Hampton, Va. (March7, 2024) –Hampton University is proud to announce its collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and the Pew Research Center to host the gOD-Talk Documentary Film Tour, on Wednesday, March 27th, at HU, showcasing the acclaimed film directed and produced by Dr. Teddy Reeves, a distinguished alumnus of Hampton University and the Curator of Religion for NMAAHC. The screening is free and open to the public.

The evening will commence with an invitation-only reception in Clarke Hall from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., providing attendees with an opportunity to engage with fellow guests and esteemed speakers. Following the reception, the screening of gOD-Talk: A Black Millennials and Faith Conversation will take place in Ogden Hall from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The documentary offers a compelling exploration of faith among Black millennials, providing insights into their perspectives and experiences.

Concluding the event, a brief panel discussion will be held from 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., featuring Dr. Reeves alongside several distinguished Hamptonians who were prominently featured in the film. This segment promises to further delve into the themes presented in the documentary and foster meaningful dialogue among attendees.

“We are excited to host the gOD-Talk Documentary Film Tour at Hampton University,” said Linda Malone-Colon, Ph.D., dean of the HU School of Liberal Arts and Education. “This event aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and promoting cultural understanding within our community.”

The collaboration between Hampton University, NMAAHC, and the Pew Research Center underscores a shared dedication to advancing conversations surrounding faith, identity, and culture. Through initiatives such as the gOD-Talk Documentary Film Tour, these institutions aim to facilitate dialogue, inspire reflection, and celebrate diverse perspectives.

For more information about Hampton University visit www.hamptonu.edu.

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, and recently named the top private university in Virginia. Hampton provides 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 and nations. www.hamptonu.edu.

For media inquiries, please contact Sarita Scott in the Office of University Relations, at 757.727.5253.

Hampton, Va. (February 20, 2024) – Hampton University proudly announces the appointment of Barbara Inman, Ed.D., Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management, to the esteemed Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Committee. This appointment underscores Governor Youngkin’s commitment to fostering educational equity and opportunity for all Virginians.

“Dr. Inman’s passion for equity and her commitment to educational excellence make her an ideal addition to the Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Committee,” said HU President Darrell K. Williams. “I have full confidence in her ability to help ensure that Virginia remains a leader in providing opportunities for all students.”

Inman brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role on the committee. As a distinguished educator and advocate for social justice, Inman has dedicated her career to advancing educational opportunities for underserved communities. Her insights and perspective will be invaluable as the committee works to uphold the principles of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.

“I am deeply honored to join the Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Committee and to contribute to its vital work,” said Inman. “Education is the cornerstone of equality and justice, and I am committed to ensuring that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”

The Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Committee plays a crucial role in awarding scholarships to deserving students who embody the spirit of the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision. Through its work, the committee honors the legacy of those who fought for desegregation and equal access to education.

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, and recently named the top private university in Virginia. Hampton provides 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 and nations. www.hamptonu.edu.

For media inquiries, please contact Sarita Scott in the Office of University Relations, at 757.727.5253.

Hampton, Va. (February 28, 2024) –Hampton University proudly congratulates Jasmine Bellinger, a freshman Biochemistry major, for her outstanding achievement in winning Follett’s 2024 National Shirt Design Contest. Jasmine emerged as the victor among 110 talented students, showcasing her creativity, talent, and dedication to celebrating Black history and culture.

“Jasmine’s success exemplifies the excellence and creativity that thrive within our student body,” said Barbara Inman, Ph.D., vice president, Office of Student Success and Enrollment Management. “We are thrilled to see her talent recognized on a national platform and are confident that her achievements will continue to inspire others.”

Follett, a renowned educational retailer, recognized Jasmine’s exceptional design, awarding her with a prize of $1000 and a $100 bookstore gift card.

“Jasmine’s winning design will be featured on t-shirts sold in Follett stores nationwide and online, highlighting the remarkable talent of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) like Hampton University,” said Rhyannon Potter, regional manager, HBCU Division, Follett.

“Jasmine’s design embraced pride, distinction, and loyalty that all HBCUs embody,” said Potter. Potter said entries were voted on by a committee consisting of graphic designers, merchandise buyers and Follett leadership.

The t-shirts, adorned with Jasmine’s winning design, not only commemorated Black History Month but will also serve as a testament to the ongoing contributions and achievements of HBCU students throughout the year and beyond.

“We extend our gratitude to Follett for providing this opportunity to showcase Jasmine’s talent and creativity across the country,” said Inman.

