{"id":462,"date":"2021-04-01T09:58:56","date_gmt":"2021-04-01T13:58:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/?page_id=462"},"modified":"2025-04-30T10:10:27","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T14:10:27","slug":"robert-f-smith","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/robert-f-smith\/","title":{"rendered":"Robert F Smith"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"462\" class=\"elementor elementor-462\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6209321 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6209321\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;shape_divider_top&quot;:&quot;triangle&quot;,&quot;shape_divider_top_negative&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shape elementor-shape-top\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-negative=\"true\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 100\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n\t<path class=\"elementor-shape-fill\" d=\"M500.2,94.7L0,0v100h1000V0L500.2,94.7z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3003c4b\" data-id=\"3003c4b\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e781b65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"e781b65\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/elementor\/thumbs\/sfi-p4zi90l2jmxi1s539ysqz04327qrmnw0uw35x8thfm.png\" title=\"Student Freedom Initiative &#8211; Hampton University\" alt=\"Student Freedom Initiative - Hampton University\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e7cf31d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"e7cf31d\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8931dbd\" data-id=\"8931dbd\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b24a497 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"b24a497\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19de95f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"19de95f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">HU Financial Aid Links<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a23dfea elementor-nav-menu__align-start elementor-nav-menu--dropdown-mobile elementor-nav-menu__text-align-aside elementor-nav-menu--toggle elementor-nav-menu--burger elementor-widget elementor-widget-nav-menu\" data-id=\"a23dfea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;layout&quot;:&quot;vertical&quot;,&quot;submenu_icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;&lt;i class=\\&quot;fas fa-caret-down\\&quot;&gt;&lt;\\\/i&gt;&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;fa-solid&quot;},&quot;toggle&quot;:&quot;burger&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"nav-menu.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<nav aria-label=\"Menu\" class=\"elementor-nav-menu--main elementor-nav-menu__container elementor-nav-menu--layout-vertical e--pointer-none\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul id=\"menu-1-a23dfea\" class=\"elementor-nav-menu sm-vertical\"><li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-303\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Apply for Aid<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-209\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-award-acceptance\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Award Acceptance<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-205\"><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FAFSA<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-208\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-application-process\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FAFSA Process<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-206\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-210\"><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">MPN for Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-207\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/virginia-grants-and-scholarships\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Virginia Grants &#038; Scholarships<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-239\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/contact\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Call Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-238\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/contact\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Contact Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-203\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/eligibility-for-federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Eligibility for Federal Student Aid<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-232\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">FAQ<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-237\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/verification-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FAFSA &#038; Verification<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-234\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-233\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/parent-faq-a-must-read\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Parent<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-235\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/post-9-11-gi-bill-yellow-ribbon-faqs\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Post 9-11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-236\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/scholarships-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Scholarship<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-229\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/forms\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Financial Aid Forms<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-187\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Financial Aid Information<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-190\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/college-planning\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">College Planning<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-188\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/directors-letter\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Director&#8217;s Letter<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-193\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/huid-letter\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">ID Letter<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-192\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/important-dates\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Important Dates<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-189\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-news\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">News<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-191\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/study-abroad\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Study Abroad<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-228\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/military\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Financial Aid for Military, Veteran &#038; ROTC Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-194\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Financial Aid Policies<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-195\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Awarding Federal Student Aid<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-199\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/03\/FERPA-Policy.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FERPA Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/03\/Financial-Aid-Disclosure-Policy.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Financial Aid Disclosures<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-201\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/stipend\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Financial Aid Stipend Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-197\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Professional Judgment<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-196\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/satisfactory-academic-progress\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Satisfactory Academic Progress<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-198\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/verification-process-2\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Verification Policy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-221\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Grants<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-223\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/fseog\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FSEOG Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-222\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-pell-grant\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Federal PELL Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-225\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/iran-and-afghanistan-service-grant\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Iraq &#038; Afghanistan Service Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-224\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/teach\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">TEACH Grant<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-211\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/international-students\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">International Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-212\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Loans<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-213\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-214\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/stafford\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Federal