General

Hampton, Va. (October 28, 2022) — Six Hampton University students have recently earned official university endorsements for the prestigious U.S. Rhodes Scholarship.  Under the direction of Hampton University’s new President Darrell K. Williams, Hampton University deans were encouraged to nominate their strongest possible undergraduate contenders for the extraordinary post-graduate scholarship to Oxford University.  The result was that the following six Hampton University graduating seniors, all with “A” academic averages, were encouraged to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship: 

– Ms. Niara Chaney, an electrical engineering major, mentor to TRIO Program students, and member of the Society of Women in Engineering

– Ms. Kamaria Horton, a computer science major and a track-and-field scholar-athlete

– Mr. Myles Ragins, an electrical engineering major and mathematics minor, who is also a percussionist in the Hampton University band

– Ms.  Imani Porter, a biochemistry major, member of the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute, and the lead author of a recently published manuscript based on experiments conducted by HU undergraduates in a Hampton University laboratory

– Mariah Smith, a pre-law member of the Freddye T. Davy Honors College, Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Program, and the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute. Ms. Smith is an economics major with a minor in leadership studies

– Ms. Zyen Smoot, an English (Creative Writing) major at Hampton University, poet, literary magazine editor, and aspiring publisher/professor with a perfect 4.0 GPA

“These fine Hampton University candidates – one young man and five young women — are absolutely exceptional,” said  Dr. Carlton Long, the Director of the Freddye T. Davy Honors College at Hampton University, and a former U.S. Rhodes Scholar himself.  “They are certainly destined to achieve great things, to solve big problems and forge important pathways forward for their generation, our society, and indeed the world.  Hampton University is extremely proud to endorse these humble and brilliant people for Rhodes Scholarships.  They stand on the shoulders of persons who make up the proud legacy of Hampton University and they also represent, simply put, the ‘best and brightest’ of their generation.”

“Hampton University takes great pride in nurturing and developing leaders who excel and achieve above and beyond our expectations,” said Dr. JoAnn Haysbert, Hampton University’s Chancellor and Provost. “These young scholars are perfect examples of the ‘best and the brightest’ students here at Hampton University. We are confident that they will continue to demonstrate character and excellence in all that they do.”

Whoosah 
slang expression variously used to indicate or achieve a state of calm and relaxation.
Exhibition Dates:
October 21, 2022 – Ongoing
Artists Featured:
Lillian T. Burwell      Junius Redwood  
Sam Gilliam        Frank Smith
Howardena Pindell   Hubert C. Taylor

Art can be the most effective tool to use in order to relax and meditate. Considering how fast the world moves around us, it is often a luxury to be able to take the time to reflect. 

Whoosah is an exhibition that seeks to provide a space where the viewer can become engrossed in artwork that embody different rhythms. The exhibition highlights six contemporary artists working in their own styles of abstraction. The works, all from Hampton University Museum’s permanent collection, present an opportunity to actively engage and connect with the viewer. The audience is invited to envision what they feel, see, or hear through these unique compositions. From vivid geometric lines to smooth brush strokes, each work presented offers a different avenue of expression and reflection.

Sam Gilliam (1933 – 2022) was a painter who advocated to create space for Black artists in the Modern art movement of the 1960s-70s. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Gilliam also went on to become one of the more prominent figures from the Washington Color School, a visual art movement composed of artists who worked primarily in abstract expressionism. In the 1960s, Gilliam was regarded as the first artist to create his work using unsupported canvas, creating more organic forms.

Howardena Pindell (1943 – ) is a Philadelphia mixed media artist and art educator. Pindell’s work has been featured in exhibitions at Spelman College, Studio Museum in Harlem, Whitney Museum of American Art, and many more. From mixed media collages, drawings, and paintings, Pindell pushes the boundaries of the materials she uses, creating unique compositions that have a dynamic and almost tactile energy. 

Lillian T. Burwell (1927 – ) is a sculptor and painter from Washington, DC, whose work often combines the two mediums into dream-like and eclectic forms. Burwell has remained an active supporter of the arts community, having befriended and worked alongside figures such as Alma Thomas, Felrath Hines, and Benjamin Abramowitz. In addition to her work as an experienced artist, Burwell has worked as a prominent curator, art educator, activist, and graphic designer for decades. 

Junius Redwood (1917 – 1991) was an artist and art educator from Columbus, Ohio, whose career spanned various decades. In the 1940s, Redwood attended Hampton University (then called Hampton Institute) and studied under the direction of the chair of the art department, Dr. Viktor Lowenfeld. While his work is in various permanent collections and has traveled to places like the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Redwood remained an active community member of the Hampton Roads area.