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, and recently named the top private university in Virginia. Hampton provides 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 and nations. www.hamptonu.edu.

Hampton, Va. (February 20, 2024) — Hampton University proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Neelam Azad, Vice President for Research, to the esteemed Commonwealth Health Research Board by Governor Glen Youngkin. This appointment reflects Dr. Azad’s outstanding contributions to research and underscores her commitment to advancing healthcare initiatives within the Commonwealth.

In her role as Vice President for Research, Dr. Azad has consistently demonstrated a passion for driving impactful research projects and fostering collaboration within the academic and healthcare communities. Her appointment to the Commonwealth Health Research Board further solidifies her dedication to advancing health-related research endeavors in the state.

“Dr. Neelam Azad’s wealth of experience and commitment to cutting-edge research make her an invaluable addition to the Commonwealth Health Research Board,” said HU President Darrell K. Williams. We are confident that her contributions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare research in Virginia.”

The Commonwealth Health Research Board is tasked with overseeing and supporting research initiatives that enhance the health and well-being of Virginia’s residents. Dr. Azad’s diverse background and extensive research experience uniquely position her to contribute meaningfully to the Board’s mission.

“I am honored to be appointed to the Commonwealth Health Research Board,” said Azad. “I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members to advance research that addresses critical health challenges faced by our communities.”

HU congratulates Azad on this prestigious appointment and remains committed to supporting her efforts in advancing research excellence within the Commonwealth.

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, and recently named the top private university in Virginia. Hampton provides 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 and nations. www.hamptonu.edu.

For media inquiries, please contact Sarita Scott in the Office of University Relations, at 757.727.5253.

On the Newly Dedicated Dr. Roland M. Carter Stage in Ogden Hall

In an electric 131st Founders Day, celebrating the “majesty” of Hampton University, a packed house watched emotionally as the highly acclaimed music aficionado, Dr. Roland M. Carter was honored with awards and the namesake of the Robert C. Ogden Hall’s stage, which is now the Dr. Roland M. Carter Stage.

This year’s Founder’s Day, an annual celebration of HU’s founder, Brigadier General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, was unlike any other, as Armstrong’s grandson, Arthur Howell, helped HU President Darrell K. Williams mark the occasion during a commemorative wreath-placing ceremony.

Finance trailblazer Alumna Racquel Oden ‘98, Head of Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC Bank USA, presented the University with a gift of $10K, and gave a fiery keynote, encouraging students to be life-long learners and to become mentors and advocates, helping others to succeed.

“Each of you stand on the shoulders of giants, said Oden. “Your job is to advocate for not only you, your University, but the community as a whole.

“Your hunger for knowledge cannot stop when you leave this institution,” said Oden. “You have to have a thirst for knowledge which will allow you to outperform and compete. When others have slowed down and are settling. That is not what you will be doing.

“Let’s remember that it’s your grit that overcomes obstacles, your grind that elevates you, your grace that defines you and your gratitude that grounds you. As Hamptonians, you are the embodiment of those values.”

Ogden Hall was full of emotion, heavenly voices, and thunderous applause from those who traveled from all over the country to honor the living legend, Roland M. Carter. Taking in the moment, President Williams marveled at the “majesty of Hampton.”

“It is with immense pride and joy that we mark this momentous occasion in the rich history of Hampton University,” said President Williams. “We unveil the Dr. Roland M. Carter stage in our esteemed Ogden Hall. This stage was once graced by the likes of the Count Basie Orchestra, Maya Angelou, Ozzie Davis and Rubie Dee to the cinematic brilliance of Spike Lee. This stage has been a campus for cultural excellence.” The Alvin Ailey dance theater and the Virginia Symphony have recently graced the stage, along with the critically acclaimed Taraji P. Henson, and countless others.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Carter conducted a portion of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” with the HU Choir, with students and alumni performing, and was recognized as the 2024 Presidential Citizenship Award recipient, received an honorary doctorate degree and watched in awe at the unveiling of the Dr. Roland M. Carter stage in Ogden Hall.

“Dr. Roland M. Carter has given unselfishly, to enrich the lives of those around him and to improve our collective community, and the world,” said President Williams. “He has made significant contributions to our community and to all humanity.”

President Williams referred to Carter as the “great, modern Hampton maestro,” having “impacted the lives of thousands with his work, drawing crowds to immerse themselves in unforgettable musical experiences, elevating the HU Minister’s Conference Choir Guild’s performances to captivating heights for over 40 years,” in addition to serving 25 years of leadership to HU.

