General

HAMPTON, VA (Jan. 4, 2022) —  Hampton University students participated in a three-day Startup Entrepreneurship Boot Camp from Friday, October 28 to Sunday, October 30, 2022. The program introduced entrepreneurship methods to aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Students learned how to recognize and act on opportunities in the market by designing a business model, developing a prototype, working with expert mentors, and pitching ideas. This boot camp was sponsored by Ferguson, a member of the School of Engineering and Technology Engineering Advisory Board. Black Ambition, an organization founded by Pharrell Williams, provided a $10,000 cash prize, which was divided among camp participants. Norfolk State University students also participated in the boot camp. 

Dr. Joyce Shirazi, Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology, said, “We are very proud of our students. They always come ready to learn and they love it when there is an element of competition involved. They learned how to pitch and promote their innovative projects.” 

Student teams were formed on the first day of the camp, and facilitators led the groups through early concepts. During the second day of the camp, student groups focused on business model formation and testing of their business hypotheses. Mentors from Ferguson provided expert feedback and support. On the final day of the camp, participants engaged in intensive pitch workshops and delivered their pitches through presentations. Each presentation was made before a panel of entrepreneurship and business experts. Facilitators from Build in Tulsa, a program that seeks to close the racial wealth gap in America, and Novus supported the boot camp. 

Dr. Jerald Dumas, dean of Hampton University’s Graduate College, associate professor of chemical engineering, and Hampton’s organizer for the boot camp said, “This experience was especially impactful for our engineering students as we strive for them to consider ‘human-centric’ elements in their designs.”

Hampton University students won the following portions of the $10,000 cash prize:

$2400 Team Umni  $1900 Team Hydrosource

Brian Eric Montgomery Jr Briana Webster

Helen Nkechinyere Kalu   Andres Syphrett

Joshua White  Anthony Akins

Quinton Maddox

$1650 Team V-Tints $500  Team xMELA

Khalid Hampton  Maasai Thornton

Jihaad Barnett  Jasmyn Gyapong

Trevor Blow  Chi’conna Gober

Anton Goldsmith

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at 757.727.5253. 

About Hampton University
Hampton University is a comprehensive institution of higher education, dedicated to the promotion of learning, building of character and preparation of promising students for positions of leadership and service. Its curriculum emphasis is scientific and professional with a strong liberal arts under girding. In carrying out its mission, the University requires that everything that it does be of the highest quality. A historically black institution, Hampton University is committed to multiculturalism. The University serves students from diverse national, cultural and economic backgrounds. Research and public service are integral parts of Hampton’s mission. In order to enhance scholarship and discovery, the faculty is engaged in writing, research, and grantsmanship. In achieving its mission, Hampton University offers exemplary programs and opportunities which enable students, faculty and staff to grow, develop and contribute.

Hampton, Va. (Nov. 29, 2022) — In an article published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, recent Hampton University graduate Dr. Debajyoti Basu Sarkar and Professor, Dr. William B. Moore from the Department of Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences report that rocky planets with a hot surface likely do not have plate tectonics like the Earth. Most of Earth’s surface features and many processes such as earthquakes and volcanism are understood to be the result of the slow motions of vast regions (the plates) over billions of years. But for some still unknown reason, Earth is the only planet that behaves this way.

Understanding other planets requires a different theory, championed by Drs. Moore and Basu Sarkar, in which planetary surfaces are dominated by volcanism, rather than surface motions. This theory is known as planetary heat pipes, named for the volcanic fissures that allow molten rock to rise to the surface and erupt. Most rocky planets seem to have gone through a period of heat pipes before shifting to a different style of planetary behavior as they cooled off – in Earth’s case, but nowhere else, the shift resulted in plate tectonics. In their recent article, this theory is used to understand how Venus’ surface temperature, maintained at almost 900°F by its greenhouse atmosphere, prevented plate tectonics from happening on a planet otherwise very similar to Earth. 

“The atmosphere of Venus acts like a blanket, which makes it harder for Venus to lose heat from its rocky mantle,” explained Dr. Basu Sarkar. 

