Cansler’s Appointment Positions the University to Drive Change with World-class Performance Standards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hampton, Va. (July 26, 2023) – Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams announced the appointment of Charles L. Cansler to the position of Senior Vice President for Business Operations and Finance, where he will lead ongoing investments in the university’s physical and technological infrastructure to enhance the academic and social experience of students, faculty and staff.
Cansler totes 30 years of executive leadership, accounting, and consulting. He recently served as vice president for finance and business at The Citadel, complementing an admirable history of strengthening universities as Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of Arkansas Little Rock, and Controller for North Carolina State University.
“We welcome Charles Cansler to our Hampton family as we methodically realign our leadership team to elevate Hampton’s influence on the world stage as THEStandard of Excellence,” said President Williams. “His expansive expertise in higher education will support our initiative to Deliver the No. 1 Student Experience in America!”
Before joining senior staff at The Citadel, Cansler made waves as the higher education expert and sales consultant/manager for Oracle, Inc., one of the largest vendors in the enterprise information technology (IT) market.
He received a Master of Business Administration from Baylor University, a Bachelor of Science in Management from Georgia Institute of Technology, and a post-baccalaureate of Accounting and Graduate Taxation from Georgia State University.
“Hampton University is revered as a top-tier institution of learning,” said Cansler. “I am pleased to join the team to extend its global imprint.”
Hampton, Va. (January 23, 2023) – Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, former University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) president and member of the Hampton University class of 1970, will give the keynote address at the 130th Annual Hampton University Founder’s Day ceremony on Sunday, January 29 at 11:30 a.m. in Hampton’s historic Robert C. Ogden Hall.
“I am honored to welcome Keynote Speaker, Dr. Hrabowski, a proud Hamptonian and supporter back to his alma mater. I am also proud to continue the tradition and legacy of celebrating Founder’s Day. Our visionary founder, General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, believed in ‘an education that encompassed the head, the heart, and the hands.’ We look forward to continuing his principles,” said Darrell K. Williams, Hampton University President.
“I am also excited to hear the poem of Hampton University senior Margaret Daramola, the winner of the Hampton University Student Poet Initiative Award,” said Williams. The poem is entitled “Promised Land.”
During the ceremony, Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams will present the 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, all of the division’s 32 schools achieved full accreditation without conditions in 2019. Dr. Smith will retire on July 1.
Founder’s Day activities will also include the commemorative wreath-placing ceremony at the gravesite of the University’s founder Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong in the Hampton University Cemetery at 9:30 a.m.
Hrabowski was president of UMBC from 1992 to 2022. He continues to serve as a science and math education consultant to national agencies, universities, and school systems. In 2012, he was named by President Obama to chair the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. During his years as president, he helped UMBC gain recognition as a model for inclusive excellence through publications such as U.S. News and World Report, which for over a decade has recognized UMBC as a national leader in academic innovation and undergraduate teaching. In 2012, he was named one of the 100 Most Influential People by TIME, and more recently he received the American Council on Education (ACE) Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), the University of California, Berkeley’s Clark Kerr Award (2019), and the University of California, San Francisco’s UCSF Medal (2020).
HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 11, 2023) — Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams announced today the appointment of Ms. Kori Harris as the new Title IX Coordinator at Hampton University.
“Ms. Kori Harris is a seasoned professional who will continue to bring integrity and compassion to the Title IX office,” said President Williams.
Harris received her B.S. in Criminal Justice from Hampton University in 2018 and her M.A. in Law/Criminal Justice from Regent University in 2019. Harris has served as the Title IX investigator at Hampton University since July 2022. Before joining the Hampton University family, Harris was a victim advocate in the Office of the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney. In that position, her responsibilities included supporting victims, their family members, and witnesses through various systems, including law enforcement, healthcare and social services; providing individual and group counseling to individuals who experienced various forms of distress as a result of abuse and/or sexual assault; and conducting intake needs assessments and safety plans with participants in accordance with state standards.