Frank Smith (1939 – ) is an artist, art professor, and one of the original members of AfriCOBRA (African Coalition of Black Revolutionary Artists), a coalition of artists who have worked to explore and define the visual culture of the Black diaspora. Like other AfriCOBRA artists, Smith uses bold and vibrant forms and colors in order to present a sense of energy, rhythm, and spirit. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Smith’s work can be found in various collections, galleries, and museums around the nation.  

Hubert C. Taylor (1937 – 1991) was an accomplished artist and architect from Kilmarnock, Virginia whose work overtly combined his interests for both fields. In 1983, Taylor became a founding member of Recherche, a Philadelphia-based coalition of artists who sought to foster creative freedom for Black artists who often faced exclusion. Taylor was also a 1959 graduate of the Architecture program at Hampton University and would later go on to be the head architect for three of the buildings on the campus, such as the William R. and Norma B. Harvey Library.

Founded in 1868, the Hampton University Museum is the nation’s oldest African American museum.

With galleries dedicated to African American, African, American Indian and Asian and Pacific art and artifacts, the museum contains more than 9,000 objects representing cultures and people from around the world. Within its fine arts collection is the largest existing museum collection of works by artists John Biggers, Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence, and Samella Lewis.

The Hampton University Museum is located in the Huntington Building on the Hampton University campus. From Interstate 64, take exit 267/Hampton University and follow the signs to the museum. Admission is free. 

Exhibit Location: Blue Gallery, 

1st Floor of Hampton University Museum

757-727-5308

museum.hamptonu.edu

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm

Closed on all major holidays

HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 14, 2022) – Sentara has provided funding to Hampton University for a program entitled: Diversifying the Healthcare Workforce to Create Healthier Communities. The gift is $850,000 and is designed to increase and grow the number of diverse healthcare professionals in Hampton Roads and to combat challenges in the delivery of healthcare to underserved populations.  

The funded program elements include:

• Sentara Healthcare – Current Use Scholarship for Nursing Students
  • Provides academic support to students in four-year Nursing degree programs in Health Sciences and Community Health Promotion, as well as the RN to BSN degree programs, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Information Management, Physical Therapy, Pre-Medical, Occupational Therapy and other similar health professions.
• Sentara Healthcare – Endowed Scholarship for Nursing Students
  • Provides academic support to students in four-year Nursing degree programs in Health Sciences and Community Health Promotion, as well as the RN to BSN degree programs. Recipients may be of sophomore, junior, or senior classification, hold a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average, and demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
• Sentara Healthcare – Community Engagement Program
  • The Community Health & Wellness Mobile Clinic will serve targeted areas of healthcare education needs in Hampton Roads. It is an outreach and health initiative to build stronger and healthier communities in the region. The focus is to provide healthcare education services for those in underserved urban communities as well as those in rural areas. The activities to be managed by HU faculty and students will include screenings to help in the identification of chronic diseases. Screenings will include those for vision, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar/capillary tests, risk-for-fall screenings, body mass indices, and COVID-19. 
  • Following are among the organizations that are invited to be part of the outreach program.

• Newport News Public City Schools
• Hampton Public City Schools
• Somerset at Town Center
• Sinclair Commons
• Olde Towne Medical & Dental Clinic
• The Woodlands
• Western Tidewater Free Clinic (Suffolk)
• Surry High School
• Newport News Department of Social Services & Department of Health 

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. Research and public service are integral parts of Hampton’s mission. In achieving 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.

About Sentara Healthcare

Sentara Healthcare has a long history of innovation, compassion and community benefit. Sentara Healthcare is a not-for-profit healthcare organization serving Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Sentara Healthcare is comprised of 12 acute care hospitals with more than 300 sites of care all throughout Virginia and northeastern North Carolina and beyond. Sentara Healthcare celebrates more than 130 years in pursuit of its mission – “we improve health every day.” Sentara is an integrated, not-for-profit health care delivery system with more than 29,000 employees, including 1,375 physicians and advanced practice providers. 

#HU#

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/) 

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/) 

~ Hampton Alum Wanda Sykes Makes Major Contribution~

HAMPTON, VA (Nov. 1, 2022) — More than 400 donors have contributed more than $160,000 in just two months – to raise funds for the scholarship campaign initiated by alumni members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Gamma Theta Chapter of Hampton University. This campaign was initiated in honor of this chapter’s 75^th anniversary. The campaign began in April 2022 and will continue through June 30, 2023, where total contributes are expected to top the goal of $175,000 in donations. A check presentation of current totals was made to Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams at the university’s annual homecoming game held Sat., Oct. 22, 2022.

