The Hampton University family mourns the death of Hampton University Police Department Deputy Chief Ronald V. Davis, who passed on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. He had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement that spanned more than 46-years. An ardent supporter of social justice, he diligently worked for the benefit of all Hampton, Virginia citizens for 40 years before retiring from the Hampton Police Division as a Major.

Following his retirement from the Hampton Police Division, Davis began a second career as Deputy Chief in the Hampton University Police Department. He was a conscientious, dedicated and exemplary member of the Hampton University family for six years.

Deputy Chief Davis was active in numerous civic organizations. He served as a representative for institutions of higher education as a Board member of the Hampton City Police Advisory Group (CPAG.) In 1995, Deputy Chief Davis received a Hampton Police Division’s Meritorious Service Award.

He earned an Associate degree in Police Science from Thomas Nelson Community College, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from St. Leo University, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Troy State University. Deputy Chief Davis also completed Hostage Negotiation School, the Leadership Institute and the prestigious Police Executive Leadership School.

Deputy Chief Ronald V. Davis is survived by two sons. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

 At around a dozen schools across at least seven states, the Vice President will bring thousands of students together around the fight for reproductive freedom, common sense gun safety laws, climate action, voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and teaching America’s full history. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON Thursday, September 7, 2023 – As students across the nation return to school, Vice President Kamala Harris will embark on a month-long college tour throughout America to mobilize young people in the ongoing fight for fundamental freedoms and rights. She is set to visit around a dozen campuses in at least seven states as she brings together thousands of students for high-energy, large-scale events. The Vice President’s flurry of “Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour” stops will focus on key issues that disproportionately impact young people across the country – from reproductive freedom and gun safety to climate action, voting rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and book bans.
 
“This generation is critical to the urgent issues that are at stake right now for our future,” said Vice President Harris. “It is young leaders throughout America who know what the solutions look like and are organizing in their communities to make them a reality. My message to students is clear: We are counting on you, we need you, you are everything.”
 
Vice President Harris’s “Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour” will include visits to historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and state schools. The Vice President will highlight how the Biden-Harris Administration has delivered for young people, outline the work ahead to protect fundamental freedoms, and hear directly from students who are organizing on the frontlines of these fights. She will also urge attendees to register to vote, use their voice, and stay engaged.
 
This series of college tour events is a continuation of the Vice President’s recent travel, and comes on the heels of her Summer of Action that included visits to 17 states. Vice President Harris has already been to 11 college campuses this year after traveling to 14 schools in 2022.
 
The Vice President’s “Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour” includes the following stops:

1. Hampton University in Hampton, VA on 9/14
2. North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, NC on 9/15
3. Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA on 9/26
4. University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI
5. College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, NV
6. Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ

Additional campus visits and details for media to RSVP will be available in the coming days.
A livestream recording of the Vice President’s visit is available by clicking here

 
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Jefferson’s New Role Makes Her the Eagle-Eye for The President’s Engagement with Key Internal and External Constituent Groups

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hampton, VA (August 9, 2023) – Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams has promoted 28-year higher education veteran, Joy Jefferson, to Chief of Staff. As Chief of Staff, she will act as an advisor and strategic partner to the president and support the university’s executive team in the implementation of the president’s priorities as detailed in the strategic plan. Prior to her promotion, Joy served as Vice President and Executive Assistant to the President.

A household name to Hampton, Joy has served as Vice President for External Relations, Associate Vice President for Development, Assistant Vice President for Development, and Director of University Relations under the Harvey administration. Her responsibilities included the overall leadership and supervision of the Offices of Alumni Affairs, the Annual Fund, and University Relations, Marketing & Communications, and service on the President’s Administrative Council. Her impact spans across the Chesapeake Bay, having served as the associate vice president for alumni relations and executive director of the Old Dominion University Alumni Association. At ODU, Joy led the cultivation of a community of more than 165,000 alumni throughout the United States and around the world. She also held an early-career position as Director of Development at North Carolina State University.