The article describes how this insulating effect means Venus cools more slowly and takes almost twice as long to reach the end of its heat pipe phase as Earth. By that point, the energy sources driving motion inside the planet are weaker and are not able to break up the surface and drive the kind of plate motions seen on Earth. 

In the paper, the authors say their results can be applied to any planet, including planets that are outside the solar system, that have a rocky surface and thick atmosphere. 

“We emphasized the role of surface temperature because it can connect planetary climate with interior processes like volcanism and tectonics,” said Dr. Basu Sarkar. “This means that we can build on our current results and link climate evolution to the dynamics of rocky planets like Earth, Venus, Mars, and exoplanets.”

Hampton, VA (December 12, 2022) – Hampton University has a history of being first on many fronts:  the first HBCU to have full control of a NASA satellite mission; the first and only HBCU to have a proton therapy cancer treatment facility, The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute (HUPTI) and in November 2023 the Hampton University Marching Force band directors Dr. Thomas L. Jones, Directors of Bands, and Assistant Directors of Bands Mr. Clifford Cox, II, and Mr. Alexander Hamilton, II were selected to participate in the 2023 Macy’s Day Parade.  They are the first HBCU band directors to be a part of the Saluting America’s Band Directors Marching Band.  

“It’s an honor to not only be selected to this prestigious event as an individual, but for all three of our directors to be selected, it truly underscores the hard work and dedication that goes into The Marching Force. Under President Williams’ leadership, he has inspired our staff and students alike to seek out and achieve these types of goals,” said Dr. Thomas L. Jones.  Although Dr. Jones plays 14 instruments, he will most likely play trumpet in this band.

The Saluting America’s Band Directors (SABD) was created by the?Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation in 2017 to carry on the legacy of the late Mike Sewell, longtime band director in the Pickerington, Ohio school system. This Foundation project, named Saluting America’s Band Directors (SABD), was conceived as a way to recognize and salute the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of band directors everywhere—public and private schools at all levels, colleges and universities, the military and community bands. 

Joining Dr. Jones, playing Baritone, is Assistant Director of Bands Mr. Clifford Cox, II. “I have a belief that it is important for students to see their directors practice the same craft they are. It’s one thing for them to hear old stories and see old pictures or recordings.  It’s another for them to witness it with their own eyes and understand that the dedication to the craft and to musicianship is ongoing,” Cox added.

Rounding out this tremendous trio of musicians is Mr. Alexander Hamilton, II, playing percussion who also serves as an Assistant Director of Bands.  “To me, the idea of a band comprised of band directors from across the nation is exciting! Directors are often in the position of curating the performance and rarely a part of the show. When Hampton performed in 2021, we (the directors) had to sprint behind the television production crew to get back ahead of the band and were only able to watch the performance from being tagged on social media. Now, we will have the honor to be on the main stage along with other music educators as performers,” said Hamilton.

The 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be Thursday, November 23^rd in New York City!  

About The Marching Force 

The Hampton University Band Program currently consists of the Marching Band, the Concert Band, the Symphonic Winds and the Basketball Band. Each of these organizations strive to provide a high level of musical experience for its members, and provides music for various University functions under the umbrella of the Department of Music.

The Hampton University Marching Band, “The Force”, is a grand example of the positive impact of music on student engagement and success. The Force provides experiences which assist students in their ability to assume responsibility, establish a professional attitude, gain self-confidence, develop a humanistic attitude toward life, become proficient in their area of musical specialization, appreciate diverse cultures, and contribute positively to the world around them.

