supported and prepared to lead. These results demonstrate the lasting value of that experience and the extraordinary work of our faculty, staff, students and alumni.” 

Hampton also improved its position in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings compared with 2025, rising from the number seven place to six. This climb adds to the University’s momentum as it expands academic programs, strengthens its faculty and advances research across disciplines. 

Excellence in a Changing Higher Education Landscape 

As colleges and universities nationwide respond to changing student expectations, workforce demands and advances in technology, Hampton is investing in the areas that will shape the future of higher education and the economy. 

The University continues to expand its academic and research enterprise while strengthening opportunities that connect classroom learning with careers, leadership and service. That work builds on Hampton’s historic mission while positioning students for success in an increasingly competitive global environment. 

LinkedIn’s recognition is particularly focused on outcomes after graduation. Its Top Colleges methodology examines alumni career outcomes, including how quickly graduates secure full-time employment and advance into senior-level positions. 

Hampton’s Impact by the Numbers 

• No. 1 Private School in Virginia — U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 

• No. 4 HBCU for Long-Term Career Success — LinkedIn Top Colleges 

• No. 5 Private HBCU — Forbes HBCU Rankings 

• No. 6 HBCU (tie) — U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 

• No. 6 Private School in the South — U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 

The national recognition reflects more than Hampton’s standing among its peers. It points to the outcomes that matter most to students and families: a strong academic foundation, meaningful opportunities, preparation for careers and graduate study, and a network that continues to create value throughout a graduate’s professional life. 

Founded in 1868, Hampton’s legacy has long been defined by academic excellence, leadership and service. Today, the University is building on that foundation through expanded research, innovation and academic opportunities designed to prepare world-ready leaders of character and consequence. 

View the full rankings: 

U.S. News & World Report Best HBCUs Rankings 

LinkedIn Top Colleges 2026 

Forbes HBCU Rankings 

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.   

Hampton, Va (September 22, 2026) – After reviving Hampton University’s National Council of Negro Women section and growing it from three members to 245, senior Ya’Kyjah Maddox ’27 took that spirit of service and advocacy to the 2026 March on Washington. 

When Ya’Kyjah Maddox stood in Washington, D.C. at the Lincoln Memorial, representing Hampton and the National Council of Negro Women at the march, she understood the weight of the moment. 

For Maddox, a fourth-year psychology major on the forensics track with a minor in criminal justice, this moment connected generations of advocacy with the responsibility of young leaders today. 

“To see our generation stand in a place where previous generations fought for justice, while continuing to advocate for voting rights, economic opportunity, and the future of our communities, was a reminder that we are not simply beneficiaries of history. We are actively making history ourselves,” Maddox said. 

That responsibility has shaped Maddox’s leadership at Hampton. 

After discovering that Hampton’s NCNW section, originally founded Dec. 5, 2017, by Olivia Okeke, was no longer active, Maddox decided to bring it back. On Aug. 1, 2024, she rechartered the section with just three members. 

Today, it has reached 245. 

“The rechartering reminded me that sometimes leadership begins with simply asking, ‘Why don’t we have this here anymore?’” Maddox said. “And then having the courage to say, ‘Why can’t I be the person who brings it back?’” 

A Family Connection to the NCNW Legacy 

Maddox’s connection to NCNW is also personal. 

Her grandmother, Eva Ernestine Hardwick, was a Jacksonville, Florida, native who, according to Maddox’s family history, developed a friendship with NCNW founder and founder of Bethune-Cookman University, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Hardwick had an opportunity to become involved with an early group of women connected to Bethune’s work but was unable to participate because she had recently assumed responsibility for caring for Maddox’s mother following an adoption. 

Maddox had little time with her grandmother before she died, but learning about that history gave new meaning to her own commitment to service. 

“In many ways, I feel that I am continuing a legacy that was placed in my family long before I understood its significance,” Maddox said. 

“Ya’Kyjah Maddox represents the kind of leadership Hampton seeks to develop in every student,” said President Darrell K. Williams ’83. 

“She has connected history with action, strengthened a community of young women on our campus and carried Hampton’s tradition of service to a national stage. Her leadership reminds us that our students do not simply inherit a legacy. They have a responsibility to build upon it.” 

Service That Reaches Beyond Campus 

Under Maddox’s leadership, the Hampton NCNW section has turned its growing membership into measurable community service. 

Members donated more than $600 through a Homecoming breast cancer raffle, helped provide more than 1,000 meals to families through the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, donated more than 200 canned goods through a Sistergiving Food Drive, and contributed essential items to Mary T. Christian Elementary School. Members also completed 48 hours of volunteer service with The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command during the first months of 2026. 

The section received the Rising Star Award during its first year after rechartering and later earned five honors recognizing its community service, advocacy, cultural impact and women’s empowerment. 

For Maddox, however, the greater accomplishment is creating a place where Hampton women can serve, lead and support one another. 

“For me, NCNW represents what happens when Black women come together with a shared purpose,” she said. 

From rebuilding a campus organization to representing Hampton at the March on Washington, Maddox is connecting her grandmother’s history, Bethune’s legacy and Hampton’s tradition of service with a new generation of leadership. 

And she is bringing 245 Hampton women with her. 

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.   

HAMPTON, VA. — Hampton University will welcome back one of its own this September, as alumnus, former professor, and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Phill Branch returns to campus September 22–23 in celebration of his debut memoir, The Double Dutch Fuss (Amistad/HarperCollins). The visit is as much a homecoming as it is a book tour stop.

Branch earned his B.A. in Mass Media Arts at Hampton before returning years later as a professor in the English department, where he taught writing and helped lay the early groundwork for what would later  become the university’s Film Studies program. Phill’s history with Hampton is at the center of The Double Dutch Fuss, a memoir Kirkus and Publishers Weekly have praised, and which Library Journal awarded a starred review, for its unflinching look at Black masculinity, identity, and coming into one’s own.

During his two days on campus, Branch will visit classrooms across Creative Writing, Film Studies, New Media, and Composition; meet with faculty to discuss Spring 2027 course adoptions of the memoir; sit down with Hampton’s LGBTQ+ student community; and headline a public reading and conversation – “Authors at the Harvey”, at the William R.  and Norma B. Harvey Library on September 22. On September 23, Branch will broadcast a Poets & Writers “New Nonfiction” virtual conversation live from Hampton’s campus — timed to the September/October 2026 issue of Poets & Writers, where Branch is featured as one of five distinguished, debut authors nationally in “The New Nonfiction 2026.” The Poets & Writers discussion is open to the public.

The visit also marks the start of an ongoing partnership: Branch is launching a student writing collective spanning Hampton, Howard University, and Morehouse College, meeting virtually and culminating in a virtual reading hosted by the Harvey Library in April 2027, alongside a digital journal of student work guest-edited by published authors and academics.

“This isn’t just a stop on the tour  – it’s a return,” said Branch. “Hampton gave me the room to find my voice, first as a student and then as a professor. Bringing this book back to campus is everything.”

The memoir has reached Amazon Bestseller status and topped Barnes & Noble’s African American Biography & Memoir pre-order list, and been named an Audible Editors’ Select pick for June 2026.

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About Phill Branch: Phill Branch is a regional Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, live performance storyteller, and educator, and a GrandSLAM Champion of The Moth. He is the founder of Baltimore Story Fest and a 2025 recipient of the Maryland State Arts Council’s Creativity Grant. The Double Dutch Fuss is his debut memoir, published by Amistad/HarperCollins.