“Mrs. Jefferson is undeniably fit to lead as our Chief of Staff. Her wit, wisdom, and candor accent her impact and contribute to the vitality of our university,” said President Williams.

Joy currently serves on the Hampton Roads Center Owners Association Board of Directors. She is a former member of the Virginia Peninsula YMCA Board of Directors, 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. 

Joy shared, “Our network is strong. We become greater as we nurture relationships and partnerships with a mutual heart for Hampton and our global community. I am glad to partner with President Williams in supporting our leaders and forging ahead in our pursuit of a greater Hampton.”

A native of Hampton Roads, Joy is a 1986 graduate of Hampton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Arts.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hampton, VA (Friday, September 8, 2023) – Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams is pleased to announce that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the HU campus on Thursday, September 14, as the first stop on the newly announced “Fight For Our Freedoms College Tour.”

“This generation is critical to the urgent issues that are at stake right now for our future,” Vice President Harris said in a statement. Vice President Harris is expected to visit a broad range of 11 campuses across the country to discuss such issues as gun violence, the cost of higher education, and the climate crisis with students.

“It is an honor to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris to our ‘Home By the Sea,’” said President Williams. “The excitement across our campus is palpable, and we are grateful for Vice President Harris’ focus on higher education and our students. The bright minds and student leaders of character at Hampton and other institutions are our future.”

Vice President Harris’ visit marks the first White House campus appearance during President Williams’ administration. Williams has entered his second year at the helm of HU with a tremendous surge in student enrollment and a focus on campus modernization as HU delivers the #1 student experience in America. 

About Hampton University

Founded in 1868, Hampton University has been the Standard of Excellence in higher education for over 150 years. Rich in history and tradition, Hampton University is recognized as one of the top historically black colleges and universities in the world, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts and graduate degree programs. HU is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators representing 49 states and 35 territories nations.

For more information, contact the HU University Relations Office, Richelle Payne at 484.908.9987 or Sarita Scott, at 757.927.7232.

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Roberts’ Leadership Will Heighten University Event Production and Maximize Hampton’s Competitive Edge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hampton, VA (August 11, 2023) – Underpinning the pursuit to enhance stakeholder engagement, Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams has appointed Apryl D. Roberts to the Office of the President as Director of Protocol and Special Events. She will oversee the planning, management, and delivery of a portfolio of events and drive counsel on procedural and diplomatic protocol for high-profile visitors to the University. Ms. Roberts will be a conduit for executing successful university events – equipping faculty and staff with an event planning toolkit, a suite of web-based resources, and a series of workshops to build confidence and mastery of new media.

With over 20 years of experience, Roberts is an industry leader in live event production & design and experiential marketing, leading such projects as the Mid-Atlantic Film Festival, Taste of Hampton Roads, Hope Celebrity Weekend, Kam Cares (Bam Bam’s Spring Jam) Celebrity Weekend and served as a Senior Producer for Pharrell Williams’ Mighty Dream Festival. Her work has been featured in publications such as American Express Open Forum, YFS Magazine, The Knot, and Munaluchi Bride. She recently served as the President of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) where she advanced the local scene by creating an inclusive community dedicated to elevating professionals engaged in live events.

President Williams shared, “The timing of Ms. Roberts’ appointment could not be better. She has the expertise and footprint to elevate our processes and experiences that will open doors and fill rooms.”

Roberts has rendered dynamic results for corporations, non-profit organizations, celebrities, brands, and television production teams alongside partnerships with marketing agencies to procure pre-screenings of television shows and movies such as “A Birth of a Nation.” 

She has received industry recognition from The International Live Events Association (ILEA), World Wide Women Group (WWWG), and Still Hope Foundation. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Old Dominion University.

Ms. Apryl Roberts said, “Great experiences are measured by execution and I am committed to delivering the best to the Hampton University community. I am honored to join the President’s Office and drive new strategies to elevate Hampton excellence!”