“I am deeply honored, humbled, and extremely excited to accept the appointment as Title IX Coordinator,” said Harris. “It is a privilege to come back to my Home by the Sea to serve the students, faculty, and staff of this wonderful University. I plan to do my part to honor President Williams’ mission of Delivering the #1 Student Experience in America along with encouraging students to ‘Never stay silent, always come forward!’ I appreciate all of the support that I have received thus far. Go, Pirates!”
Hampton University adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and education. Hampton University does not discriminate in its admissions practices [except as permitted by law], in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, national origin, military or veteran status or for engaging in protected activity.
Hampton, VA (January 11, 2023) – The Hampton University Office of Student Activities, in conjunction with the Hampton Chapter of the NAACP and the National Pan-Hellenic Council will host the annual Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. March and program, Monday, January 16 on the grounds of HU.
The march begins at 10:15 a.m. at the Emancipation Oak. Rev. Dr. Jerome A. Barber, of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple in Hampton, Virginia will offer prayer. The march will proceed up William R. Harvey Way and end at Robert C. Ogden Hall on campus. A light reception hosted by the Gamma Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will immediately follow the program at the Student Center, Student Lounge.
Rev. Michael Eley, Jr., Youth & Young Adult Pastor at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church in Wake Forest, North Carolina, will be the keynote speaker at the 11 a.m. program. Reverend Eley is a Spring 2018 honors graduate of Hampton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing. In the spring of 2021, he graduated from Wake Forest University School of Divinity, earning the Master of Divinity and a certificate in Faith-Based Nonprofit Leadership. Reverend Eley was ordained into the Gospel ministry in June of 2022 and is a career technical educator in the Wake County Public School System.
The march and program is free and open to the public. “We’re asking all students and community to come out,” said Anzell Harrell, Director of Student Activities. For more information, contact the Hampton University Office of Student Activities at (757) 727-5691.
~Commemorative Career Fair & Anniversary Event Held at the Landing~
HAMPTON, VA (Jan. 4, 2023) — Founded in September 2002, this calendar year represents the 20th Anniversary in the establishment of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications at Hampton University. To recognize this important milestone, a program will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at the Landing Hotel in Hampton, VA. In addition, a commemorative career fair will be held featuring the top news and public relations firms in the nation for direct student engagement.
Julia Wilson, Dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, said, “Our school was founded to bring diversity into the newsrooms, along with training of good, responsible and objective journalists. One of the industry’s most glaring weaknesses when the school was founded was that there were few people of color in high profile, leadership positions. We are proud of the fact that the Scripps school has contributed greatly to changing that paradigm over these past 20 years with providing stellar talent to the agencies and newsrooms around the world.”
The Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications is a 36,000-square-foot building and includes classrooms, broadcast journalism facilities, a television studio with state-of-the-art digital editing equipment, a radio station, a multi-media lecture hall and auditorium, and four computer labs for reporting, writing and editing for print, broadcast and online journalism and communications.
Assistant Dean Carol Crabbe said, “Our students are the true reason for the success of our school. With lecturers from across the country, they are exposed to among the most prolific journalists and media figures. As a stellar HBCU, we get inquiries from all over regarding enrollment. Our young people get the experience and the exposure they need to be successful. And our faculty members are second to none as they do their best to provide top tier educational experiences for our students.” Members of the Scripps team are:
Finally, Scripps boasts partnerships with a number of organizations to include NBCUniversal News Group, RF Binder, Sloan PR, NBCUniversal/Comcast, Maier Foundation, Scripps Foundation, Warner Media, the Center for Strategic & International Studies, Daily Press, 21st Century, Oculus, Canon and MTV Entertainment Group, and many other organizations.
For more information on the Career Fair and the 20th Anniversary celebration, contact the Office of University Relations at 757.727.5253.
About Hampton University Hampton University is a comprehensive institution of higher education, dedicated to the promotion of learning, building of character and preparation of promising students for positions of leadership and service. Its curriculum emphasis is scientific and professional with a strong liberal arts under girding. In carrying out its mission, the University requires that everything that it does be of the highest quality. A historically black institution, Hampton University is committed to multiculturalism. The University serves students from diverse national, cultural and economic backgrounds. Research and public service are integral parts of Hampton’s mission. In order to enhance scholarship and discovery, the faculty is engaged in writing, research, and grantsmanship. In achieving its mission, Hampton University offers exemplary programs and opportunities which enable students, faculty and staff to grow, develop and contribute to our society in a productive and useful manner. Visit www.hamptonu.edu for more information.
