Office of Advancement & External Engagement

Our Team & Units

Our Team

The Office of Advancement is comprised of a dedicated team of professionals committed to serving Hampton University and its constituents. Key team leaders include:

Dr. Marc A. Newman, Ed.D.

Chief Advancement Officer

Dr. Marc A. Newman serves as Hampton University’s inaugural Chief Advancement Officer, leading the University’s fundraising and external engagement efforts. With a focus on building strong relationships and securing transformative gifts, he is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the University’s advancement enterprise and driving philanthropic support for its mission.

Mrs. Evelyn K. Graham

Associate Vice President for Advancement Operations

Evelyn K. Graham, is a trailblazer in higher education, instrumental in forging transformative partnerships, strengthening alumni engagement, and securing critical investments for Hampton University. With a deep commitment to student success, she creates opportunities that advance scholarship, innovation, and institutional growth.

Mr. Matthew White ‘07

Assistant Vice President for Alumni Affairs, Annual Fund and Family Engagement

Matthew White is an advancement professional dedicated to fostering strong alumni relationships and driving philanthropic support for Hampton University. With experience in alumni engagement and development initiatives, he is committed to connecting alumni with meaningful opportunities to contribute to the University’s growth and success.

Ms. Andrea Tatum

Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy and External Engagement

Andrea Tatum works to develop and implement strategies to secure significant external funding from corporations and foundations for Hampton University’s strategic priorities. Her work involves cultivating relationships, soliciting major gifts, and collaborating with campus partners to foster impactful community engagement in support of key academic areas.

Mr. Gary B. Hunter ‘83

Senior Director for Philanthropy and External Engagement

Gary Hunter is an advancement professional with experience in fundraising, alumni relations, and development operations. He has a background in cultivating donor relationships, managing campaigns, and implementing strategies to support institutional growth. His work focuses on securing resources and fostering engagement to advance the university’s mission.

Ms. Trina Locke

Senior Director of Advancement Services

Trina Locke serves as the Director of Donor and External Relations, focusing on donor engagement to strengthen connections with the institution. Her role includes managing development services within the Office of Alumni Affairs, supporting advancement efforts in fundraising, development, and alumni relations. She also oversees gift processing, database management, and provides essential data and reporting […]

Mr. Elvin J. Dowling ‘96

Senior Advancement Writer

Elvin Dowling brings a powerful voice to the Office of Advancement’s external communications, crafting compelling proposals and grants that articulate the university’s impact. A dedicated advocate for empowering future leaders, his extensive background includes securing significant grants for youth initiatives and demonstrating a deep commitment to student success through mentorship and educational opportunities.

Our Specialized Units

The Office of Advancement and External Engagement at Hampton University is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and securing vital resources that empower the university’s mission and ensure its continued success. We work collaboratively with alumni, donors, corporations, foundations, and friends to cultivate a thriving community of support and advance the strategic priorities of Hampton University.

Our office is comprised of the following dedicated units:

Office of Alumni Affairs, Annual Fund and Family Relations:
This dynamic team cultivates meaningful relationships with Hampton University's extensive alumni network and actively engages parents and families. They spearhead all fundraising initiatives related to these vital constituencies, including the annual fund and impactful campaigns like the Annual Day of Giving. Furthermore, this unit plans and executes engaging alumni and family events, manages comprehensive communications, and serves as a central point of connection for alumni, parents, and families seeking to remain involved with the university.
Donor and External Relations:
This unit is dedicated to building and nurturing strong, long-term relationships with our valued donors. They work to understand donors' philanthropic goals and connect them with opportunities to support the university in meaningful ways. This includes personalized engagement strategies, stewardship activities, and ensuring donors are informed of the impact of their generosity.
Advancement Services:
As a crucial unit within Donor and External Affairs, Advancement Services provides the essential infrastructure and support for all fundraising activities. Their responsibilities encompass the accurate and timely processing of all gifts, the generation of acknowledgements and tax receipts, the meticulous maintenance of donor records, comprehensive data analysis and reporting, and ensuring strict compliance with all relevant regulations.
Corporate and Foundation Relations:
This team strategically develops and manages partnerships with corporations and philanthropic foundations. They work to align the interests of these external entities with the university's strategic priorities, securing funding for research, academic programs, capital projects, and student support. This unit cultivates these relationships through consistent communication, collaborative projects, and demonstrating the impact of their investments in Hampton University.

Together, these interconnected units within the Office of Advancement and External Engagement work synergistically to build a robust and sustainable culture of philanthropy that supports Hampton University’s enduring legacy and its bright future.