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Dr. Oladipupo’s Expertise in Technology and Innovation Will Accelerate Hampton to the Frontlines of Cutting-Edge Research and Best-in-Class Social and Academic Experiences.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hampton, VA (August 17, 2023) – Hampton University is upholding its commitment to commissioning the brightest minds for its greatest works with the appointment of Dr. Adebisi Oladipupo as Vice President of Information Technology.

With a sterling track record of harnessing technology to drive societal impact, he is poised to reshape the technological landscape, equipping the university with the tools to pioneer breakthroughs that will resonate far beyond the confines of campus. Prior to joining the Hampton University family, he closed in on a decade of service at Morgan State University as the Vice President for Technology & CIO after a marveled 14 years of service at Norfolk State University as the inaugural Vice President for Research & Technology and Chief Information Officer. A returning influence on the Hampton U community, he made an early-career progression for 13 years through the ranks to become the Assistant Dean of the School of Engineering & Technology.

Oladipupo earned his Doctor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Materials Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics (Materials Science) from the University of Ife, Nigeria. He also holds a certificate in Higher Education Management from Harvard University and is a recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Technology and Communications Leadership award.

“As we discover the possibilities of technological evolution and higher education, Dr. Adebisi Oladipupo emerges as an inspirational force, propelling Hampton University into the vanguard of innovation. We are grateful to have him on board.” said President Williams.

An acclaimed technologist, Dr. Oladipupo brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. He is a certified mobile application developer and a certified IT service management professional (ITIL). He has designed, developed, and implemented computer applications for self-paced learning and distance learning as a faculty.  He is a published co-author of three engineering textbooks in Computer-Aided Design and has served as a technical reviewer for the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Commerce. He has consulted for tech giants IBM, Lucent Technologies, and Motorola, Inc. in pervasive computing, wireless navigation systems, and mobile smart agent development. He was one of 26 scientists and engineers selected nationwide to serve as a member of an inaugural NSF Advisory Board on cyberinfrastructure.

“My mission as the VP for IT is to use technology to empower Hampton University to achieve its goals by providing innovative solutions that are secure, reliable, and efficient,” said Dr. Oladipupo. “Being back at Hampton gives me the feeling of a prodigal son who is warmly and lovingly welcomed back home. This is where I started my career and glad to be back at our Home by the Sea.”

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Grant Targets First-Generation College Students to Progress through the Academic Pipeline to Postbaccalaureate Programs

Hampton, Va. (August 1, 2023) – The U.S. Department of Education announced that the Hampton University Upward Bound Program has been awarded $1,487,995 from 2022 to 2027 to plan, develop and carry out community-based services for students in overcoming economic obstacles.

The program has completed the first year of another five-year grant cycle and held a graduation ceremony to celebrate the academic achievements, college acceptances, and scholarship awards of 17 program participants of An Achievable Dream, Denbigh, Heritage, Warwick and Phoebus High Schools.

“The goal is to increase the number of students who enroll in and graduate from college,” said Dr. Barbara Inman, vice president for administrative services. “This program is in concert with the new strategic plan to increase community outreach and engagement.” It provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.

Since 2017 Hampton University Upward Bound has served over 200 Scholars with a 99% high school graduation rate where over 70% of graduates have enrolled in post-secondary educational institutions. “These results have implications for significant increases in lifetime earnings which affect community and economic development in the Hampton Roads area,” said Dean of Student Achievement, Mr. Mikael Davis.

Upward Bound participants excelled despite challenges presented because of the Covid crisis. “We have worked to draw out their unique talents as we share Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams’ belief that, ‘. . . people do best in organizations where they feel valued, where they feel empowered, and where they feel that what they do makes a difference,’”said Upward Bound Director, Dr. Gregg Suzanne Ferguson.

During the summer, the program operates a six-week Summer Academy on the university campus.  For more information, about the Upward Bound program at Hampton University, visit:  Upward Bound — Home – HU Office of Student Affairs (hamptonu.edu) 

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Hampton, VA (June 22, 2023) – In a remarkable display of leadership, Hampton University has experienced an unprecedented surge in enrollment, deepening its position as a premier destination for aspiring students. This Fall, the university will welcome a freshman class of 1,292* students – a 39% increase from the 2022-2023 academic year.

This achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of a revitalized commitment to student success and urgency in execution. President Williams has rewritten the narrative of transitions in leadership in higher education. Under his stewardship, Hampton has experienced an energizing hope and heightened performance. His strategic emphasis on academic excellence, innovation, and delivering the #1 student experience in America has been pivotal in attracting an influx of talented students seeking an exceptional collegiate experience.

May 1 marked National College Decision Day, commonly regarded as the deadline for prospective students to formally accept offers of admission and send in enrollment deposits.

Hampton saw students commit earlier and at a historic rate than ever before. University Dean of Admissions, Angela Nixon Boyd, said, “Our goal was 1,200 [incoming students]. We surpassed the goal and have now had to waitlist students.” Qualified applicants who would have otherwise received an acceptance letter are now being held on a waitlist. If an admitted student changes their mind, the admissions team will refer to the waitlist on a first come, first served basis to fill any openings for the upcoming school year. The waitlist currently sits at a hefty 1,152*.

Admitted students took to social media to announce their college decision, sharing unique videos and photos in a viral storm that lasted days and caused engagement to skyrocket a whopping 351%. The University continues to see an upward trend in engagement from committed students and the high schools and organizations to which they belong.

Incoming students aren’t the only ones impressed; current students have expressed their approval of the Williams administration. Retention rates from Fall to Spring semester held strong with freshmen at 96% and continuing students at 93%. – a promising indicator of a booming campus experience for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Hampton’s alumni base has been a conduit for the delivery of the President’s mission. The National Hampton Alumni Association worked closely with the Office of Admissions to deepen student recruitment efforts, representing the University at events across the country that resulted in an uptick of committed students in several states, namely, Florida, Texas, and California. President Williams and First Lady Myra Richardson Williams prioritized efforts to establish a genuine camaraderie with alumni chapters as they traveled to personally share the Hampton story. “The energy that he and his wife bring to the University has certainly permeated throughout the country,” Dean Boyd shared.

As news of this achievement travels in academia and military circles alike, it has proven President Williams’ strength, candor, and esteem – earning both admiration and accolades nationwide.

For more information, visit: https://home.hamptonu.edu/admissions/

*as of June 14, 2023

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New Venture Capital Fund of Funds, The Historic Fund, to Support Historically Black Colleges and Universities 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

NEW YORK, NY – June 26, 2023 – Hampton University has been awarded $750,000 as one of the recipients of the inaugural $10M+ venture capital fund of funds, The Historic Fund, to support the endowments of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The fund is the brainchild of a group of prominent investors and operators in the venture capital ecosystem who recognize the importance of HBCUs and their role in promoting equity and inclusion in higher education. 

“An endowed university is not only an institution of learning but a beacon of endurance and limitless possibilities. It grants us the flexibility to adapt to emerging challenges, seize new opportunities, and invest in the long-term sustainability of our institution,” said Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams. “We are grateful to have the support of this special venture capital fund. To be in the inaugural cohort of The Historic Fund is an honor. It allows us to foster an environment of intellectual curiosity, empowering students to become globally astute leaders of influence. The significance of a robust endowment cannot be overstated.” 

The Historic Fund is a unique philanthropic initiative that invites selected HBCUs to be limited partners without investing their own assets. Instead, the fund raised capital from partners of the participating funds: Acrew Capital, B Capital, Cowboy Ventures, First Round Capital, FirstMark Capital, Foundry, General Catalyst, Spark Capital, and Union Square Ventures. The fund will also support a variety of under-represented fund managers via its stake in First Close Partners, a venture fund with the mission of making venture capital more inclusive that invests in funds led by underrepresented managers. The schools will function as traditional limited partners in a venture capital fund, and will be free to use the returns as they wish. 