The Force is most often found serving alongside the Hampton University football team on Saturday game days. Fan anticipation is reserved for half time and the battle that will ensue to determine the musical champion of the day. It is a sight to behold and an adventure within itself. The cadence of the Drum Majors leading the march of musicians on a mission to perform at their best and make the audience feel their drive in the depths of their chest along with the beat of the S.T.I.C.K.Y. Situation drum line. The Ebony Fire dance team and S.I.L.K.Y. flag line sway in rhythmic unison, while the crowd watches in awe, mesmerized. They execute so precisely and so effortlessly, that the audience never fully understands the extreme dedication and hard work that goes into making each performance an exquisite experience for the senses of sight and sound.

https://www.humarchingforce.com/

About Saluting America’s Band Directors

The concept behind the Saluting America’s Band Directors (SABD) project was to create a unique marching band of band directors comprising band directors and music educators from across North America. The band was recruited through advertising, social media, word of mouth and endorsements from well-known leaders in the profession. Renowned band director Jon Waters joined this effort to lead the Band Directors Marching Band. 

https://banddirectorsalute.org/

 

#HU#

Hampton University News is produced and published by the Hampton University Office of University Relations, 757-727-5253.

Both HU students will receive 5G’s ($5,000) and mentorship opportunities to jumpstart their careers

HAMPTON, Va. (Dec. 12, 2022) — Hampton University seniors Sarah ‘Lee’ Buckner and Amber Anderson were announced as members of AT&T’s Dream in Black second Rising Future Makers Class. The 2022 class honors 25 students, all from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), who are making a positive impact in their communities and on their campuses.

“This moment is one of my biggest accomplishments ever,” said Bucker. “Being an AT&T Rising Future has been on my vision board since early this summer. I’m honored that AT&T sees me and wants to help me take my dreams to the next level. I prayed for this moment, and it’s finally here.”

“Becoming an AT&T rising future maker, is an absolute dream turned to reality,” said Anderson. “I am now able to continue fulfilling my passion of running my nonprofit black is gold and positively impacting the lives of young women who look like me” 

An extension of AT&T’s Dream in Black Future Makers program, Rising Future Makers reflects AT&T’s continued commitment to empower diverse communities. As AT&T works to help bridge the digital divide, which disproportionately impacts communities of color and HBCU students, AT&T will provide access to technology and resources that connect the students to greater possibility. 

“We received hundreds of nominations from across the country and only 25 selected,” said Betsy Francis, Vice President / General Manager of AT&T Mid Atlantic. “These two from Hampton University are talented individuals that stood out because of their selfless work, extreme talent, and their purpose to do good for others and support their community and future youth.”

Both Hampton students received $5,000 presented by AT&T 5G, an iPhone 13 with one year of AT&T service, among other gifts. They also will get professional workshop opportunities, including mentoring sessions with AT&T executives aimed at growing their network and furthering their career opportunities.  

The Dream in Black Rising Future Makers program is geared towards promoting young Black talent and ensuring they have access to the network and resources they need to realize greater possibility. The inaugural class of 2021 saw tremendous success from the program, and many have graduated to begin their careers in tech, law, health, and politics with connections made through the opportunity. Beyond the initial workshops and networking opportunities, AT&T continued to support the future makers with exposure to hands-on opportunities that would further their dreams, including broadcast segments alongside actress and content creator Tabitha Brown as well as participating in panel discussions with AT&T executives at the 2022 Essence Music Festival.

Current Rising Future Makers will participate in a development workshop available exclusively to the students, where they can learn key tips on how to personally brand and pitch themselves to executive leaders. Within the experience, the inaugural class of Rising Future Makers and the 2022 class will be invited to attend networking opportunities and provide ongoing feedback, related to the program.

Baker and Anderson are the second and third Hampton students to be named Rising Future Makers. Trajan Baker was named in the inaugural Rising Future Makers class of 2021.

#HU#

Hampton University News is produced and published by the Hampton University Office of University Relations, 757-727-5253.

HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 29, 2022) — Hampton University’s Department of Computer Science has been named #2 in Best Colleges 2022 ranking of the 10 Best HBCUs for Computer Science Programs.

The Hampton University Computer Science program was recognized for its work to increase the diversity of the STEM workforce through various programs such as Student Airborne Science Activation and other computer science initiatives. Community outreach efforts help to develop interest in engineering and science in local schools. The Student Success Center also provides connections that support student health and wellness, advising services, and learning strategies. Notable faculty and/or alumni include Mary Jackson, who was an African-American mathematician and aerospace engineer at NASA, and Sylvia Trent-Adams, who served as acting surgeon general of the U.S.

