Hampton, Va. (May 19, 2023) – Hampton University honored Felicia M. Gardner, Esq., ’03, with the 2023 Outstanding 20-Year Alumni Award at its spring 2023 commencement ceremony on May 14.
The Charlotte, North Carolina, resident, was recognized for her distinguished career in the legal and financial services industries. As Associate General Counsel and Senior Vice President at Bank of America, Gardner led a team of eight associates and managed the bank’s employment-related litigation, agency charges and investigations, and compliance matters. Specifically, she worked to ensure enterprise compliance with the U.S. Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). She also monitored for, analyzed, and translated compensation law updates and cases surrounding pay transparency, payroll practices, wage and hour matters, and more. She managed a complex settlement through mediation; orchestrated end-to-end evaluations and process reviews to ensure OFCCP compliance, including downstream implications across the global human resources division; and advised on strategy for transformational process improvements.
Gardner, who earned her J.D. cum laude from Georgetown Law Center and B.S. summa cum laude from Hampton University, recently joined Moore & VanAllen PLLC as a member of their Employee Benefits and Compensation team. She launched her career at Johnson & Johnson, serving as a financial analyst to eventually become Senior Financial Analyst. In 2009, she joined the international law firm of McGuire Woods, LLP and rose through the ranks as an associate and then partner until 2018.
Gardner was recognized as a Charlotte Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree in 2021 and named to the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list in 2019. She is an involved member of the Junior League of Charlotte, YMCA of Greater Charlotte, including as a member of its Diversity and Inclusion Global Committee, and the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. She is a dedicated volunteer with Thompson Child & Family Focus.
The Outstanding 20-Year Alumni Award is presented to those who have made significant contributions in their chosen fields, demonstrated the importance of their education at Hampton University, participated in leadership roles within the community, and proven a commitment to their alma mater. Gardner was nominated by the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc.
For more information about Alumni activities, click here.
Hampton, Va. (May 18, 2023) — Hampton University alumna Ruth E. Carter received the honorary doctorate of humane letters from her alma mater during its 153rd Commencement Ceremony on May 14. Carter, a graduate of the class of 1982, won two Oscars for Costume Design for Black Panther and Wakanda Forever, making history as the first African-American woman to win in that category. Carter has earned 70 credits and collaborated with prolific directors, including Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Ava DuVernay, and Ryan Coogler. Her impressive body of work includes film and television projects such as Amistad, The Butler, Selma, Rosewood, School Daze, Coming to America, Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, Marshal, and Yellowstone, among others.
Carter, who was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021, delivered this year’s keynote address to the more than 800 graduates and their families gathered in Armstrong Stadium, encouraging her fellow Pirates to “find your treasure,” she said. “Be a student of your profession, continue to improve your craft, and have faith in your foundation and make sacrifices today so your tomorrow is rewarded.”
The Theatre Arts graduate also announced the Ruth E. Carter Scholarship as an effort to give back and help financially disadvantaged students. “She is a true daughter of our university and an amazing woman,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “She personifies the Hampton standard of excellence.”
On May 23, Carter will release her first book, “The Art of Ruth E. Carter: Costuming Black History and the Afrofuture, from Do the Right Thing to Black Panther,” providing readers and sartorial enthusiasts with a behind-the-scenes look of her legendary career working in film and television. Carter’s complete body of work is told through personal stories, process art, film stills, mood boards, and more. The book also reveals details of the prolific designer’s most iconic creations. For more information, visit: www.ruthecarter.com
HAMPTON, VA (May 16, 2023) — The Deloitte Foundation has made an additional grant commitment of $600,000 to Hampton University for renewable student scholarships supporting Hampton University students majoring in business, accounting, and STEM-related fields. The Foundation’s expanded commitment will fund scholarships for 20 students according to criteria established by Deloitte and selected by Hampton University who received the financial assistance as freshmen. Additionally, this funding will support the students through their sophomore, junior, and senior years, if they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. The expanded scholarship commitment will begin in Hampton’s 2023-2024 academic year and conclude in academic year 2025-2026.
Each Deloitte Foundation scholarship recipient will receive $10,000 per year in funding to support their academic endeavors.