HAMPTON, VA (Jan. 4, 2023) — The Sentara Foundation provided a gift to underwrite numerous programs at Hampton. Among the uses of funding was for underwriting scholarships for targeted health-related majors.
Among the areas funded were scholarships for targeted health professions. They include a Sentara Healthcare and Nursing Current Use Scholarship fund, which annually provides $10,000 for academic support to ten students for five years. The disciplines include the four-year nursing degree programs in Health Sciences and Community Health Promotion, RN to BSN degree programs in Health Sciences, as well as Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Information Management, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and other health professions.
Students eligible for the scholarship must have been of sophomore, junior, or senior classification and majoring in academic programs in the School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, School of Science, and/or the Department of Sports Science and Wellness. Each student must also have had a financial need.
The University’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has awarded funding to the following students majoring in the identified programs:
KINESIOLOGY
Canann Holmes Kianah Blakely-White
PHARMACY
Cimone Richardson Samantha Whyte
NURSING
Myka Savage Mckenzee Cummings Kennedy Akujobi Skye Brown Saroya Walton Andre Williams
Dr. Arlene Montgomery, Dean of the School of Nursing, said, “Sentara is a major community health provider in Virginia and North Carolina. Hampton University is blessed to have such a devoted and supportive partner in our efforts to increase minority representation in a host of healthcare fields in the Hampton Roads region and beyond. On behalf of the students selected, we are so very thankful.”
For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at 757.727.5253.
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. In order to enhance scholarship and discovery, the faculty is engaged in writing, research, and grantsmanship. In achieving its mission, Hampton University offers exemplary programs and opportunities which enable students, faculty and staff to grow, develop and contribute to our society in a productive and useful manner. Visit www.hamptonu.edu for more information.
HAMPTON, VA (Jan. 4, 2022) — Hampton University students participated in a three-day Startup Entrepreneurship Boot Camp from Friday, October 28 to Sunday, October 30, 2022. The program introduced entrepreneurship methods to aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Students learned how to recognize and act on opportunities in the market by designing a business model, developing a prototype, working with expert mentors, and pitching ideas. This boot camp was sponsored by Ferguson, a member of the School of Engineering and Technology Engineering Advisory Board. Black Ambition, an organization founded by Pharrell Williams, provided a $10,000 cash prize, which was divided among camp participants. Norfolk State University students also participated in the boot camp.
Dr. Joyce Shirazi, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, said, “We are very proud of our students. They always come ready to learn and they love it when there is an element of competition involved. They learned how to pitch and promote their innovative projects.”
Student teams were formed on the first day of the camp, and facilitators led the groups through early concepts. During the second day of the camp, student groups focused on business model formation and testing of their business hypotheses. Mentors from Ferguson provided expert feedback and support. On the final day of the camp, participants engaged in intensive pitch workshops and delivered their pitches through presentations. Each presentation was made before a panel of entrepreneurship and business experts. Facilitators from Build in Tulsa, a program that seeks to close the racial wealth gap in America, and Novus supported the boot camp.
Dr. Jerald Dumas, dean of Hampton University’s Graduate College, associate professor of chemical engineering, and Hampton’s organizer for the boot camp said, “This experience was especially impactful for our engineering students as we strive for them to consider ‘human-centric’ elements in their designs.”
Hampton University students won the following portions of the $10,000 cash prize:
$2400 Team Umni$1900 Team Hydrosource
Brian Eric Montgomery Jr Briana Webster
Helen Nkechinyere Kalu Andres Syphrett
Joshua White Anthony Akins
Quinton Maddox
$1650 Team V-Tints$500 Team xMELA
Khalid Hampton Maasai Thornton
Jihaad Barnett Jasmyn Gyapong
Trevor Blow Chi’conna Gober
Anton Goldsmith
For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at 757.727.5253.
