Hampton, VA (Friday, September 8, 2023) – Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams is pleased to announce that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the HU campus on Thursday, September 14, as the first stop on the newly announced “Fight For Our Freedoms College Tour.”
“This generation is critical to the urgent issues that are at stake right now for our future,” Vice President Harris said in a statement. Vice President Harris is expected to visit a broad range of 11 campuses across the country to discuss such issues as gun violence, the cost of higher education, and the climate crisis with students.
“It is an honor to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris to our ‘Home By the Sea,’” said President Williams. “The excitement across our campus is palpable, and we are grateful for Vice President Harris’ focus on higher education and our students. The bright minds and student leaders of character at Hampton and other institutions are our future.”
Vice President Harris’ visit marks the first White House campus appearance during President Williams’ administration. Williams has entered his second year at the helm of HU with a tremendous surge in student enrollment and a focus on campus modernization as HU delivers the #1 student experience in America.
About Hampton University
Founded in 1868, Hampton University has been the Standard of Excellence in higher education for over 150 years. Rich in history and tradition, Hampton University is recognized as one of the top historically black colleges and universities in the world, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts and graduate degree programs. HU is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators representing 49 states and 35 territories nations.
For more information, contact the HU University Relations Office, Richelle Payne at 484.908.9987 or Sarita Scott, at 757.927.7232.
Roberts’ Leadership Will Heighten University Event Production and Maximize Hampton’s Competitive Edge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hampton, VA (August 11, 2023) – Underpinning the pursuit to enhance stakeholder engagement, Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams has appointed Apryl D. Roberts to the Office of the President as Director of Protocol and Special Events. She will oversee the planning, management, and delivery of a portfolio of events and drive counsel on procedural and diplomatic protocol for high-profile visitors to the University. Ms. Roberts will be a conduit for executing successful university events – equipping faculty and staff with an event planning toolkit, a suite of web-based resources, and a series of workshops to build confidence and mastery of new media.
With over 20 years of experience, Roberts is an industry leader in live event production & design and experiential marketing, leading such projects as the Mid-Atlantic Film Festival, Taste of Hampton Roads, Hope Celebrity Weekend, Kam Cares (Bam Bam’s Spring Jam) Celebrity Weekend and served as a Senior Producer for Pharrell Williams’ Mighty Dream Festival. Her work has been featured in publications such as American Express Open Forum, YFS Magazine, The Knot, and Munaluchi Bride. She recently served as the President of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) where she advanced the local scene by creating an inclusive community dedicated to elevating professionals engaged in live events.
President Williams shared, “The timing of Ms. Roberts’ appointment could not be better. She has the expertise and footprint to elevate our processes and experiences that will open doors and fill rooms.”
Roberts has rendered dynamic results for corporations, non-profit organizations, celebrities, brands, and television production teams alongside partnerships with marketing agencies to procure pre-screenings of television shows and movies such as “A Birth of a Nation.”
She has received industry recognition from The International Live Events Association (ILEA), World Wide Women Group (WWWG), and Still Hope Foundation. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Old Dominion University.
Ms. Apryl Roberts said, “Great experiences are measured by execution and I am committed to delivering the best to the Hampton University community. I am honored to join the President’s Office and drive new strategies to elevate Hampton excellence!”
Dr. Oladipupo’s Expertise in Technology and Innovation Will Accelerate Hampton to the Frontlines of Cutting-Edge Research and Best-in-Class Social and Academic Experiences.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hampton, VA (August 17, 2023) – Hampton University is upholding its commitment to commissioning the brightest minds for its greatest works with the appointment of Dr. Adebisi Oladipupo as Vice President of Information Technology.
With a sterling track record of harnessing technology to drive societal impact, he is poised to reshape the technological landscape, equipping the university with the tools to pioneer breakthroughs that will resonate far beyond the confines of campus. Prior to joining the Hampton University family, he closed in on a decade of service at Morgan State University as the Vice President for Technology & CIO after a marveled 14 years of service at Norfolk State University as the inaugural Vice President for Research & Technology and Chief Information Officer. A returning influence on the Hampton U community, he made an early-career progression for 13 years through the ranks to become the Assistant Dean of the School of Engineering & Technology.
Oladipupo earned his Doctor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Materials Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics (Materials Science) from the University of Ife, Nigeria. He also holds a certificate in Higher Education Management from Harvard University and is a recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Technology and Communications Leadership award.