Hampton University Darrell K. Williams said, “We are deeply grateful to the Deloitte Foundation for their leadership and their commitment to Hampton, and especially for their work to expand opportunities for diverse students in business, accounting, and STEM degree areas. Our selected students pursuing these disciplines can continue to significantly benefit from this extraordinary gift.”
The overarching purpose of these scholarships is to help ensure the persistence, retention and graduation of students enrolled in the accounting, business, finance, engineering, computer science, or mathematics academic degree programs. Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission Angela Boyd, said, “This funding is important because it is critical that more students persist to graduation. There aremany factors that shape student motivation to continue their academic journey, and not all of which are within the capacity of institutions to easily influence. That stated, funding and scholarship support is a very big deal and can inspire students to stay the course.”
Deloitte Foundation President Erin Scanlon said, “We recognize the challenge of affording a college education. That is why we are expanding our funding to help support these Hampton students for another three years with a hope to see them through the completion of their undergraduate degrees. We are thrilled to help them progress on their academic and career journeys.”
Those who receive the scholarship have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, are majoring in accounting, business, computer science, information systems, finance, engineering, or mathematics, have demonstrated leadership and/or community service and have been determined to have financial need.
Below are the prior Deloitte Foundation Scholars named by Hampton University in Academic Year 2022-2023. They each will receive a renewal on their scholarship support for Academic Year 2023-2024 and beyond, should they be returning students and continue to meet the criteria established.
Lavearion Bates
VA
Computer Science
Keana Beaufort
GA
Computer Engineering
Dori Bob
VA
Business Management
Tamia Booker
VA
Accounting
Briana Bradley
IL
Computer Science
Camiah Butler-Dungee
PA
Accounting
Saffie Cherif
MD
Computer Science
Anaya Efferson
MD
Computer Science
Madison Johnson
IN
Business Administration
Layla Kennedy
SC
Mathematics
Damon Lee
MD
Computer Engineering
Quentin Livingston
VA
Computer Engineering
Johnny Matthews
TX
Computer Information Systems
Elias Nelson-Clark
TX
Business Management
Taylor Richardson
MD
Business Administration
Monika Smith
NY
Finance
Alyssa Smith
SC
Accounting
Daniel Ufua
MD
Computer Engineering
Zaynah Williams
MN
5-Year MBA
Kierra Wylie
IN
Business Management
For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at 757.727.5350.
About Hampton University Hampton University is a comprehensive institution of higher education, dedicated to the promotion of learning, building of character and preparation of promising students for positions of leadership and service. Its curriculum emphasis is scientific and professional with a strong liberal arts under girding. In carrying out its mission, the University requires that everything that it does be of the highest quality. A historically black institution, Hampton University is committed to multiculturalism. The University serves students from diverse national, cultural and economic backgrounds. Research and public service are integral parts of Hampton’s mission. In order to enhance scholarship and discovery, the faculty is engaged in writing, research, and grantsmanship. In achieving its mission, Hampton University offers exemplary programs and opportunities which enable students, faculty and staff to grow, develop and contribute to our society in a productive and useful manner. Visit www.hamptonu.edu for more information.
About The Deloitte Foundation
The Deloitte Foundation, founded in 1928, is a not-for-profit organization that supports education in the U.S. through a variety of initiatives that help develop the next generation of diverse business leaders, and their influencers, and promote excellence in teaching, research and curriculum innovation. The Foundation sponsors an array of national programs relevant to a variety of professional services, benefiting high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and educators. Learn more about the Deloitte Foundation.
Hampton, VA (May 15, 2023) — Hampton University announced today that it will immediately begin providing all of its undergraduate students with free prep courses for graduate-level admissions exams, including the GRE®, GMAT®, LSAT®, MCAT®, DAT®, and OAT®; nurse licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN®; and teaching licensing exam, the PRAXIS®, through a new partnership with global educational services provider Kaplan.
“I really wanted us to make an impact on the student experience this year, not next year, because we recognize the total cost of attending grad school is often an obstacle that blocks the student’s view of their potential. Our partnership with Kaplan signals a commitment to encouraging students to persist and complete their education. It is one piece of the puzzle that helps create the #1 experience we want to deliver to our students,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “This historic agreement represents our intention to work with partners that share our belief that reducing the financial burden of preparing and sitting for admissions and licensing exams widens the pathway that leads to better performance and ultimately increases marketability and earning power.”