About Hampton University Hampton University is a comprehensive institution of higher education, dedicated to the promotion of learning, building of character and preparation of promising students for positions of leadership and service. Its curriculum emphasis is scientific and professional with a strong liberal arts under girding. In carrying out its mission, the University requires that everything that it does be of the highest quality. A historically black institution, Hampton University is committed to multiculturalism. The University serves students from diverse national, cultural and economic backgrounds. Research and public service are integral parts of Hampton’s mission. In order to enhance scholarship and discovery, the faculty is engaged in writing, research, and grantsmanship. In achieving its mission, Hampton University offers exemplary programs and opportunities which enable students, faculty and staff to grow, develop and contribute.
HAMPTON, VA (Nov. 3, 2022) – Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications is pleased to announce two outstanding students have each received scholarship awards from RF|Binder, a New York City-based strategic communications and consulting firm.
Receiving the 2022-2023 scholarship are Zoë Beavers, a senior from Jefferson City, Mo., and Andrianna Lovelace, a junior from Wash., D.C. Both are strategic communications majors. RF|Binder awards the scholarships to outstanding female students with a major in strategic communications. In addition to the financial award, the students will receive one-on-one mentoring, leadership development training, and industry networking opportunities. Further, RF|Binder actively recruits from Hampton University for its prestigious Associate Program, that offers recent graduates the potential opportunity to join the New York-headquartered agency full-time after graduation.
“We are very proud of Zoë and Andrianna and excited to have them represent our school,” said Julia A. Wilson, dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. “Their competitive submissions have raised the standard of excellence and set a new paradigm for future students to emulate. We are honored to expand our partnership with RF|Binder and look forward to our students receiving real-world experience to support their growth into public relations professionals.”
The RF|Binder and Scripps Howard School scholarship awards program started in 2021. For 2022-2023, the PR consultancy has doubled the financial award for each student recipient.
“These two students exhibited the drive, passion, and dedication for success that made it clear in my conversations with them that they wanted to achieve excellence,” said Rebecca Binder, president of RF|Binder. “This year’s group of candidates was exceptional, and we continue to be impressed with the caliber of students from the Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. We have been honored to partner with Hampton University and work with the students closely, we look forward to continuing to see the amazing things the students and alums will do.”
About RF|Binder
RF|Binder is a fully integrated communications and consulting firm – powered by strategy, creativity, analytics, and purpose. The company addresses challenges and opportunities with a communications mindset, enabling clients to build, grow, protect, transform their brands and reputations. RF|Binder’s purpose is to empower its clients and staff to have impact for their clients’s brands and customers. RF|Binder’s mission is to build market leaders. “We build, grow, protect, and transform brands and reputations.” RF|Binder is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and a global presence through PROI Worldwide partners, an association of leading public relations firms in 100 cities across 50 countries. (Website: https://rfbinder.com/)
(left to right) Dean Julia Wilson and Zoe Beavers
About Hampton University
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. (Website: https://home.hamptonu.edu/shsjc/)
Dr. William R. Harvey arrived on the campus of Hampton Institute, in 1978, to take over the reigns as leader of an institution that was slowly losing ground. Many wondered why he chose Hampton. Other institutions, including majority institutions and more financially stable institutions, had offered him presidencies, but he decided to accept the position at Hampton. He chose Hampton because he wanted to be in a place where he could offer the greatest service and make a difference. Dr. Harvey has often stated that choosing Hampton was the best professional decision of his life!
Prior to beginning his illustrious career at Hampton, this celebrated statesman from Brewton, Alabama earned degrees from Talladega College, Virginia State University and Harvard University. During his career at Hampton, he has received 11 honorary doctorates and countless awards, including the Daily Press Citizen of the Year Award, numerous keys to the city from localities around the country, American Council on Education John Hope Franklin Award, the City of Hampton Distinguished Citizen’s Medal, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Year Leadership Award. His alma mater, Talladega College, named the African American Art Museum that houses the treasured Amistad Murals in his honor. Now, following a steady, four-decade plus climb of greatness, Dr. Harvey will move on to his next chapter of service on June 30, 2022.
It is virtually impossible to express in words the debt of gratitude the entire Hampton University community carries ever so deeply for Dr. Harvey. The news of his retirement is likely to draw a full range of emotions because he has touched the lives of so many. His legacy is rich and indelible on nearly every inch and across every page in the annals of the historic campus.