“The Department of Computer Science at Hampton University is honored and proud to be considered the #2 HBCU Computer Science Program from Best Colleges,” said Dr. Dr. Jean Muhammad, Chair of the Hampton University Department of Computer Science.  “All of our faculty are dedicated to the success of all of our students.  Within the last 8 years we have had 100% placement of our graduates. We are proud to state that our students are placed and employed in the Top industries around the country: Google, Microsoft, Apple,  Accenture, Deloitte, Lockheed Martin to name a few. In addition,  our students are attending and graduating from some of the Top graduate schools as well:  Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, Georgia Tech, MIT, Rochester Institute of Technology.  Going forward our current and future plans are to move to number 1.” 

Two important factors inform Best College’s rankings for the list of the best HBCUs for computer science programs: accreditation and academic outcomes. Accreditation: Each school featured on the list is certified and accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This board works collectively with four separate commissions in applied and natural sciences, computing, engineering, and engineering technology to select schools that meet the minimum program standards for STEM education. In total, there are approximately 15 HBCUs that are accredited by ABET as of the 2021-2022 academic year. Academic Outcomes: The additional factor evaluated for this ranking is academic outcomes. There are many facets of academic quality to consider when it comes to college. But for this list, Best Colleges chose to focus specifically on the six-year graduation rate and retention rate to not only signify the rate that students choose to stay at their institutions after their first year but also how they navigate college life to complete their degree and graduate from college.

“The School of Science and I continue to be proud of the stellar works of Dr.Muhammad and her colleagues within the Computer Science department,” said Dr. Isi Ero-Tolliver, Dean of the Hampton University School of Science. “With her leadership, we continue to excel within our programs, including being designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense for the NSA-Validated Programs of Study through the academic year 2027. Any student graduating from this program will be prepared for real world experiences and matriculation to the next steps!”

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have recently increased efforts to encourage BIPOC students (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) to enroll and major in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.These efforts include everything from developing pipelines from secondary schools to providing culturally relevant support programs on campus.HBCUs contribute significantly to the economy by providing pathways of opportunity to many first-generation students. In spite of a historic lack of funding, HBCUs have produced 42% of Black engineers and 47% of Black women engineers.

The Hampton University Department of Computer Science offers coursework leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, in Computer Information Systems, and in Cyber Security – Computer Science Track. These programs are designed for students who plan to pursue in-depth training in one or more software application areas for entering the workforce. In addition, the Department prepares students for further graduate education in computer and information sciences. Coursework leading to the Master of Science degrees in Computer Science and in Cyber Security is provided.  

The Hampton University Department is located in the Wilma Harper Horne Science & Technology Hall and has state-of-the-art computer resources, and an enviable record of placing its students in positions of employment or in graduate school. The Department has a freshman mentoring program, peer-tutoring program, and one on one curriculum advisement to ensure successful matriculation at Hampton University. In addition, the Department of Computer Science has a 98% placement rate (full-time employment and/or graduate school acceptance for graduating seniors.

For more information please visit: https://home.hamptonu.edu/science/computer-science/ 

To see the full rankings visit: https://www.bestcolleges.com/computer-science/top-hbcus/

HAMPTON, VA. (Nov. 7, 2022) – Dr. Neelam Azad, University Endowed Professor of Pharmacy, has been appointed vice president for research at Hampton University (HU). Dr. Azad joined Hampton University in 2008 as assistant professor of pharmacy and quickly rose through the ranks to chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2014. She attained full professorship in 2019. Since her arrival at the University, she has been productive in basic and translational biomedical research, particularly in areas of lung pathology and cancer cell biology.

“I am committed to developing interdisciplinary research initiatives and establishment of core resources available to our new investigators with the goal of increased productivity and grantsmanship. My focus is on the current and future health of the University’s research enterprise and my goal during the next few years is to expand and strengthen the research capacity at Hampton University,” said Dr. Azad.

Since 2011, Dr. Azad has received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health, totaling more than $6 million for extramural research. For approximately $3 million of the funding, she was the principal investigator. Her additional research accomplishments include a patent, 55 scientific publications in several notable journals, presentations at various national and international conferences, and features in various publications. She serves on the editorial board for several prestigious journals and is a grant reviewer for multiple funding agencies. Her research’s influence is evident in her 12,000 citations and H-index of 27 of her published work.