“We are excited to bring Kaplan’s comprehensive All Access services to Hampton undergrads and work with university leaders to help them deliver a transformational educational experience. By becoming an All Access partner, Hampton University is showing its commitment to their students, seeing in them future successful leaders in a wide variety of industries, from business to law to medicine and so much more,” said James Polulach, director of institutional partnerships, Kaplan. “Many students understandably see exams as a barrier, instead of an opportunity, whether because of the price of preparation or because of how difficult the exam is. Through this partnership, we’re tearing down those barriers to make it easier for Hampton students to reach their full potential.”
For college and university leaders who want to explore partnering with Kaplan, learn more about our exam prep programs [cts.businesswire.com]. And for reporters interested in covering this growing sector of Kaplan’s portfolio, contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com or 917.822.8190.
Test names and other trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders.
About Hampton University
Hampton University is a comprehensive institution of higher education. For more than 150 years, it has been dedicated to the promotion of learning, building of character and preparation of promising students for positions of leadership and service. It emphasizes a scientific and professional curriculum 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.
About Kaplan
Kaplan, Inc. is a global educational services company that helps individuals and institutions advance their goals in an ever-changing world. Our broad portfolio of solutions help students and professionals further their education and careers, universities and educational institutions attract and support students, and businesses maximize employee recruitment, retainment, and development. Stanley Kaplan founded our company in 1938 with a mission to expand educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Today, our thousands of employees working in 26 countries continue Stanley’s mission as they serve about 1.2 million students and professionals, 13,000 corporate clients, and 4,000 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities worldwide. Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC). Learn more at www.kaplan.com [kaplan.com].
Hampton, Va. (May 8, 2023) – Hampton University hosted a campus visit for U.S. Secretary of Education Cardona who led a roundtable conversation with Hampton University students and local college leaders about the importance of wrap around services in order to support students throughout college.
Federal Covid funds were used by many universities to help students stay enrolled, for debt removal, and living expenses. “It’s good to see that many universities were able to continue to function and keep their students as a result of the federal dollars,” said Secretary Cardona. “The word ‘intentional’ was mentioned a lot today,” said Secretary Cardona. “We know two year schools are very malleable, but four year schools have a role because we’re talking about millions of jobs.”
“We have a wonderful product at Hampton University,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “But like most universities, it’s not inexpensive to attend. I want to thank the Administration right up front for the Covid funding.”
Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), who co-facilitated the discussion, stated the debt relief funds were largely invested in supporting the Hampton University Proton Cancer Therapy Institute and providing debt relief for students.
Secretary Cardona asked students to describe their experience at Hampton and how it will impact their future. Graduating Senior Marketing major, Taylor Thomas, who shared she was raised in a single parent home, has accepted a position with Dow Jones. “Hampton University has prepped me for the job. I learned how to navigate different personalities and perspectives to go into the real world and expand,” she said.
Prolific Costume Designer and History Maker Returns to Alma Mater
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hampton, Va. (April 26, 2023) — Hampton University announced today that Ruth E. Carter, a 1982 Theatre Arts graduate, will address the class of 2023 at the 153rd Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Armstrong Stadium.
Carter, renowned as a visual storyteller, made history as the first Black woman to achieve two Oscars for best costume design for her work in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, earning Marvel Studios their first Oscar recognition. The highly sought-after designer received the 2018 Academy Award for Achievement in Costume Design for Marvel’s Black Panther, becoming the first African American to win in this specific category. She continues to make history in the entertainment industry, as Carter recently earned the Best Costume Design Award at the 28th annual Critics’ Choice Awards for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Initially, Carter pursued acting, but her work in the college wardrobe department led her to discover the art of costumer design. Now, with over 70 film, television and theater projects to her credit, the acclaimed Oscar winner has mastered the art of incorporating the history of the Black experience into her designs, envisioning the clothing and overall appearance of a character or performer in multiple periods and genres. Carter has collaborated with prolific directors, including Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, Steven Spielberg, and Ryan Coogler on projects including Do the Right Thing, Amistad, and the television reboot of Roots. Carter is the first Costume Designer to cross over into fashion with a Conscious Collection collaboration with H&M featuring Carter’s ‘90s street inspired look from early films. Critics say Carter’s costumes tell stories so intriguing and memorable they influence music, fashion, culture, and film-making and help us to understand ourselves better.