“As a Hampton University Alumnus and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, the growth and development that I have witnessed under Dr. Harvey’s successful leadership have been, in a word, triumphant,” said Trustee Wesley Coleman. “The significance of this president’s legendary contributions to Hampton will be celebrated for generations. Indeed, the school is so much better off for his having served as our 12th President. Therefore, on behalf of the Board of Trustees and all of us who love Hampton, we will always be grateful to Dr. and Mrs. Harvey for the immeasurably great job that they have done for the past 43 years and will continue to do for the remainder of his tenure.”
Many will remember the day Dr. Harvey arrived on the campus with a great vision of what Hampton could become. He based his vision on the words of Hampton’s founder, General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, who said that he wanted Hampton to have excellent academics (which today is called workforce development) and to build character. Armstrong also said that of the two, character was more important. This is the playbook that Dr. Harvey followed throughout his entire tenure. It is from this playbook Dr. Harvey charted his unprecedented success as a president and Hampton’s tremendous growth as an institution.
Hampton University and the higher education community are proud of the legacy of leadership that Dr. Harvey has established during his 43-year tenure at our “Home by the Sea.” The triumphs under Dr. Harvey’s leadership are more than worthy of note and actually too many to list. A sampling of his accomplishments include: the initiation of 92 new academic degrees, including 12 new doctoral programs; erecting 29 new buildings; increasing SAT scores by more than 300 points; launching four satellites which are currently flying in space; building a state-of the-art weather antenna that can detect hurricanes and storms up to 2,000 miles away; establishing the largest free-standing proton beam cancer center in the world, which treats prostate, breast, lung, ocular, pediatric, spine, head, neck and brain cancers; and increasing the endowment from $29 million to over $300 million.
Hampton is not the same place it was when Dr. Harvey arrived. Today, Hampton attracts outstanding students with high SAT scores who bring positive national and international attention to Hampton by winning prestigious scholarships and competitions, conducting research, as well as engaging in prominent leadership and service activities. Interest in the “Hampton Experience” has led to between 15,000 and 20,000 applications annually and a steady enrollment. More than 36,000 students have graduated from Hampton under his leadership. Classified by the Carnegie Commission as a ‘High Research Activity’ institution, faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research in various areas. Hampton continuously ranks high among the nation’s colleges and universities. Dr. Harvey’s list of accomplishments is much too long to include each one, but they have benefited Hampton, the Hampton Roads Region, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the national higher education landscape.
As 100% owner of a PepsiCo Bottling Company in Houghton, Michigan, Dr. Harvey is an astute businessman who runs Hampton as a business for educational purposes. When asked for the formula for his success, Dr. Harvey shared, “The formula for any success that I have had is based on five priorities: character traits of honesty, integrity, respect, trustworthiness and good personal behavior; high standards and values; a good work ethic; service to others; and appreciating and utilizing the team approach.”
He says that he has also learned a great deal about management and governance from the boards on which he has served. The non-profit boards include: National Geographic Society, National Merit Scholarship Corporation, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, USO World Board of Governors, National Association for Equal Opportunity in Education (NAFEO), Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (J-Lab), Harvard Cooperative Society, Ft. Monroe Authority, Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia, Knoxville College Board of Trustees, Southeastern Universities Research Association, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Historical Society, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Woodrow Wilson Foundation and Defense Advisory Board on Women in the Service. Service on corporate boards includes: Fannie Mae, Signet Bank, First Union National Bank, Newport News Savings and Loan, Newport News Shipbuilding Corporation, Trigon Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and United Virginia Bank.
In addition to the professional accomplishments Dr. Harvey achieved at Hampton, he also experienced great personal joy on these hallowed grounds. Dr. Harvey moved to Hampton with his wife Norma Baker Harvey, to whom he has now been married to for 53 years. Mrs. Harvey is legendary in her own right. Not only has she handled her duties as First Lady with style and grace, she has been of great service to the wider community, as well. She is known for her active service as a board member of the American Heart Association, the Virginia Symphony, Towne Bank, Board of Visitors of the College of William and Mary, the National Conference of Community and Justice, the Peninsula Fine Arts Center, and the Planning and Research Committee for the United Way. Recognized for her commitment to service, Mrs. Harvey was appointed to serve on the Governor’s Task Force on Substance Abuse and Sexual Assault on College Campuses and the USS Hampton Commissioning Committee. She has made significant contributions in each of these roles.