The goal of the fund of funds is not only to bolster the endowments of HBCUs, but also to foster connectivity between these institutions and the broader venture capital community. Historically, opportunities in venture capital, both for funding and for employment, have been concentrated among graduates of a small number of universities. The Historic Fund hopes to leverage its position at the intersection of the HBCU community and the venture capital community to develop programming that will expand opportunities for students curious about entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as support administrations exploring alternative asset class strategies with their endowments.  

“As we continue to combat the racial inequities that Black students face, The Historic Fund aims to relieve the disproportionate financial pressure on Black families, while also providing essential funding for research and innovation at each of these institutions,” said Ken Chenault, chairman and a managing director of the venture capital firm General Catalyst, and the former chairman and CEO of American Express. 

The inaugural cohort of HBCU partners will be Benedict College, Bennett College, Fisk University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.  

“This partnership is a tremendous asset to helping secure the bright future of Virginia State University. It will bolster our endowments without a tremendous risk to our limited resources,” said Robert L. Turner, Jr. Esq, Executive Director of Virginia State University’s Foundation Board. “Acquiring and distributing these financial resources places VSU in a financial arena that has not traditionally been a part of our financial repertoire.” 

At the helm of this effort is a group of esteemed professionals in the innovation ecosystem who are passionate about improving access and equity in the world of venture capital. The initiative has benefited from the guidance and support of Dr. Regina Benjamin, a founding partner of First Close Partners and former Surgeon General of the United States; Ken Chenault, Chairman and Managing Director at General Catalyst; Josh Kopelman, Managing Partner at First Round Capital and founding partner of First Close Partners; Megan Maloney, Managing Partner at Dria Ventures; Samson Mesele, Partner and General Counsel at Union Square Ventures; Ekwutozia Nwabuzor, Counsel at Lowenstein Sandler; Adanma Raymond, the fund’s Executive Director; and Ed Zimmerman, Tech Group Chair at Lowenstein Sandler and founding partner of First Close Partners.  

Notable partners and supporters of The Historic Fund include Lowenstein Sandler, The Philadelphia Foundation, Aduro Advisors, Passthrough, and the Student Freedom Initiative. 

For more information on The Historic Fund, please visit www.historicfund.org, or contact Executive Director Adanma Raymond at adanma@historicfund.org 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2023