Having received innumerable honors and awards from schools and institutions across the country, Carter, an HU alumnus class of ‘64, explained that these awards from Hampton, moved him differently, citing lyrics from the HU alma mater.

“No one can ever know, to come full circle and be home [and be honored]. ‘O Hampton, we never can make thee a song, except as our lives do the singing.’”

Hampton, Va. (February 5, 2024) – On Saturday, February 3rd, the Hampton University Department of Mathematics orchestrated a highly successful Math Counts competition.

The event, sponsored by the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers, saw participation from 34 talented students who have become the top math performers at their respective middle schools.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the passion and dedication these young mathematicians bring to the field,” said Arun Verma, Ph.D. “Math Counts is not just a competition. It is a celebration of mathematical achievement and a stepping-stone for these students towards a brighter academic future.”

The Math Counts competition, a testament to Verma’s commitment to fostering mathematical excellence, showcased the intellectual prowess of young minds in the realm of mathematics, featured a range of challenging mathematical problems, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among the students.

Math Counts, a nationally recognized organization, not only provides a platform for students to demonstrate their skills but also highlights the importance of mathematics in education.

Verma has been hosting the competition at HU for the past decade, fostering middle schoolers’ interest in math and eventually STEM career fields. Verma said he builds upon the competition as a recruiting tool and early exposure to the college experience for youth ages 12 to 15 years,

Verma continues to play a pivotal role in advancing mathematical education at Hampton University and beyond.

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, and recently named the top private university in Virginia. Hampton provides 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 and nations. www.hamptonu.edu.

For media inquiries, please contact Sarita Scott in the Office of University Relations, at 757.727.5253.

Ray Johnson, esteemed HU alum gifts Hampton University with a generous $50,000 in-kind donation.

This substantial contribution is designated to revolutionize the educational experience for students at the Hampton University James T. George School of Business. Johnson’s philanthropic gesture helped to establish a state-of-the-art computer lab, aligning with the demands of the 21st century. This high-tech facility will empower students with cutting-edge resources, fostering innovation, collaboration, and skill development in the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology.

“Hampton University holds a special place in my heart, and I am honored to give back to my alma mater,” said Johnson, CEO of Claxton Logistics. “I believe in investing in the future of education, and this donation reflects my commitment to providing students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive business environment.”

The newly equipped computer lab will serve as a hub for experiential learning, offering access to industry-standard software, data analytics tools, and interactive learning platforms. Students will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects, research initiatives, and simulations, preparing them for real-world challenges and opportunities.

“We are profoundly grateful for Ray Johnson’s generosity and dedication to advancing educational excellence,” said Ziette Hayes, dean, HU School of Business. “This transformative gift will significantly enhance our students’ educational experience, empowering them to become future leaders and innovators in the field of business.”

The establishment of the Ray Johnson Computer Lab underscores Hampton University’s commitment to providing students with unparalleled resources and opportunities for success. The university looks forward to the continued partnership with alumni and industry leaders in shaping the future of education and empowering the next generation of business professionals.

Johnson has led Claxton Logistics Services, a logistics support and acquisition management firm based in Stafford, Va., for the past 17 years. He graduated from the HU School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in corporate finance.    

The Hampton University Department of Sociology is proud to announce as its guest speaker for Black History Month, Dr. Lois Benjamin, Professor Emerita of Sociology at Hampton University. On Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Harvey Library Meeting Room, Dr. Benjamin will explore the role of the Black family as she unveils her new book, “Ascension: The Sociology of an African American’s Generational Journey.”

In this masterful work of family-focused sociology, Dr. Benjamin considers the lives of Pennie and Roscoe James and their children, revealing how a large, close-knit African American family with humble origins in a small town of North Carolina is shaped by the contours of its religious and ethical value system. Despite the challenges of daily experiences, the James elders transmitted values to their children that provided them with the resources to thrive and the resilience to meet adversity. The James children recount their personal, unique perspectives on how faith, familial solidarity, and savvy entrepreneurship led to their continued generational success.

Dr. Benjamin uses a blend of ethnographic and qualitative methods to place the James family’s experiences in a broader historical context. In doing so, she shows that the family’s values of compassion, empathy, and communitarian and enterprising spirit offer hope in this polarized society.