Dr. Azad is the recipient of the inaugural Hampton University President’s Ambassador for Academic Excellence in recognition of her commitment and research accomplishments. In addition, she has received the Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research award from American Association for Cancer Research for three consecutive years. Notably, Dr. Azad has also received the “Professor of the Year” award from the University’s School of Pharmacy for three consecutive years, and the Provost’s Academic Excellence Faculty Award.

Dr. Azad is a Leadership Fellow with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. She was named a University Endowed Professor by the former University president in recognition of her accomplishments. She also briefly served as the director of the Cancer Research Center and the assistant vice president for research at Hampton University before assuming her current position.

Dr. Azad is a native of Mumbai, India where she completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in 2001. She earned the Ph.D. in pharmaceutical and pharmacological sciences in 2007 from West Virginia University. On the personal front, Dr. Azad and her husband Dr. Anand Iyer, Dean of the School of Pharmacy at Hampton University, live in Yorktown, Virginia with their two children – daughter, Ravya and son, Viraaj.

HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 7, 2022) – The Hampton University Office of Admission provided free transportation for Hampton and Newport News high school students to attend the 20th Annual Alfred Street Baptist Church HBCU Fair on Oct. 8. The event took place on the University of the District of Columbia’s campus in Washington D.C.

Students and parents representing each Hampton and Newport News public high school participated in the one-day excursion, which was sponsored by Hampton University. This activity was President Darrell K. Williams’ plan in the effort to build stronger relationships with the local community and school systems. The President was on-site to greet students and parents as they boarded two University buses. He stated, “While we would love for each of you to attend Hampton University, it is more important to us that you continue your education at an institution of higher education. This is our effort to provide exposure to all of the many HBCUs that are available to students throughout the country.

More than 5,000 students and parents from across the country attended the fair, a recruitment program that featured on-site interviews, admission, and financial planning seminars. Alfred Street Baptist Church’s College Fair is one of the largest recruitment events in the country for HBCUs. It attracts prospective students from all across the United States. Angela Nixon Boyd, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admission represented the University at the fair and confirmed that Hampton University was one of the most popular schools in attendance.

“During the entire four-hour event, foot traffic never stopped. Without the support and assistance from several alumni chapters, including Northern Virginia and Prince George’s County, we would not have been able to manage the massive number of interested students.

HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 7, 2022) —Associate Professor Dr. Travonia Brown-Hughes, School of Pharmacy, received a $4.8 million grant from The National Institute of Health (NIH). The grant, entitled “The Black American United Memory & Aging Project (BA-UMAP): An examination of cognitive decline in midlife and older Black adults using remote cognitive assessments, risk factors and biomarkers” will receive funding for a five-year study designed to examine biopsychosocial factors that impact cognitive outcomes in a group of 600 middle-aged and older Black adults age 55 and older with both low and high levels of education. This award is the largest R01 received in the University’s history.

“At Hampton University, it is a part of our DNA to be of service to others,” said Darrell K Williams, Hampton University President. “One of Hampton’s chief missions is to serve the needs of our community. The research that is being conducted by Dr. Travonia Brown-Hughes exemplifies our Standard of Excellence. I’m proud to say that Hampton University faculty and students are at the forefront of life-changing research that will make an impact on the lives of so many people within the Black Community.”

The study is being conducted in collaboration with Hampton University’s Gerontology Center for Excellence, Johns Hopkins University, the Pennsylvania State University, Michigan’s William Beaumont Hospital, and the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest School of Medicine. A unique component of the grant is that it will be conducted completely online utilizing an innovative, faceless enrollment and data collection strategy.

“It is time that we move beyond hoping for change and towards finding a way to prevent, stop, or cure Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Brown-Hughes. “We have to help ourselves by harnessing the resources and the strengths that are a part of the Black community and its history.