Dr. and Mrs. Harvey arrived at Hampton with their two young children, Kelly Renee and William Christopher. Their youngest daughter Leslie Denise was born here after they arrived. Leslie is the first baby born to a sitting president since Gen. Armstrong and his wife had baby Margaret in 1893. The Harvey’s raised their family here, and it has expanded to include four granddaughters—Taylor, Gabrielle, Lauren, and Victoria. They have also adopted the Hampton family as their own. Hampton is not just a job for Dr. Harvey; it is a way of life.
The author of books, articles, and other publications, Dr. Harvey is often in demand to lecture on leadership and fundraising at major colleges, universities, and organizations. He plans to continue to be of service to the higher education and business communities, as well as complete several book projects now underway. Everyone who knows Dr. Harvey knows that he will always contribute to and be of service to his “Home by the Sea.”
For media requests and additional information, contact the Hampton University Office of University Relations at (757) 727-5253 or UniversityRelations@hamptonu.edu.
HAMPTON, Va. (September 10, 2021) – U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visited Hampton University on Friday, September 10 to tour its four NASA-funded satellite mission projects, including the $140 million Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (A.I.M.) mission, the first only NASA mission totally controlled by an HBCU.
“It was an honor for Hampton University to host the Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris at Hampton University,” said Dr. William R. Harvey, Hampton University President. “There’s no one in this region who has what we have. Many people are not aware of the research that Hampton conducts in STEM disciplines. I’m glad the vice president and her staff understand.”
The Vice Presidents also led a roundtable discussion with select students. They discussed the importance of HBCUs and minorities in STEM fields, noting how their contributions impact the future success of our nation’s workforce. The discussion was a part of the 2021 National HBCU Week.
“You all are the leaders in this new era. In particular, our nation and our world will require smart people such as you to lead on issues that require dedication and development of skills around science, technology, engineering, and math. Hampton University is one of the leaders in STEM research, and I say that as a Howard graduate, knowing as Vice President about what you’re doing here at Hampton University. I know about the partnership between Hampton and NASA. I know about the fact that there are four satellites because of Hampton, that are right now, orbiting, giving us valuable information that allows us not only to predict but to analyze, what is happening in our world and in the atmosphere. This is extraordinary work that is happening, and I’m here to say as Vice President of the United States that our HBCUs are some of the great leaders in this vital work that must happen in the new era and in the world. I am very happy to be here,” said Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris.
Hampton University’s Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (APS) department has been involved in NASA missions since its founding in 1996. Hampton University scientists are involved in four active missions observing the Earth as well as two future missions to Jupiter and its moons, one in partnership with NASA and one in partnership with ESA. The university is also involved in a future joint mission with South Korea (PolCube). Hampton University has complete operational responsibility for the Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) mission, led by Dr. James Russell, which is now heading into its 15th year in orbit. This makes Hampton the only HBCU to have ever held such responsibility for NASA. The APS researchers have also contributed to or led instrument development for SABER, CALIOP, and SAGEIII-ISS, all of which are currently operating as part of NASA missions.
During her tour of Turner Hall, the Vice President met with members of Hampton University’s Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences department faculty: Drs. James Russell, III; M. Pat McCormick, Kunio M. Sayanagi and William B. Moore. The faculty informed the Vice President about the research that has been in progress at Hampton University for over the last 20 years. That research includes Lidar, which is used to study atmospheric properties. The university operates a large telescope that allows our system to reach into the stratosphere to study the temperature, pressure, and humidity of the atmosphere. Our observatory houses two telescopes and one scanning lidar system that measure aerosols, clouds, humidity, and certain trace gases such as ozone as well as observe the planets Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. Hampton is also home to the Severe Weather Research Center which produces rapid, accurate forecasts of fast-developing weather systems, such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
Vice President Harris also participated in an enlightening roundtable discussion with several Hampton University STEM students where they discussed the role of HBCUs in the realm of STEM and research.