“We are excited to host Dr. Benjamin as she returns to “Our Home by the Sea,” to share with us this groundbreaking book of the strength and resiliency of the Black family, providing a platform for our University community to come together and discover state-of-the-art research techniques to highlight the role of the Black family in society,” said Dr. David Taylor, Chairperson of the Department of Sociology.

Lois Benjamin is professor emerita of sociology at Hampton University and author of several books, including The Black Elite: Still Facing the Color Line in the Twenty-First Century, Three Black Generations at the Crossroads, Dreaming No Small Dreams: William R. Harvey’s Visionary Leadership, and Black Women in the Academy: Promises and Perils.

OPINION: Leveling Up: Sustained Philanthropy and Access to Capital Markets Make HBCUs and our Nation Stronger  

By: Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams 

On behalf of Hampton University, I would like to offer my heartiest congratulations to President Helene Gayle, the Board of Trustees, and the entire Spelman College family on the recent historic $100 million donation, the largest ever gift to a historically Black college and university (HBCU) from billionaire couple Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston. Stryker, the granddaughter of the founder of medical device maker Stryker Corp., and Johnson, the chairman of money management firm Greenleaf Trust, helped the institution make history, twice: celebrating 100 years of the institution’s official naming and forging a path for Spelman to become “need-blind,” referring to an admissions policy that does not consider an applicant’s financial status when deciding whether to accept them.  

As a fellow institution in the community of 102 accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), we share their pride in this achievement. It inspires hope in the possibilities when philanthropy meets opportunity. This historic gift is a game-changing gesture for Spelman and our nation’s HBCUs. A gesture of this magnitude is an investment in the long-term financial sustainability of critical higher education institutions in America. This gift, hopefully, signals an elevated focus on lifting HBCUs to even greater heights and unlocking upward mobility for its graduates.  

The donation is a testament to the power of philanthropy and the impact it can have on higher education. Philanthropy is an expression of values and a way of creating a legacy for future generations. It helps foster innovation, social equity, and community empowerment. As demonstrated powerfully by this generous gift to Spelman, philanthropy should be done with care, transparency, and humility. It should also be informed by research, evidence, and feedback from the beneficiaries and stakeholders.

The systemic, chronic underfunding of HBCUs is well-documented, and thankfully, we have witnessed several private philanthropic and federal funding efforts begin to address the gap. In 2019, McKenzie Scott signed the Giving Pledge, a nonbinding promise billionaires make to donate the majority of their wealth and donated $400 million to 17 HBCUs. In December 2020, Hampton University received $30 million to invest in urgent capital needs, our institutional endowment, and scholarships. Earlier this month, the Lilly Endowment, Inc. announced a $100 million gift to the United Negro College Fund, representing “the largest single unrestricted gift to the organization since its founding 80 years ago.” Further, and beyond mere philanthropy, the Biden administration awarded a consortium of HBCUs, led by Howard University, the first University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), a $90 million grant. We applaud these efforts and encourage America to level up to the proportion of its wealth. We challenge captains of industry and entrepreneurship to donate more robustly to our HBCUs and to create more game-changing opportunities to stabilize campuses and the surrounding communities where they were built.

Our HBCUs have a rich history dating back to the late 1800s, and our contributions to academic and cultural diversity are invaluable. However, they continue to punch well above their weight classes regarding return on investment. HBCUs equip Black students from various socioeconomic backgrounds with the skills they need to secure jobs, start businesses, invent new technologies, and more. In fact, roughly 10% of African Americans who attend college attend HBCUs, yet HBCUs award 15% of all bachelor’s degrees and 25% of STEM degrees. Over 40% of Black engineers, 50% of Black doctors and lawyers, and nearly 80% of Black judges received either an undergraduate or advanced degree – and in many cases both – from these exceptional schools.

Philanthropy can be a powerful force for good, but it requires responsibility, reflection, and sustained actions. Fostering a culture of philanthropy is instrumental in leveling up HBCUs, from addressing financial challenges and fostering academic excellence to supporting students and contributing to the overall growth and impact of these vital institutions. It is a powerful means of securing a brighter future for both the institutions and the diverse students they serve.

We all play a part in ensuring the next generation’s success and our institutions’ sustainability. Leveling up our HBCUs makes for a more robust academic landscape by producing successful graduates, fostering social and economic mobility, contributing to community development, preserving culturing heritage, and making notable contributions to research and innovation. Recognizing and supporting these institutions is essential to sustaining their positive impact on individuals and society. Leveling up our HBCUs is a step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable academic landscape that benefits us all.