“As we discover the possibilities of technological evolution and higher education, Dr. Adebisi Oladipupo emerges as an inspirational force, propelling Hampton University into the vanguard of innovation. We are grateful to have him on board.” said President Williams.
An acclaimed technologist, Dr. Oladipupo brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. He is a certified mobile application developer and a certified IT service management professional (ITIL). He has designed, developed, and implemented computer applications for self-paced learning and distance learning as a faculty. He is a published co-author of three engineering textbooks in Computer-Aided Design and has served as a technical reviewer for the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Commerce. He has consulted for tech giants IBM, Lucent Technologies, and Motorola, Inc. in pervasive computing, wireless navigation systems, and mobile smart agent development. He was one of 26 scientists and engineers selected nationwide to serve as a member of an inaugural NSF Advisory Board on cyberinfrastructure.
“My mission as the VP for IT is to use technology to empower Hampton University to achieve its goals by providing innovative solutions that are secure, reliable, and efficient,” said Dr. Oladipupo. “Being back at Hampton gives me the feeling of a prodigal son who is warmly and lovingly welcomed back home. This is where I started my career and glad to be back at our Home by the Sea.”
Grant Targets First-Generation College Students to Progress through the Academic Pipeline to Postbaccalaureate Programs
Hampton, Va. (August 1, 2023) – The U.S. Department of Education announced that the Hampton University Upward Bound Program has been awarded $1,487,995 from 2022 to 2027 to plan, develop and carry out community-based services for students in overcoming economic obstacles.
The program has completed the first year of another five-year grant cycle and held a graduation ceremony to celebrate the academic achievements, college acceptances, and scholarship awards of 17 program participants of An Achievable Dream, Denbigh, Heritage, Warwick and Phoebus High Schools.
“The goal is to increase the number of students who enroll in and graduate from college,” said Dr. Barbara Inman, vice president for administrative services. “This program is in concert with the new strategic plan to increase community outreach and engagement.” It provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.
Since 2017 Hampton University Upward Bound has served over 200 Scholars with a 99% high school graduation rate where over 70% of graduates have enrolled in post-secondary educational institutions. “These results have implications for significant increases in lifetime earnings which affect community and economic development in the Hampton Roads area,” said Dean of Student Achievement, Mr. Mikael Davis.
Upward Bound participants excelled despite challenges presented because of the Covid crisis. “We have worked to draw out their unique talents as we share Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams’ belief that, ‘. . . people do best in organizations where they feel valued, where they feel empowered, and where they feel that what they do makes a difference,’”said Upward Bound Director, Dr. Gregg Suzanne Ferguson.
Hampton, VA (June 22, 2023) – In a remarkable display of leadership, Hampton University has experienced an unprecedented surge in enrollment, deepening its position as a premier destination for aspiring students. This Fall, the university will welcome a freshman class of 1,292* students – a 39% increase from the 2022-2023 academic year.
This achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of a revitalized commitment to student success and urgency in execution. President Williams has rewritten the narrative of transitions in leadership in higher education. Under his stewardship, Hampton has experienced an energizing hope and heightened performance. His strategic emphasis on academic excellence, innovation, and delivering the #1 student experience in America has been pivotal in attracting an influx of talented students seeking an exceptional collegiate experience.
May 1 marked National College Decision Day, commonly regarded as the deadline for prospective students to formally accept offers of admission and send in enrollment deposits.
Hampton saw students commit earlier and at a historic rate than ever before. University Dean of Admissions, Angela Nixon Boyd, said, “Our goal was 1,200 [incoming students]. We surpassed the goal and have now had to waitlist students.” Qualified applicants who would have otherwise received an acceptance letter are now being held on a waitlist. If an admitted student changes their mind, the admissions team will refer to the waitlist on a first come, first served basis to fill any openings for the upcoming school year. The waitlist currently sits at a hefty 1,152*.
Admitted students took to social media to announce their college decision, sharing unique videos and photos in a viral storm that lasted days and caused engagement to skyrocket a whopping 351%. The University continues to see an upward trend in engagement from committed students and the high schools and organizations to which they belong.