Direct Stafford Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-215\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-direct-parent-plus-loan\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-216\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-direct-grad-plus-loans\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-217\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/alternative-loans\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Alternative Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-218\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/debt-management\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Debt Management<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-219\"><a href=\"https:\/\/universityhq.org\/paying-for-college\/student-loans\/student-loan-calculator\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Student Loan Calculator<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-220\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/entrance-and-exit-loan-counseling\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Entrance &#038; Exit Loan Counseling<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-home menu-item-240\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Student Freedom Initiative<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-226\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/scholarship-search\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Scholarship Search<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-202\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/student-news\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Student News<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-227\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/summer-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Summer Aid<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-231\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/useful-links\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Useful Links<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-toggle\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Menu Toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"elementor-menu-toggle__icon--open eicon-menu-bar\"><\/i><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"elementor-menu-toggle__icon--close eicon-close\"><\/i>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<nav class=\"elementor-nav-menu--dropdown elementor-nav-menu__container\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul id=\"menu-2-a23dfea\" class=\"elementor-nav-menu sm-vertical\"><li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-303\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Apply for Aid<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-209\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-award-acceptance\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Award Acceptance<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-205\"><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAFSA<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-208\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-application-process\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAFSA Process<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-206\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-210\"><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">MPN for Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-207\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/virginia-grants-and-scholarships\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Virginia Grants &#038; Scholarships<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-239\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/contact\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Call Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-238\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/contact\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Contact Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-203\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/eligibility-for-federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Eligibility for Federal Student Aid<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-232\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAQ<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-237\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/verification-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAFSA &#038; Verification<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-234\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-233\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/parent-faq-a-must-read\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Parent<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-235\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/post-9-11-gi-bill-yellow-ribbon-faqs\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Post 9-11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-236\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/scholarships-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Scholarship<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-229\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/forms\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid Forms<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-187\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid Information<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-190\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/college-planning\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">College Planning<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-188\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/directors-letter\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Director&#8217;s Letter<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-193\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/huid-letter\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">ID Letter<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-192\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/important-dates\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Important Dates<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-189\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-news\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">News<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-191\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/study-abroad\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Study Abroad<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-228\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/military\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid for Military, Veteran &#038; ROTC Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-194\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid Policies<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-195\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Awarding Federal Student Aid<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-199\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/03\/FERPA-Policy.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FERPA Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/03\/Financial-Aid-Disclosure-Policy.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid Disclosures<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-201\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/stipend\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid Stipend Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-197\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Professional Judgment<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-196\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/satisfactory-academic-progress\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Satisfactory Academic Progress<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-198\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/verification-process-2\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Verification Policy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-221\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Grants<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-223\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/fseog\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FSEOG Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-222\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-pell-grant\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Federal PELL Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-225\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/iran-and-afghanistan-service-grant\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Iraq &#038; Afghanistan Service Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-224\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/teach\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">TEACH Grant<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-211\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/international-students\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">International Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-212\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Loans<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-213\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-214\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/stafford\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Federal Direct