For more than 150 years, Hampton University has been THE Standard of Excellence in higher education. Founded in 1868 by Brig. Gen. Samuel Chapman Armstrong, Hampton University has a long and storied history academics focused on educating the “head, heart and hand,” and emphasizing the development of character. From the sound foundation built by General Armstrong, Dr. William R. Harvey has elevated the institution to the now globally recognized powerhouse in higher education it is today. Dr. Harvey became Hampton’s 12th President in 1978 and during his four decades and counting tenure, the university has experienced accelerated growth and achieved notable accomplishments.
Hampton University students and alumni have greatly benefited from Dr. William R. Harvey’s legendary tenure at the helm of this world-class institution.
Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey’s contributions as a true transformational leader in the world of education and beyond are demonstrated by the greater level of access to education he created for students through his business acumen. One such example is the marvelous growth in the amount of scholarship funds that have been made to Hampton University students since his arrival. This total now stands at more than $34 million annually. He has continued to add to this tangible support for students with three new scholarships.
“In establishing the Character, Legacy and Merit Scholarships and designating $3 million dollars in renewable awards for eligible students, our dynamic and visionary leader, Dr. William R. Harvey has yet again demonstrated his spirit of commitment and generosity to our students,” said Angela Boyd, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission. “I am absolutely thrilled that Hampton University is acknowledging both students of high character and those students who have chosen to follow in the footsteps of their loved ones who have had the “Hampton Experience. Family and tradition have always been the cornerstones of shared experiences at Hampton, and I am hopeful that these scholarships will inspire many of our alumni to send their children and grandchildren to what I consider to be the best University on the planet! I am also thrilled our President is initiating a means to reward our continuing students who are excelling in the classroom as well.”
Character Scholarship
General Samuel L. Chapman Armstrong, the illustrious founder, and Dr. William R. Harvey, the legendary 12th President of Hampton University share a similar philosophy: A focus on excellence in academics and character are essential tools for success in life. Both distinguished gentlemen believe that of the two, character is most important.
Hampton University is pleased to announce a new Character Scholarship that has been created to recognize students who have demonstrated good character traits. Beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year, Hampton University is now awarding 100 first-time freshman students a $10,000 renewable scholarship.
Admitted freshmen students who have remaining financial need may submit an essay on the topic: How I Have Demonstrated Excellence in Character. Applicants must also submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor that addresses the students’ demonstrated character. For more information on applying for the 2022-23 academic year, contact the Hampton University Office of Admission.
Legacy Scholarship
In recognition of the numerous family members across the world who have instituted a tradition of attending Hampton University, President William R. Harvey has established the Legacy Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship goes into effect for the 2021-2022 academic year and is renewable for three additional years, provided that eligible students remain enrolled full time and maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. For more information please contact the Office of Admission.
Merit Based Scholarship
Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey has announced the creation of a new Merit Based Scholarship for continuing students who have not been previously offered merit-based funding. Additionally, students must have a remaining financial need. The new award is an annual scholarship in the amount of $2,000. This scholarship will recognize continuing students with a cumulative 3.5 or higher grade point average. For more information please contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Gift to the Class of 2020 & Class of 2021
To assist the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 transition into their next stage of life despite the adverse affects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Dr. William R. Harvey has announced that the university will make a federal student loan repayment of $500 for each graduate in the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021. Graduates who do not have federal student loans will be reimbursed their graduation fee of $150. The grand total of Hampton’s gift to their newest graduates is more than $1 million!
Campus Enhancements
The University has completed a number of campus enhancements. Each of these enhancements will benefit students, faculty, staff, and the entire Hampton University community. Enhancements have been completed in a number of areas. These include academic buildings such as Buckman, Turner, Phenix, and DuPont Halls. Residence hall improvements can be found in Virginia Cleveland, DuBois, Moton, McGrew, Winona, Continuing Education Center (CEC), and Stone. The main entrance gate, several athletic facilities, and technology upgrades in the classrooms have also been improved as a result of the donations received by the University. Starbucks, a much-anticipated addition to the campus, is also on the horizon.