Matt Shank, President
shank@vfic.org

(Richmond, Virginia – June 28, 2023) – Hampton University, an HBCU located in Hampton, Virginia, officially became the seventeenth member of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) on June 3, 2023. Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree programs. In addition to being one of the top historically Black universities in the world, Hampton University is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators, representing 49 states and 35 territories and nations.
This new affiliation is the result of a discussion between Matthew Shank, Ph.D., president of the VFIC, and LTG (ret) Darrell K. Williams, president of Hampton University. The VFIC extended an invitation to Hampton University to join the consortium, and the Foundation’s leadership unanimously approved the measure at its annual meeting in early June. VFIC board members recognize the aligned missions of Hampton University and the other sixteen schools in the consortium: to teach a broadly pragmatic liberal arts and sciences education in environments that value and encourage ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.
“Our priorities align closely with the VFIC’s mission, which is to provide a top-quality and affordable education as we prepare tomorrow’s global leaders,” says LTG (ret) Darrell K. Williams, the thirteenth president of Hampton University. “Virginia’s private colleges and universities offer a unique academic experience and are critical to the creation of a diverse and inclusive workforce.”
Hampton University was founded on April 1, 1868, as Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute by Brigadier General Samuel Armstrong, Superintendent of the Freedmen’s Bureau of the Ninth District of Virginia. Symbolized by the historical Emancipation Oak, the school’s mission emphasized the lasting promise of education for all, even in the face of adversity. Today, Hampton University is engaged in “Elevating Hampton Excellence,” a 2023-2033 strategic plan that aims to elevate academic excellence, increase research and innovation, improve operations and infrastructure, and increase financial sustainability.
Research and public service are integral parts of Hampton’s mission. In order to enhance scholarship and discovery, the faculty is engaged in writing, research, and grantsmanship. Faculty, staff, and students provide leadership and service to the University, as well as the global community. In achieving The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges
901 East Byrd Street, Suite 1625 804.288.6609 Richmond, VA 23219 www.vfic.org its mission, Hampton University offers exemplary programs and opportunities that enable students,
faculty, and staff to grow, develop, and contribute to our society in a productive and useful manner.
“The entire VFIC family is honored to welcome President Darrell Williams and Hampton University into our excellent consortium,” says Nancy Agee, CEO of Carilion Clinic and chair of the VFIC. “The VFIC will certainly benefit from adding such an outstanding university to our ranks and Hampton will also gain from collaborating with our other sixteen leading independent colleges and universities in Virginia. We look forward to establishing a strong and longstanding partnership with Hampton University.”
For more information, please contact Matt Shank, Ph.D., president of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. You can reach him at shank@vfic.org.
About the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges
Established in 1952, the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) aims to advance the distinctive values and strengths of the seventeen colleges across Virginia that make up our consortium. We accomplish this goal by generating financial support for our schools – more than $170 million since our inception. Leveraging those resources, we establish and administer a range of programs that help our schools attract the best and brightest, create a vibrant and rigorous educational experience, prepare students for a fulfilling career, and cultivate responsible leaders for the communities they call home.
The following seventeen schools make up our consortium: Bridgewater College, Emory & Henry College, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampton University, Hollins University, Mary Baldwin University, Marymount University, Randolph College, Randolph-Macon College, Roanoke College, Shenandoah University, Sweet Briar College, University of Lynchburg, University of Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Washington and Lee University. These schools educate nearly 30,000 students, 24,000 of whom are undergraduates. Of the fifteen chapters of Phi Beta Kappa in Virginia, nine reside on VFIC campuses. Thirty percent of undergraduates from VFIC schools graduate with a
STEM-H degree.
VFIC schools are racially, culturally, and economically diverse. According to current research from the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia, 42 percent of VFIC undergraduates come from minority backgrounds. Thirty percent of undergraduates receive a PELL Grant. The mean income for these students, depending on the school, ranges from $29,000 to $38,000/annually. With enrollments between 350 and 3,500 students, our schools teach a broadly pragmatic liberal arts and sciences
education in environments that value and encourage ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.

For more information on the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, visit: https://www.vfic.org/news-publications/hampton-university-welcome-2023/ [vfic.org]

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Hampton, VA (June 14, 2023) – Hampton University announced that it has been chosen to receive $65,000 in funding from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

This funding will support More Than Manicured Lawns: Hampton University’s Historically-Themed Landscape Plan.

“We are grateful to the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund for their support of our project, ‘More Than Manicured Lawns’ and our dedication to telling stories of African American achievement and resilience,” said President Darrell K. Williams. “This funding will allow us to further enhance and preserve the historical significance of our university’s landscape, ensuring that future generations can experience and appreciate the rich heritage it represents.”

“The Action Fund’s investment in and celebration of 40 historic African American places illustrates our belief that historic preservation plays an important role in American society,” said Brent Leggs, executive director, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and senior vice president, National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The history embodied in these places is emblematic of generational aspirations for freedom, the pursuit of education, a need for beauty and architecture, and joys of social life and community bonds. That’s why the Action Fund believes all Americans must see themselves and our shared history in this year’s grantee list if we are to create a culturally conscious nation.”

Hampton University is one of 40 sites to receive a total of $3.8 million in grant funding to advance ongoing preservation activities for historic places such as sites, museums, and landscapes that represent African American cultural heritage. With more than $91 million in funding, the Action Fund is the largest U.S. resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic places.

Since 2017, the Action Fund has received an unprecedented total of 5,638 funding proposals requesting $655 million, and since 2018, the Action Fund has supported 242 grantee projects through its investment of $20M.

To learn more about this program and this year’s grant recipients, visit savingplaces.org/actionfund.