In 2019, Carter was the subject of an episode of Abstract, a Netflix documentary series highlighting artists working the in the field of design, and recognized with the Costume Designers Guild’s Career Achievement Award. In 2021, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The legendary designer graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampton University and holds an honorary doctorate from Suffolk University.
For more information on Commencement visit: https://home.hamptonu.edu/graduation/
University Park, Pennsylvania (May 6, 2023) —Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams today addresses the class of 2023 in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University.
Williams, who earned a master’s in business administration from Penn State, was invited to share his lessons in leadership gained throughout his illustrious career in the military. In his address, he shares details of his commitment to developing innovative 21st-century leaders of character for our community, nation and the world. Williams also spoke to his strategic vision for delivering the #1 student experience in America as part of his new role at the helm of Hampton University.
The 1983 graduate of Hampton was inaugurated the 13th President of his alma mater last month and under his ambitious leadership, he recently released the strategic plan, “Elevating Hampton Excellence,” a bold 10-year vision for the institution’s future.
RICHMOND, VA –(May 5, 2023) -Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced Margaret O. Daramola as the Commonwealth of Virginia’s new Poet Laureate. Ms. Daramola was born in Nigeria and is a student at Hampton University where she is receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Minor in History this spring. A Dean’s List honoree every semester, she is the Vice President of the African Student Association, a member of Hampton University’s Pre-Law Society and was awarded the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship and Student Poet initiative award. Since 1988, the Governor appoints the honorary position of Poet Laureate of Virginia to serve a term of two years.
“I had the privilege of hearing Ms. Daramola first-hand at the investiture of Hampton University’s President Darrell Williams this past March and was greatly impressed by her presence and passion,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Virginians will be honored to have such a talented poet represent us as Laureate. I have always believed that the promise of Virginia’s future is represented in young adults like Margaret. Suzanne and I look forward to Margaret blessing Virginians across the Commonwealth with her incredible gift.”
Contacts: Office of the Governor: Macaulay Porter, Macaulay.Porter@governor.virginia.gov
For more information, visit: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2023/may/name-1002529-en.html
Dr. Jeanette Davis, also known as Dr. Ocean, Collaborates with Colleagues to Receive $3 Million U.S. National Science Foundation Grant
Hampton, Va. (May 3, 2023) – Hampton University Adjunct Professor Dr. Jeanette Davis, Marine Microbiologist and ocean science consultant on the movie, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at Marvel Studios, was part of a team of collaborators who were recently awarded a $3 Million U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for the marine science department to support the next generation of young scientist.
Dr. Davis, also known as Dr. Ocean, lectures on international stages, speaking about the importance of empowering young people through science. She holds membership on several graduate advisory committees and has been featured in Ebony, Essence, and Black Enterprise as the “next great marine biologist.” She has worked with distinguished scientists to author a national publication released from the White House that highlights essential ocean research and technology topics for the next decade.
The Hampton alumna is a two-time best-selling author of children’s science books. Her first book, Science isEverywhere, Science is for Everyone, was ranked #1 Featured Children’s book on Amazon. A second book, Jada’s Journey Under the Sea, highlights marine life and ways to care for and protect the ocean. Young readers learn about geology, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and astronomy in a fun and innovative way.
Dr. Davis’ work to increase research and innovation reflects President Williams’ vision to distinguish Hampton among institutions of higher learning. She earned her B.S. in Marine and Environmental Science from Hampton University and a Ph.D. in Marine Microbiology from the University of Maryland where she focused on marine drug discovery.
For more information, visit: https://drjeanettedavis.com/
Hampton, Va. (April 28, 2023) – Hampton University Child Development Center hosted “Careers for Kids,” a first-of-its-kind hands-on learning activity on campus. The event, which featured classrooms and learning stations on the lawn of the Eva C. Mitchell Building included: Hampton Police Department, Hampton Fire Department, Hampton University Army ROTC, Hampton University Men’s Basketball Team, Hampton University Nursing Department, Hampton University Terpsichorean Dance Company, and Hampton University Starbucks Manager Lance Sharpe. The event also featured Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck who read to students. “It is an impressive event, and it just goes to show what kind of students Hampton University is producing,” said Tuck.