Campaign Co-Chair Sydni Craig, said, “For our national AKA organization, one of our most important priorities is to support scholarships for deserving, underrepresented students. Scholarships provide an opportunity for people to earn an education. Without assistance from outside sources, students may have trouble paying for their degrees.” 

Tonya Hamilton Cody, another Campaign Co-Chair, led efforts to meet with sorority members from across the world to share why they should contribute. She said, “We knew we could raise the funds for this important initiative. We already have established an endowed scholarship and we knew it was vitally important to expand our college scholarship support. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our Hamptonians so extensively, we knew that our anniversary would serve as a galvanizing moment for alumni of the Gamma Theta Chapter of AKA.”

The third Campaign Co-Chair, Kirsten Roach, added, “We are AKA’s and Hamptonians. Although contributions will continue to be accepted for this special campaign, we felt that the 2022 Homecoming was the perfect venue to focus our efforts and raise the visibility of the need for scholarship support by all alumni.”

The final and fourth Campaign Co-Chair was Tisa Rabun-Marshall who managed marketing and public relations for the campaign. She noted, “It truly was inspiring to work with the sorors from all across the globe and to meet with them in our Zoom calls. This was fun plus it reminded us of the importance of giving to our alma mater.”

To raise the visibility of the campaign, the co-chairs sought the support of all AKA Gamma Theta alumni. To that end, support from Emmy Award winning actor, comedian, and writer, Wanda Sykes was sought. She said, “I love my ‘Home by the Sea.’ I love its place in history as a major producer of top diverse talent. Hampton is and was such an important part of my success, and I’m so very pleased to give back through my sorority’s scholarship campaign.”

The funds raised will be equally split between the Gamma Theta Chapter’s Endowed Scholarship Fund and a new Current Use Scholarship Fund. 

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 to our society in a productive and useful manner. Visit www.hamptonu.edu for more information.

HAMPTON, VA (Nov. 1, 2022) — Hampton has announced receipt of a $100,000 donation on an unrestricted basis from Golden Nugget Online Gaming VA, LLC (“GNOG VA”), a subsidiary of DraftKings Inc., a digital sports entertainment and gaming company created to fuel the competitive spirit of sports fans with products that range across daily fantasy, regulated gaming and digital media. Hampton intends to dedicate the funds to scholarships for students with the greatest academic need. 

“Golden Nugget Online Gaming and DraftKings are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate,” said Paul Liberman, DraftKings’ President, Global Technology and Product. “Hampton, and Virginia’s other HBCU’s, play a vital role in educating and preparing future innovators, inventors and disruptors. We’re proud to invest in such a worthy mission.”

“We’re pleased to continue our financial commitment in support of the 5 historically Black colleges and universities of Virginia,” said Dennis Cotto, Principal, Virginia Sports Technology Group. “To date, Golden Nugget Online Gaming VA has contributed $1.5 million to the 5 HBCUs and, as a Principal in Virginia Sports Technology Group, which is a member of Golden Nugget Online Gaming VA, an important part of our business ethos is to be an impactful community partner and reinvest in our own communities.” 

In addition to Hampton, GNOG VA donated $100,000 for unrestricted use to each of Norfolk State University, Virginia Union University, Virginia State University and Virginia University of Lynchburg. 

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 to our society in a productive and useful manner. Visit www.hamptonu.edu for more information.

HAMPTON, VA (NOV 1, 2022) — The Deloitte Foundation has made a grant of $200,000 to provide scholarships for 20 Hampton University freshman students majoring in business, accounting, and STEM who are enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year. Each scholarship recipient has received $10,000 in funding.

Students eligible for the scholarship were required to be full-time students, accepted and enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s degree program at Hampton in one of the following areas: Accounting, Business, Finance, Engineering, Computer science, Information systems, or Mathematics. Scholarship recipients had to have minimum cumulative GPAs of 3.0 and demonstrated leadership impact and/or community service engagement. 

The selections were made through Hampton University’s Office of Financial and Scholarships as each student evaluation included a review of the need for the students. Below are the students who have been awarded scholarships.

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

Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission, Angela Boyd, said “Many know of the critical importance of academic scholarships for students who may not otherwise have access to support. But for HBCU students, the need is even more profound. We commend the Deloitte Foundation for such a large gift that will help so many young people and assist Hampton in its goal of delivering the #1 student experience in America!” 

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 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. Oct. 20, 2022 -Today, Hampton University and Starbucks Coffee Company celebrate the official grand opening of a new location on campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The store is located in The Shops at Hampton Harbor at 1000 Settlers Landing Rd.