Incoming students aren’t the only ones impressed; current students have expressed their approval of the Williams administration. Retention rates from Fall to Spring semester held strong with freshmen at 96% and continuing students at 93%. – a promising indicator of a booming campus experience for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Hampton’s alumni base has been a conduit for the delivery of the President’s mission. The National Hampton Alumni Association worked closely with the Office of Admissions to deepen student recruitment efforts, representing the University at events across the country that resulted in an uptick of committed students in several states, namely, Florida, Texas, and California. President Williams and First Lady Myra Richardson Williams prioritized efforts to establish a genuine camaraderie with alumni chapters as they traveled to personally share the Hampton story. “The energy that he and his wife bring to the University has certainly permeated throughout the country,” Dean Boyd shared.
As news of this achievement travels in academia and military circles alike, it has proven President Williams’ strength, candor, and esteem – earning both admiration and accolades nationwide.
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.”
New Venture Capital Fund of Funds, The Historic Fund, to Support Historically Black Colleges and Universities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, NY – June 26, 2023 – Hampton University has been awarded $750,000 as one of the recipients of the inaugural $10M+ venture capital fund of funds, The Historic Fund, to support the endowments of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The fund is the brainchild of a group of prominent investors and operators in the venture capital ecosystem who recognize the importance of HBCUs and their role in promoting equity and inclusion in higher education.
“An endowed university is not only an institution of learning but a beacon of endurance and limitless possibilities. It grants us the flexibility to adapt to emerging challenges, seize new opportunities, and invest in the long-term sustainability of our institution,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “We are grateful to have the support of this special venture capital fund. To be in the inaugural cohort of The Historic Fund is an honor. It allows us to foster an environment of intellectual curiosity, empowering students to become globally astute leaders of influence. The significance of a robust endowment cannot be overstated.”
The Historic Fund is a unique philanthropic initiative that invites selected HBCUs to be limited partners without investing their own assets. Instead, the fund raised capital from partners of the participating funds: Acrew Capital, B Capital, Cowboy Ventures, First Round Capital, FirstMark Capital, Foundry, General Catalyst, Spark Capital, and Union Square Ventures. The fund will also support a variety of under-represented fund managers via its stake in First Close Partners, a venture fund with the mission of making venture capital more inclusive that invests in funds led by underrepresented managers. The schools will function as traditional limited partners in a venture capital fund, and will be free to use the returns as they wish.
The goal of the fund of funds is not only to bolster the endowments of HBCUs, but also to foster connectivity between these institutions and the broader venture capital community. Historically, opportunities in venture capital, both for funding and for employment, have been concentrated among graduates of a small number of universities. The Historic Fund hopes to leverage its position at the intersection of the HBCU community and the venture capital community to develop programming that will expand opportunities for students curious about entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as support administrations exploring alternative asset class strategies with their endowments.
“As we continue to combat the racial inequities that Black students face, The Historic Fund aims to relieve the disproportionate financial pressure on Black families, while also providing essential funding for research and innovation at each of these institutions,” said Ken Chenault, chairman and a managing director of the venture capital firm General Catalyst, and the former chairman and CEO of American Express.
The inaugural cohort of HBCU partners will be Benedict College, Bennett College, Fisk University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
“This partnership is a tremendous asset to helping secure the bright future of Virginia State University. It will bolster our endowments without a tremendous risk to our limited resources,” said Robert L. Turner, Jr. Esq, Executive Director of Virginia State University’s Foundation Board. “Acquiring and distributing these financial resources places VSU in a financial arena that has not traditionally been a part of our financial repertoire.”
At the helm of this effort is a group of esteemed professionals in the innovation ecosystem who are passionate about improving access and equity in the world of venture capital. The initiative has benefited from the guidance and support of Dr. Regina Benjamin, a founding partner of First Close Partners and former Surgeon General of the United States; Ken Chenault, Chairman and Managing Director at General Catalyst; Josh Kopelman, Managing Partner at First Round Capital and founding partner of First Close Partners; Megan Maloney, Managing Partner at Dria Ventures; Samson Mesele, Partner and General Counsel at Union Square Ventures; Ekwutozia Nwabuzor, Counsel at Lowenstein Sandler; Adanma Raymond, the fund’s Executive Director; and Ed Zimmerman, Tech Group Chair at Lowenstein Sandler and founding partner of First Close Partners.