Stafford Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-215\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-direct-parent-plus-loan\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-216\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-direct-grad-plus-loans\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-217\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/alternative-loans\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Alternative Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-218\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/debt-management\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Debt Management<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-219\"><a href=\"https:\/\/universityhq.org\/paying-for-college\/student-loans\/student-loan-calculator\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Student Loan Calculator<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-220\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/entrance-and-exit-loan-counseling\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Entrance &#038; Exit Loan Counseling<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-home menu-item-240\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Student Freedom Initiative<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-226\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/scholarship-search\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Scholarship Search<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-202\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/student-news\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Student News<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-227\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/summer-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Summer Aid<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-231\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/useful-links\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Useful Links<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-82b57f4\" data-id=\"82b57f4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-326bee4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"326bee4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1>About Robert F. Smith<\/h1><figure><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-511 size-medium alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2021\/04\/robert_f_smith-221x300.jpg\" alt=\"Robert F. Smith\" width=\"221\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2021\/04\/robert_f_smith-221x300.jpg 221w, https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2021\/04\/robert_f_smith.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 221px) 100vw, 221px\" \/><figcaption>Robert F. Smith supports funding alternatives for STEM majors at HBCUs including Hampton University.<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>As Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/robertsmithvista\/\">Robert F. Smith<\/a> has a long history of creating big change through business and entrepreneurship. He also has focused his philanthropic efforts on programs in the African American community, including supporting initiatives to lift up hard-working students.<\/p><p>\u201cWe have systemic issues that are caused by systemic racism that need to be deconstructed,\u201d Smith said in a <a href=\"https:\/\/time.com\/collection\/100-most-influential-people-2020\/5888443\/robert-f-smith\/\">TIME 100 honoree<\/a> talk, where he called on executives to do more than offer \u201cperfunctory\u201d donations \u201cthat are a mere drop in the bucket.\u201d Instead of just one donation, as unprecedented as it was, Smith decided to make generational change.<\/p><p>\u201cIt is incumbent upon me to do my part to educate, awaken and enable all those who want to participate&#8230;in this moment of inflection,\u201d he said.<\/p><h2>Robert F. Smith and Student Freedom Initiative<\/h2><p>When <a href=\"https:\/\/morehouse.edu\/\">Smith spoke at the Morehouse College commencement<\/a> in May 2019, the idea for <a href=\"https:\/\/studentfreedominitiative.org\/\">Student Freedom Initiative<\/a> was still growing. By the end of that speech, he had announced that he would be donating $34 million to pay off the student loan debt of the entire graduating class, including loans taken on by their parents. But that was only the beginning of Smith\u2019s work to alleviate student loan debt. As Smith has noted, it takes more than just one act to create lasting change.<\/p><p>\u201cEach year, thousands of black graduates from HBCUs across America enter the workforce with a crushing debt burden that stunts future decisions and prevents opportunities and choices,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThe Initiative is purposefully built to redress historic economic and social inequities and to offer a sustainable, scalable platform to invest in the education of future Black leaders.\u201d<\/p><p>As a HBCU, Hampton University is well aware of the potential of its students and graduates. The goal of every parent, teacher and mentor within the Hampton community is to see graduates thrive and inspire their peers and generations to come. But they can\u2019t achieve their full potential if saddled with student loan debt that could stifle their job choices and career path.<\/p><p>&#8220;The Student Freedom Initiative is inspired by our common goal of liberating the human spirit by removing the systemic barriers that prevent students from maximizing their opportunities in life,&#8221; said Smith. &#8220;By addressing the financial stress of college and providing students with resources and community, we can finally broaden the talent pipeline and create a more diverse and thriving economy.&#8221;<\/p><h2>A History of Hard Work and Philanthropy<\/h2><p>Smith believes strongly in the power of education and dedicated scholarship, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/robertfredericksmith\">his own history of hard work and scholarship<\/a> reflects his drive to achieve. As a high school student in Denver, CO, he tirelessly worked to earn a coveted internship at Bell Labs \u2014 an opportunity traditionally awarded to college students. With persistence and an academic background that spoke to his abilities, he was offered the opportunity to learn at Bell. After earning his Engineering degree at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cornell.edu\/\">Cornell University<\/a>, and later an MBA at Columbia, Smith went on to work in the engineering field at Goodyear Tire and Rubber and Kraft General Foods, and through his hard work was awarded four patents.<\/p><p>Later growing his interests in technology and entrepreneurship, Smith worked in the Mergers &amp; Acquisitions department at Goldman Sachs, and worked with leaders in Silicon Valley, including IBM and Apple. He then left Goldman and founded his own company, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/vista_equity\">Vista Equity Partners<\/a>, in 2000. After two decades, Vista is one of the leading private equity firms in the world, and exclusively invests in enterprise software companies.<\/p><p>Smith\u2019s philanthropic work focuses on those programs that will lift the human spirit. He has been honored with distinctions for his efforts, including:<\/p><ul><li>Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy<\/li><li>Texas Business Hall of Fame 2019 Inductee<\/li><li>UNCF\u2019s President\u2019s Award<\/li><li>Forbes\u2019 100 Greatest Living Business Minds<\/li><li>Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Chair\u2019s Award<\/li><\/ul><p><a href=\"https:\/\/robertsmith.com\/\">Smith\u2019s goals of lifting up the human spirit\u00a0<\/a> within often underserved and underrepresented communities also influences work he does with organizations that promote career development, educational opportunities and financial equity. These programs include the Eagle Academies in New York, the Denver Public Schools\u2019 Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy and the Sphinx Organization. He has also put forth notable plans for corporations to support underserved communities, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/ruthumoh\/2021\/01\/02\/forbes-diversity--inclusion-awards-2020-the-2-solution-to-racial-inequality\/\">The 2% Solution<\/a>, which was honored by the Forbes 2020 Diversity &amp; Inclusion Awards and his work in 2020 to ensure that government Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans reached communities where historic banking inequity is common.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/robertfredericksmith\">Instagram<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCAZjrIxOYbTgMVM1s7CjdEg\">YouTube<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RFS_Vista\">Twitter<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HU Financial Aid Links About Robert F. Smith Robert F. Smith supports funding alternatives for STEM majors at HBCUs including Hampton University. As Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, Robert F. Smith has a long history of creating big change through business and entrepreneurship. He also has focused his philanthropic efforts on programs [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-462","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Robert F Smith - Student Freedom Initiative<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The brainchild of philanthropist and entrepreneur Robert F. Smith, the Initiative grew to life after his $34 million gift to pay off the student loan debt of the 2019 graduating class at Morehouse College, and that of their parents.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Robert F Smith - Student Freedom Initiative\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The brainchild of philanthropist and entrepreneur Robert F. 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