“Hampton University proudly welcomes Starbucks to ‘Our Home by the Sea,’” said Hampton University President, Darrell K. Williams. “Starbucks presence in The Shops at Hampton Harbor not only provides another dining option for our campus community, but it also creates new job opportunities for our students, the local community and it enhances our ability to deliver the #1 student experience in America.”

The opening of this Starbucks location has created 40 local jobs, from barista positions to local management. The store features a drive-thru with pickup window, large community tables with power, an outdoor covered patio and custom artwork that highlights the history of Hampton University.

We’re excited to be serving the students, faculty and staff at Hampton University, along with the surrounding businesses and neighborhoods,” said Lance Sharpe, Store Manager and Hampton University Graduate. “In opening this store, we are working closely with Hampton’s leadership team to engage students and the community in ways that will make an impact locally.”

The store will be open from 5:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 5:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, please contact the University Relations office at 757-727-5253 or the Starbucks team at press@starbucks.com.

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 Starbucks:
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 34,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at stories.starbucks.com or  www.starbucks.com

HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 3, 2022) — Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams today announced the appointment of Walter T. Tillman, Jr., Ph.D. as vice president and chief of staff. In this position, Dr. Tillman, Jr. will bring administrative leadership, direction, evaluation, and synchronization of university-wide priorities and operations to the University. He has also been appointed associate professor of education in the School of Liberal Arts and Education.

“Dr. Walter T. Tillman, Jr. is a seasoned university professional and committed HBCU advocate who will also provide strategic resources and support for elevated excellence to all student populations, including international students, adult learners, and military veterans,” said President Williams. “Additionally, Dr. Tillman, Jr. will assist in addressing priorities related to advancing Hampton University as a world-class university that delivers the #1 student experience in America.”

Dr. Tillman, Jr. is an accomplished scholar, administrator, orator, and public servant who has cultivated a successful 20-plus year career in higher education and government. Most recently, he was the inaugural dean of graduate studies at Edward Waters University where he developed the first strategic plan for graduate studies, which included several new credentials and the University’s newly approved Master of Arts in Education Policy and Advocacy.

Prior to his time at Edward Waters, Tillman, Jr. was special assistant to the chancellor of the Southern University Law Center and former system officer for academic initiatives at the Southern University System. Previously, he has served in the positions interim dean of student affairs and enrollment management, interim vice president for academic and student affairs, and senior development officer for corporate and foundation relations.

Dr. Tillman, Jr. earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education Leadership, Research and Counseling from LSU, studying under the scholar Roland W. Mitchell, Ph.D. At LSU, Tillman, Jr. developed the seminal work “The Ebony Seven – private HBCUs best positioned to achieve global competitiveness.” He also holds the Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Dillard University and the Master of Education degree in Education Administration from the University of New Orleans. 

Acknowledged by national organizations for his leadership and academic accomplishments, Dr. Tillman, Jr. was elected to three national honor societies and has been appointed to seven Boards of Directors. He is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and is a licensed Baptist minister.

Since December 2021, Dr. Tillman, Jr. has been married to Mrs. Chrisjanea Tillman – a third generation HBCU alumna.

#HU#

HAMPTON, Va. (Sept. 30, 2022) — On June 30th, Hampton University’s very own Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, graduating class of 1970 and the legendary president of the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), retired after 30 years of historic service to the institution he transformed into a leader in STEM education. 

During Dr. Hrabowski’s three-decade tenure at UMBC, he utilized a data-driven plan to assist at-risk students by establishing a support system for them, and he transformed entry level courses with the goal of increasing retention numbers for freshmen, to one of his many accomplishments. 

“Dr. Freeman Hrabowski has been a truly transformative leader at the University of Maryland Baltimore County for the last 30 years,” said Darrell K. Williams. “His intellect, experience, visionary leadership and overall presence will be sorely missed in higher education. Dr. Hrabowski has more than lived up to THE Standard of Excellence, that all Hamptonians aspire too, as he has unequivocally let his life do the singing.”

Under Hrawbowski’s leadership, UMBC transformed into an institution noted for research and innovation. From 2009 – 2014 UMBC was ranked by U.S. News & World Report magazine as the #1 Up and Coming University in the country. When that designation was eliminated UMBC was regularly listed among the Most Innovative National Universities.

Hrabowski’s published book and articles focused on minorities entering in the STEM fields. He is the co-author of the books Beating the Odds: Raising Academically Successful African American Males (1998); Overcoming the Odds: Raising Academically Successful African American Young Women (2001); Holding Fast to Dreams: Empowering Youth from the Civil Rights Crusade to STEM (2015); and The Empowered University: Shared Leadership, Culture Change, and Academic Success (2019).