Notable partners and supporters of The Historic Fund include Lowenstein Sandler, The Philadelphia Foundation, Aduro Advisors, Passthrough, and the Student Freedom Initiative.
For more information on The Historic Fund, please visit www.historicfund.org, or contact Executive Director Adanma Raymond at adanma@historicfund.org
(Richmond, Virginia – June 28, 2023) – Hampton University, an HBCU located in Hampton, Virginia, officially became the seventeenth member of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) on June 3, 2023. Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. In addition to being one of the top historically Black universities in the world, Hampton University is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators, representing 49 states and 35 territories and nations. This new affiliation is the result of a discussion between Matthew Shank, Ph.D., president of the VFIC, and LTG (ret) Darrell K. Williams, president of Hampton University. The VFIC extended an invitation to Hampton University to join the consortium, and the Foundation’s leadership unanimously approved the measure at its annual meeting in early June. VFIC board members recognize the aligned missions of Hampton University and the other sixteen schools in the consortium: to teach a broadly pragmatic liberal arts and sciences education in environments that value and encourage ethical leadership and responsible citizenship. “Our priorities align closely with the VFIC’s mission, which is to provide a top-quality and affordable education as we prepare tomorrow’s global leaders,” says LTG (ret) Darrell K. Williams, the thirteenth president of Hampton University. “Virginia’s private colleges and universities offer a unique academic experience and are critical to the creation of a diverse and inclusive workforce.” Hampton University was founded on April 1, 1868, as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute by Brigadier General Samuel Armstrong, Superintendent of the Freedmen’s Bureau of the Ninth District of Virginia. Symbolized by the historical Emancipation Oak, the school’s mission emphasized the lasting promise of education for all, even in the face of adversity. Today, Hampton University is engaged in “Elevating Hampton Excellence,” a 2023-2033 strategic plan that aims to elevate academic excellence, increase research and innovation, improve operations and infrastructure, and increase financial sustainability. 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. Faculty, staff, and students provide leadership and service to the University, as well as the global community. In achieving The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges 901 East Byrd Street, Suite 1625 804.288.6609 Richmond, VA 23219 www.vfic.org its mission, Hampton University offers exemplary programs and opportunities that enable students, faculty, and staff to grow, develop, and contribute to our society in a productive and useful manner. “The entire VFIC family is honored to welcome President Darrell Williams and Hampton University into our excellent consortium,” says Nancy Agee, CEO of Carilion Clinic and chair of the VFIC. “The VFIC will certainly benefit from adding such an outstanding university to our ranks and Hampton will also gain from collaborating with our other sixteen leading independent colleges and universities in Virginia. We look forward to establishing a strong and longstanding partnership with Hampton University.” For more information, please contact Matt Shank, Ph.D., president of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. You can reach him at shank@vfic.org. About the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Established in 1952, the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) aims to advance the distinctive values and strengths of the seventeen colleges across Virginia that make up our consortium. We accomplish this goal by generating financial support for our schools – more than $170 million since our inception. Leveraging those resources, we establish and administer a range of programs that help our schools attract the best and brightest, create a vibrant and rigorous educational experience, prepare students for a fulfilling career, and cultivate responsible leaders for the communities they call home. The following seventeen schools make up our consortium: Bridgewater College, Emory & Henry College, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampton University, Hollins University, Mary Baldwin University, Marymount University, Randolph College, Randolph-Macon College, Roanoke College, Shenandoah University, Sweet Briar College, University of Lynchburg, University of Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Washington and Lee University. These schools educate nearly 30,000 students, 24,000 of whom are undergraduates. Of the fifteen chapters of Phi Beta Kappa in Virginia, nine reside on VFIC campuses. Thirty percent of undergraduates from VFIC schools graduate with a STEM-H degree. VFIC schools are racially, culturally, and economically diverse. According to current research from the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia, 42 percent of VFIC undergraduates come from minority backgrounds. Thirty percent of undergraduates receive a PELL Grant. The mean income for these students, depending on the school, ranges from $29,000 to $38,000/annually. With enrollments between 350 and 3,500 students, our schools teach a broadly pragmatic liberal arts and sciences education in environments that value and encourage ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.
Hampton, VA (June 14, 2023) – Hampton University announced that it has been chosen to receive $65,000 in funding from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
This funding will support More Than Manicured Lawns: Hampton University’s Historically-Themed Landscape Plan.