“Careers for Kids” is the brainchild of Mya Marks, a sophomore Elementary Education major, who started working at the development center last semester and wanted to do something special for the kids. “I hope that they take away different opportunities in life like seeing the leaders of their community and seeing that they can go down different paths,” said Marks.
The Center uses a theme-based, child-centered curriculum that meets the individual needs of children, is process-oriented and focuses on children learning skills and behaviors that help them to be successful, life-long learners.
Hampton students are encouraged to develop leadership skills in line with our strategic vision for preparing them for future workplace opportunities. “We want to give these students the number one experience,” said Hernandez. “Mya took the command, leadership and put it together… the children are excited.”
Michelle Covington, mother of student Langston Covington, age 3, said the program is outstanding. “Langston is learning a lot and he is growing socially which I think is important in addition to the academics.”
Aisha Houston the mother of four-year-old daughter, Jada Houston said, “I felt like this gives students a little bit more exposure to what they see on a normal basis. This can definitely trigger some career choices in the future. This is a good event.”
Pictured Left to Right: Derek Lewis, ’88, Thea Mitchem, ’95, Willie Williams, NHAA President, Reanee’ Ivey Ellis, ’79, Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams, ’83, Melonie Parker, ’88 and Leonard Allen-Smith, ’16
Hampton, Va. (May 1, 2023) – The New York Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc., sponsored the 2nd Annual NHAA, Inc. Legacy Blue Gala and Awards Dinner held in New York, NY. The event was held as fund-raising support for the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc., Student Emergency Fund to provide gap-funding for students at Hampton. The program also included special alumni recognitions highlighting continued leadership and success at the University, in the NHAA, Inc. and in their local communities.
Alumni from the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, and North Carolina Regions travelled to New York to support the President’s strategic initiatives to “Elevate Hampton’s Excellence”. “The National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc. has established a goal to raise $1 million for their student emergency fund. In this one event, alumni and friends of Hampton has pledged over $86,000 and are continuing to count in-coming donations,” said Brint M. Martin, assistant vice president for alumni affairs.
There were a number of notable alumni in attendance, and President Darrell K. and First Lady Myra Williams attended on behalf of the University, thanking the participants and the donors.
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See photo gallery: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14fjpZSytudqn0jFtx0Ve4cDYwP8az0pt
Hampton, Va. (May 2, 2023) –Hampton University Professor Susanne L. Toney, Ph.D., teaches students about understanding the best use of credit cards and shares tips on decisions about money as they begin their careers and enter the real world. As an expert for business and finance, Dr. Toney expanded her classroom reach to include WalletHub online readers.
“I am glad to be featured on WalletHub and to have multiple opportunities to share tips for improving financial literacy,” said Dr. Toney who serves as Edwin G. Nourse Endowed Chair of Business and Economics, Center for Entrepreneurship, Economics, Finance and Accounting and Enactus Faculty Advisor at the James T. George School of Business. “It is my hope that sharing such knowledge will help to bridge the wealth gap.”
In the classroom, Dr. Toney says her goal is to educate students early on the importance of spending money wisely, investing and saving for the future, and maintaining good credit. “We often lag behind other communities in the area of financial literacy, especially building and securing wealth for future generations.” Instructing students on financial independence and sustainability fulfills the President’s vision to deliver the #1 student experience in America.”
When questioned if consumers place too much emphasis on a credit card’s annual fee, Dr. Toney advises consumers to focus on late fees, rather than annual fees. She adds, it is smart to have a no-annual fee card for emergencies.
In “Best Credit Cards with No Annual Fee WalletHub, Experts Track 1,500+ Offers to Help You Get the Best No Annual Fee Credit Card,” John Kiernan, Credit Card Editor, discusses the pros and cons of cards that do not charge membership fees for owning the card. WalletHub is an award-winning personal finance company that empowers consumers to lead financially healthy lives. WalletHub is available on the App Store and Google Play.