HAMPTON, Va. (Nov. 22, 2022) – Hampton University is announcing today that Director of Athletics, Eugene Marshall, Jr. will be leaving to pursue a new and exciting opportunity effective Jan. 3, 2023.

Since his hire in the Fall of 2014, Marshall has overseen several successful and historic moments in Hampton’s Athletics history. Some major accomplishment under Marshall’s leadership in Department of Athletics include successfully navigating conference realignment from the MEAC, to the Big South and now the Colonial Athletic Association, launching Hampton Nation, the fundraising component for Pirate Athletics, winning 19 combined conference or divisional championships, and charted three new sports: Women’s Soccer, Men’s Lacrosse and Women’s Triathlon. 

“Hampton University is appreciative of Mr. Marshall’s many contributions and the successes we achieved during his more than eight years as Athletic Director,” said Hampton University President, LTG. Darrell K. Williams, US Army Retired. “We thank him for helping Hampton build leaders and champions and we wish him well in all of his future endeavors.”

Hampton University will announce transition plans and interim leadership for Pirates Athletics in the near future.  

“Rest assured, continuity in our support to our Student Athletes and Athletic Department staff will remain our top priority,” Williams said.

#HU#

Hampton, VA (Nov. 3, 2022) — Kamaria Horton, a Hampton University Honors student majoring in computer science, has been named a national finalist in the Schwarzman Scholarship competition.  The graduate-level scholarship, awarded annually to 100 U.S. citizens and 100 international citizens, is in its seventh year. Despite its recent establishment, it is a coveted prize, established and endowed by American billionaire, Stephen A. Schwarzman. The award has quickly become one of the most respected, post-graduate scholarships in the world — taking its place alongside other leading awards such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Mitchell, and Gates-Cambridge Scholarships.   

Recipients of the Schwarzman Scholarship will spend one year in Beijing, China pursuing a fully funded Master’s degree in global leadership at the Schwarzman College of Tsinghua University.  Schwarzman College is the unique, English-speaking academic home to all Schwarzman Scholars who,according to Stephen A. Schwarzman, therein have the opportunity to “live together, work together and have fun together.”  Nearly a decade ago, Schwarzman commissioned the building of Schwarzman College in the historic and highly acclaimed Tsinghua University, one of China’s premier engineering schools, essentially the “M.I.T. of China.” Although all activities at the College are carried out in English, every Schwarzman Scholar is required to take a course in Mandarin during their one-year stay. Schwarzman interacts directly with the Scholars and draws upon his extensive global network of leaders and influencers to address and mentor the Schwarzman Scholars, who share their insights, observations, and wisdom as guidance for training highly effective leaders for the 21st century world.

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Kamaria Horton is an active student leader at Hampton University. She is a member of the Freddye T. Davy Honors College, where she recently organized and led an in-house Honors College student retreat.  Horton recently stated, “The application process for the prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship required rigorous self-exploration of my character, my academic goals, and my leadership experiences.  While completing my application, I struggled with fears and doubts that I would not be able to articulate the reasons I should be named a Schwarzman Scholar.  However, I pushed through my fears and trusted myself with the time and patience needed to create an application worthy to be selected for an interview.”  As for receiving notification of her invitation to interview, she added, “When the email from Schwarzman Scholars appeared in my inbox, I began to prepare for disappointment.  Instead, I read the words ‘Congratulations’ and my mouth dropped!”

Horton will interview for the prestigious scholarship during the first week of November.  If she prevails, she will become the third Schwarzman Scholar to have been chosen from Hampton University, following Ivana Thomas, a member of the inaugural class of Schwarzman Scholars in 2016 and the first Schwarzman winner from an HBCU; and current medical school student,Adaya Sturkey, who won the Schwarzman Scholarship while a pre-med major at Hampton University in 2018.

“Congratulations to Ms. Kamaria Horton on reaching this monumental academic achievement,” said Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert, Chancellor and Provost of Hampton University. “To be named as a finalist for such a prestigious award is testimony to the exemplary work Ms. Horton has produced during her collegiate career and further proof of Hampton University’s ‘Standard of Excellence.’ On behalf of the Hampton we wish her the best of luck.”

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.”