“We are grateful to the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund for their support of our project, ‘More Than Manicured Lawns’ and our dedication to telling stories of African American achievement and resilience,” said President Darrell K. Williams. “This funding will allow us to further enhance and preserve the historical significance of our university’s landscape, ensuring that future generations can experience and appreciate the rich heritage it represents.”
“The Action Fund’s investment in and celebration of 40 historic African American places illustrates our belief that historic preservation plays an important role in American society,” said Brent Leggs, executive director, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and senior vice president, National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The history embodied in these places is emblematic of generational aspirations for freedom, the pursuit of education, a need for beauty and architecture, and joys of social life and community bonds. That’s why the Action Fund believes all Americans must see themselves and our shared history in this year’s grantee list if we are to create a culturally conscious nation.”
Hampton University is one of 40 sites to receive a total of $3.8 million in grant funding to advance ongoing preservation activities for historic places such as sites, museums, and landscapes that represent African American cultural heritage. With more than $91 million in funding, the Action Fund is the largest U.S. resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic places.
Since 2017, the Action Fund has received an unprecedented total of 5,638 funding proposals requesting $655 million, and since 2018, the Action Fund has supported 242 grantee projects through its investment of $20M.
To learn more about this program and this year’s grant recipients, visit savingplaces.org/actionfund.
HAMPTON, Va. — The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI) hosted a grand opening to reveal its new patient garden, Emma’s Sensory Garden that was named for a former patient, Emma Lednick. The event was attended by about 100 people, including HUPTI staff, patients, former patients and other members of the community.
“This has been in the works for a few months now and it’s been something I have thought about over the last three years,” said Tiffany Rodgers, Director of Marketing at HUPTI. “I really believe and know the importance of mindfulness, stillness and nature, and how they can be used to fuel your mind, body and soul. So, I wanted patients and staff to have an area they can go to fill their own cups.”
Lednick is a patient of Dr. Tyvin Rich, one of the radiation oncologists at HUPTI. Her son, Shawn Lednick, is the president of Proton Systems, one of the institute’s primary vendors since its inception. He also constructed the raised plant beds featured in Emma’s Sensory Garden.
“I began to think about a patient named Emma that has been treated here since 2012 and just got emotionally driven to turn the garden space into something, as Emma happens to be my mother,” Shawn Lednick said. “She is a part of this center and she is living today because of the hope and the care that Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute has given her.”
Wendy Iles, a Master Gardener in Hampton Roads, also contributed her time and expertise to the garden for several weeks. “We came together over email, initially, and then started to develop the plan,” said Iles. “It has been a joyful experience to be able to work with them, see this plan come to fruition and meet all of their goals.”
Emma’s Sensory Garden is open to HUPTI patients and staff during business hours.
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About Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI)
The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI), established in 2010, has successfully helped fight the cancers of more than 4,000 patients from across the globe. Located in Hampton, Virginia, HUPTI is the largest standalone proton treatment center in the country, and at its inception, was the eighth such center in the United States.
Proton therapy is universally accepted as a viable and effective method to treat many forms of cancer—one of the top killers in Virginia. It is a noninvasive option that precisely targets the tumor, sparing healthy tissue. At HUPTI, patients receive outpatient treatment in about 30 minutes, which means no hospital stays, allowing them to maintain their current lifestyle. The center treats several types of cancer, including breast, lung, prostate, head & neck, ocular, brain & spine, gastrointestinal and pediatric tumors.
The Concert Will be a Celebration of Community, Culture, and Black Music Month Hosted by the President and First Lady of the United States
Hampton, VA., (June 13, 2023) – The Hampton University Concert Choir, under the dynamic leadership of Director Omar Dickenson, has been invited to perform at the White House for a special Juneteenth Concert on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. This commemorative event will take place during Black Music Month where the Biden-Harris Administration will uplift American art forms that sing to the soul of the American experience.
University President Darrell K. Williams shared his excitement for the invitation, “We are absolutely thrilled and proud to have the Hampton University Concert Choir represent our institution at the White House for this remarkable Juneteenth Concert. This invitation speaks volumes about the immense talent and unwavering dedication of our choir members, as well as the incredible leadership of Director Omar Dickenson. I extend my appreciation to the President and First Lady for hosting this extraordinary event. The Hampton University Concert Choir’s performance will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on this momentous occasion, showcasing the talent, passion, and artistry that epitomize our university’s commitment to excellence.”