Dr. Hrabowski is a consultant on science and math education to national agencies, universities, and school systems. He was named by President Obama to chair the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. He also chaired the National Academies’ committee that produced the report, Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation: America’s Science and Technology Talent at the Crossroads (2011). In 2011, Hrabowski received the Carnegie Corporation of New York’s Academic Leadership Award, one of the highest honors given to an educator. Several publications have named him one of America’s best leaders, one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and one of America’s 10 best college presidents.

HAMPTON, Va.(Oct. 12, 2022) — The Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications welcomes Kimberly Wimbish, an accomplished public relations professional known locally as a PR “star,” to its teaching staff.

Kimberly Wimbish will serve as an adjunct professor and teach “Principles of Public Relations” and “PR, Campaigns, & Media Brand Marketing.” She also will serve as the faculty advisor for the Hampton University public relations student society of America and Brand 757, the journalism and communications school’s student-run PR agency.

“We are thrilled to have Ms. Wimbish join our teaching team,” said Julia A. Wilson, dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. “Her stellar reputation, hands-on approach to teaching and robust network of contacts are invaluable for our students.” 

Wimbish is known as the “People Connector” and the marketing & brand guru of the Hampton Roads community. She is a 2020 recipient of “Inside Business Forty Under 40” for outstanding young business professionals in Hampton Roads. Her clients include non-profit organizations, small businesses, universities, celebrities, political campaigns, and she provides sports management marketing and branding to corporations. 

Wimbish served as the spokesperson for the family of Ashanti Billie, a 19-year-old missing woman, which resulted in the National Ashanti Alert Act in the United States. On December 31, 2018, the act became federal law, creating a national alert system for adults aged 18 – 64 – those too old for an Amber Alert and too young for a Silver Alert.

Wimbish’s work has appeared on a multitude of national platforms. Her diverse portfolio of connections, including media outlets, has landed her clients in an array of national media outlets, publications, and radio programming including Fox News, CNN, BET, Essence, Ebony, Jet, CBN, Washington Post, Vibe, Source, New York Times, The Guardian, and others. 

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 journalistic and communications accuracy, balance, fairness, integrity, and high ethical standards of excellence. The Scripps Howard brand is internationally renowned as a foundation that promotes, supports, and enables aspiring journalists.

HAMPTON, Va. (Oct. 3, 2022) — Hampton University is excited to announce the appointment of Joy L. Jefferson as Vice President and Executive Assistant to Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. Jefferson brings more than twenty-five years of experience in higher education to the campus and is certainly no stranger to Hampton University. Jefferson is a Hamptonian through and through. 

“We are very excited to announce Joy Jefferson’s return to Hampton University, serving as Vice President and Executive Assistant to the President. Mrs. Jefferson’s extensive and adept knowledge of Hampton will be invaluable to faculty and staff and to the university in delivering the #1 student experience in America to our students,” said Dr. Darrell K. Williams, Hampton University President.

In this role, Jefferson will assist President Williams in his day-to day engagement with both internal and external key university constituent groups. Additionally, Jefferson will assist the President in addressing priorities related to advancing Hampton University as a world class university that delivers the best student experience in the United States.

Jefferson returns to her ‘Home by the Sea’ from Old Dominion University’s Office of Alumni Relations. Since January 2016, she served as the chief administrator and strategist for the Old Dominion University Alumni Association and Office of Alumni Relations, providing leadership for all alumni engagement. Jefferson was the leader in cultivating an alumni community of more than 163,000 living alumni throughout the United States and around the world. She played a strategic role in supporting ODU’s advancement and alumni relations efforts and served as a key member of the Vice President of University Advancement’s senior leadership team.

Jefferson previously served as Vice President for External Relations at Hampton University. Her responsibilities included the overall leadership and supervision of the Offices of Alumni Affairs, the Annual Fund, University Relations, Marketing & Communications, and she served on the President’s Administrative Council. Jefferson provided day-to-day and strategic management of alumni philanthropy and fundraising, alumni engagement, the National Hampton Alumni Association, Inc.’s Board of Directors, University communications and brand management, media and public relations, and special events.

While at Hampton University, Jefferson also served as Associate Vice President for Development, Assistant Vice President for Development, Director of University Relations, and Director of Student Activities. She has also held the position of Director of Development at North Carolina State University.

Jefferson has also been a member of the Virginia Peninsula YMCA Board of Directors in addition to the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities State Board of Directors, the An Achievable Dream, Inc. Board of Directors, and Relay for Life Virginia Peninsula Executive Committee.

A native of Newport News, VA, Jefferson is a 1986 graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Mass Media Arts. She and her husband, Ronnie, have two daughters, Kayla and Christina.

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