Hampton, Va. (January 11, 2024) –The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Hampton University a $4.9M grant to establish an interdisciplinary climate science degree program, embedded in a National Center for Climate Modeling Research, and to propel the university to R2 status.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s press release, the grants are being provided under the Research and Development Infrastructure (RDI) program and the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program. The RDI program provides funds to HBCUs, TCCUs, and MSIs to transform their research infrastructure, including strengthening research productivity, faculty expertise, physical infrastructure, and partnerships leading to increases in external funding. The PSSG program aims to equitably improve postsecondary student outcomes, including retention, transfer, credit accumulation, and completion, by leveraging data and implementing, scaling, and rigorously evaluating evidence-based approaches.

“The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the urgency of this moment in higher education and that creating opportunities for students of color and other underserved students to succeed in today’s most cutting-edge fields has never mattered more,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a press release.

This transformative funding is designated to propel Hampton University to R2 status through the establishment of an innovative interdisciplinary climate science degree program.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the U.S. Department of Education, enabling us to make significant strides in climate science education and research,” said HU President Darrell K. Williams. “This funding will empower us to establish a world-class program that integrates diverse perspectives and disciplines to address the challenges posed by climate change. While aligning with our strategic plan and mission of providing innovative doctoral programs in the STEM field, fostering the next generation of leaders in climate research.”

The Interdisciplinary Climate Science Degree Program will bring together experts from various fields, fostering collaboration between meteorologists, environmental scientists, data analysts, and more. Students enrolled in the program will gain hands-on experience through the National Center for Climate Modeling Research, contributing to cutting-edge research and addressing pressing climate issues.

“I am ecstatic to have received federal funding to build the research infrastructure necessary to support an interdisciplinary climate sciences doctoral program,” said Neelam Azad, Ph.D., vice president for Research and one of the senior administrative personnel on the grant. “This will build competency in a field of study that directly impacts not just our lives but of future generations as well, while broadening participation of individuals who have been historically marginalized in the STEM fields.”

The principal investigator (PI) on the project is William Moore, Ph.D., and the co-PIs are Ruben Delgado, Ph.D. and Stephen Guimond, Ph.D. from the Department of Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, along with co-PI Jeanette Davis, Ph.D., from the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, all within the School of Science.

 “Hampton has long been a renowned leader in the field of climate research, since launching satellites to study the weather in the early 2000’s,” said Isi Ero-Johnson, Ph.D., dean, School of Science. “This DOE grant will further solidify Hampton as a premier institution in atmospheric and environmental sciences with the development of the National Center for Climate Modeling Research.”  

Hampton, Va. (January 11, 2024) – The Hampton University Department of Psychology is proud to announce its Inaugural Black Decolonial Psychology Conference, “Decolonizing, Liberating and Healing the Black Pyche-Soul,” January 26-27. The conference is open to the public.

This groundbreaking event aims to foster meaningful discussions, research, and in-vivo exploration within the realm of decolonial psychology, specifically centered around the experiences and perspectives of the Black community.

“We are excited to host the first Black Decolonial Psychology Conference, providing a platform for scholars, practitioners, and students to come together and explore innovative approaches to understanding and addressing mental health within the Black community,” said O’Shan Gadsden, Ph.D., chair, HU Department of Psychology.

The two-day conference kicks off with a meet and greet, followed by an interactive workshop facilitated by Steven D. Kniffley, PsyD, senior associate dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Other presenters include: Shena Young, PsyD, licensed psychologist, Yoruba healer-practitioner and embodied trauma expert; luncheon keynote speaker Ivory I. Toldson, Ph.D, national director of Education, Innovation and Research of the NAACP; Brianna Moore, PsyD, director, Forensic Services, Virginia Center for Behavioral Rehabilitation and a host of renowned scholars, and experts in the field of psychology, providing insights into the importance of decolonial-black centered approaches to understanding mental health, identity, and societal dynamics.

Attendees can expect engaging panel discussions, research presentations, and interactive workshops that delve into the intersectionality of Black experiences and psychology.

This inclusive gathering welcomes researchers, psychologists, students, and professionals passionate about advancing the understanding of psychology through a decolonial lens.

Registration is now open at Eventbrite.com.

“The HU Department of Psychology looks forward to fostering a dynamic and impactful dialogue and space of reflection that contributes to the advancement of decolonial psychology and healing,” said Gadsden.