Renowned for their powerful voices and stage presence, the Hampton University Concert Choir has maintained a repertoire of choral masterworks from some of the most prolific American composers. The Choir has become distinguished for performing the innovative compositions of R. Nathaniel Dett, Noah F. Ryder, Roland M. Carter, and Nathan Carter. The Choir also performs the outstanding work of contemporary composers and arrangers such as Marques L.A. Garrett, Stacey V. Gibbs, and B. E. Boykin.
“I am immensely honored and filled with gratitude for the incredible opportunity for the Hampton University Concert Choir to perform at the White House for this special Juneteenth Concert. It is a profound privilege to showcase the talent, passion, and artistry of our exceptional choir members on such a historic stage. University Choir Director Omar Dickenson shared his sentiment regarding the opportunity: ‘This performance not only represents a significant milestone in our journey but also symbolizes the power of music to bring people together, celebrate our shared culture, and honor the rich contributions of the Black community. We are deeply thankful to the President and First Lady for their recognition of the importance of Juneteenth and Black Music Month. We eagerly anticipate delivering a soul-stirring and unforgettable performance that will resonate with audiences, inspire unity, and leave a lasting impact on this momentous occasion.’
They will take to the historic White House stage tonight at 7 p.m., captivating audiences nationwide. This significant invitation shines light on their well-established reputation as ambassadors of excellence in choral music.
This event is supported by (in alphabetical order): National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Pernod Ricard USA, STARZ #TaketheLead Initiative and The Recording Academy will feature:
Audra McDonald
Broadway Inspirational Voices
Cliff “Method Man” Smith
Colman Domingo
Fisk Jubilee Singers
Hampton University Concert Choir
Jennifer Hudson
Ledisi
Maverick City Music
Morgan State University Marching Band – The Magnificent Marching Machine
Nicco Annan
Patina Miller
Step Afrika!
Tennessee State University Marching Band – Aristocrat of Bands
New Program Will Prepare Scholars and Faith Leaders to Shepherd Diverse Communities in an Interconnected World
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hampton, Va., (June 12, 2023) – Honoring the rich tapestry of faith, family, and excellence, Hampton University announced the establishment of the School of Religion on President’s Night at the time-honored Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, signifying a groundbreaking epoch in the history of the institution and the conference. University Chaplain and HUMC Executive Director Rev. Dr. Debra L. Haggins shared the news in a moving video with remarks from Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams.
As the School of Religion takes its first steps, the University lays the foundation with over 100 years of wisdom from its relationship with the Ministers’ Conference. “Given that we’ve hosted the minister’s conference for over a century – in terms of timing, I think this is long overdue,” said President Williams. “Although we are not a religious institution, it is certainly a part of our fabric and our foundation. We see the development of the School of Religion as a natural progression. It’s not revolutionary. It is, in fact, evolutionary.”
The School of Religion’s inception will not just transform the academic landscape, but also broaden the University’s wingspan to reach a global community of leaders compelled to dive deep on issues of race, class, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, religious tradition, and ideology. Special topics including the role of faith and activism, preaching to a community of first-generation Christians, and addressing the unique needs of the Black community will be the locomotives that drive the discussion forward, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the contemporary Christian experience.
“At this very challenging time in our nation’s history, especially with some of the divisiveness that we can see at both the societal and the political level, we think that broader thinking about these areas of religion is extraordinarily important,” said President Williams.
Designed to equip and refine world-class leaders, the School of Religion will offer degrees at the Associate, Bachelor, and Master levels as well as the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Theology and Community Engagement and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Pastoral Leadership and Congregational Development with a rigorous curriculum centered on Christian approaches that compel leaders to modernize the interpretation of scripture, all while embracing longstanding hermeneutical principles.
The School of Religion at Hampton University will serve as a beacon of inspiration for students, faculty, and communities alike. By fostering an environment where individuals can critically examine and celebrate their faith, Hampton University emboldens scholars to be compassionate leaders who are equipped to address the spiritual needs of diverse communities in an interconnected world.
Hampton University welcomes partners, scholars, and students from all backgrounds to join them on this transformative journey of knowledge, understanding, and spiritual growth.
For more information on Hampton University School of Religion, visit here.
