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CONTENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
01 ON THE CAMPUS
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HU Psychology Department Hosts Inaugural Black Decolonial Psychology Conference | Moton Hall Gets a Facelift
Hampton University Honors Dr. King’s Legacy | HU Earns Prestigious Recognition of Best Private College in VA by Coastal Virginia Magazine
03 PHILANTHROPY
HU Receives $4.9M from U.S. Department of Education to Establish an Interdisciplinary Climate Science Degree Program
February Newsletter, by the Office of Alumni Affairs and Parent Relations oaa.hamptonu.edu 2 THE HAMPTONIAN
YOUR “HOME BY THE SEA”
04 UPCOMING EVENTS
07 SPORTS
HU Releases 2024 Football Schedule
05 ALUMNI FEATURES
06 ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
Hampton Alumna Racquel Oden ‘98 Assumes Historic Appointment at Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Ronald Andrews, M.D.’91 | Marlee Coles ‘14 | Monica Wharton ‘98 | Honorable Kim Parker ‘92 | COL (Dr.) Myron McDaniels ‘91
CAREER AND PRE-PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Join the Hampton Team | Morgan Stanley | Home Depot | Virginia Management Fellow’s Program | Freewill 08
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On the Campus
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HU Psychology Department Hosts Inaugural Black Decolonial Psychology Conference
The Hampton University Department of Psychology hosted its Inaugural Black Decolonial Psychology Conference, “Decolonizing, Liberating and Healing the Black Pyche-Soul” on January 26-27. The conference was open to the public. This groundbreaking event aimed 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.
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“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 started 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 participated in engaging panel discussions, research presentations, and interactive workshops that delved 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.
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Moton Hall Gets A Facelift
Recently, Hampton University celebrated the renovation of Moton Hall with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, January 16. Updates included new gaming systems, a fitness room, a study lounge on each floor, a renovated kitchen area, and Jack and Jill bathrooms. Also, Moton is now a coed, upperclassman dorm.
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Community Engagement
Hampton University Honors Dr. King’s Legacy
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The Hampton University Office of Student Activities, the Hampton Chapter of the NAACP, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council hosted the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. march and program on Monday, January 15, on campus. Both events were free and open to the public. The march began at 10:15 a.m. at the Emancipation Oak with Rev. Dr. Jerome A. Barber of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple in Hampton presiding. The march went from William R. Harvey Way to Ogden Hall, where Rev. Cedric D. Rouson, pastor of The Place of Change, delivered the keynote address. A reception hosted by the Gamma Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. immediately followed the program at the Student Center’s Student Lounge.
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HU Earns Prestigious Recognition of Best Private College in VA by Coastal Virginia Magazine
Hampton University proudly announces its recent recognition as the Best Private College in Virginia by Coastal Virginia Magazine. This esteemed accolade reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and its enduring impact on the local and global communities. The university’s steadfast commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, coupled with a focus on cutting-edge research and community engagement, has positioned it as a standout institution in the region. “We are honored to receive this recognition from Coastal Virginia Magazine,” said HU President Darrell K. Williams. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students who contribute tirelessly to our institution’s success. “Hampton University remains steadfast in its mission to empower and educate future leaders, while delivering the #1 student experience in America, and we are grateful to be acknowledged as the Best Private College in Virginia.” Coastal Virginia Magazine’s recognition of Hampton University underscores the institution’s continuous pursuit of academic excellence, community service, and the holistic development of its students.
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The university takes pride in offering a transformative educational experience that prepares graduates to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society. HU has entered a new chapter under the leadership of its 13th President, Darrell K. Williams, who took office in July 2022, in an historic transition. Ret. U.S. Army Gen. Williams was the first Black director of the Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency, and brings a wealth of experience and innovation to the university. His record, replete with awards such as the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit, speaks volumes of his leadership capabilities. As Hampton University celebrates this prestigious honor, it looks forward to building on its legacy of excellence and contributing to the educational landscape in Virginia and beyond. See the magazine HERE.
Forty Under 40 is back!
Nominate a deserving Hamptonian today.
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Philanthropy
HU Receives $4.9M from U.S. Department of Education to Establish an Interdisciplinary Climate Science Degree Program
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.
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“The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the urgency of this moment in higher education
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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-Tolliver, 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.”
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Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
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NHAA, Inc.
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Hampton Alumna Racquel Oden ‘98 Assumes Historic Appointment at Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Alumni Features
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Racquel Oden ‘98 is the first woman in Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s 37year history to assume the role of Board Chair, announced the organization, which was founded in 1987 by Dr. N. Joyce Payne as a bastion of support for Black students seeking higher education. Oden takes the new role with extensive experience in finance and a highly regarded reputation in the wealth management business, according to TMCF.
Oden was tapped to lead HSBC Bank’s wealth management, global private banking, and retail companies in the United States. TMCF officials plan to leverage that experience, adding that Oden’s transformative work in industry uniquely positions her to serve as an advocate to secure new partnerships. “As a member of the TMCF board for the past 16 years and an HBCU [Hampton University] alum, I’ve experienced first-hand the pivotal role we play in nurturing future leaders & providing access,” said Oden. “The resilience, brilliance, and ambition of our scholars energize our mission. As I step into this role, my commitment is to uphold the values and goals that have elevated TMCF to its eminent standing.” Oden holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from James Madison University
and an MBA from Hampton University. She also serves on the Boards of Directors for the Apollo Theater, New York City’s Prep for Prep, and The New York City Police Foundation and on the National Board of Directors. TMCF officials noted Oden’s Board Chair appointment as a powerful symbol of the organization’s dedication to promoting equity, particularly in the face of challenges to diversity and inclusion efforts following the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action. Oden also served as the keynote speaker for Hampton University’s 131st Founder’s Day celebration. To read more about Racquel Oden, click HERE.
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Alumni Highlights
Congrats to Alumnus Ronald Andrews, M.D.’91 on His Lifetime Achievement Award by President Biden Congratulations to Alumnus Ronald Andrews, M.D.’91 for his Presidential Honor. Andrews was named among the 2024 class of health professionals recognized with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. A ceremony honoring the recipients was held in Washington DC on January 19th, 2024. Dr. Andrews is the President of the East Baton Rouge Medical Association. He has been committed to the betterment of the medical field as well as a community advocate for more than 20 years. The Louisiana Department of Health recruited Dr. Andrews in 2020 to assist in the state’s COVID-19 response campaign, Bring Back Louisiana. It was through this campaign that Dr. Andrews introduced the use of Portable Medical Records (PMR) and helped create and implement the processes the Louisiana National Guard would follow to safely test and provide vaccines throughout Louisiana via outreach events. Dr. Andrews remarked: “I am extremely honored to receive the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing my continued quest to improve the health, wellbeing and lives of my fellow Louisianans and beyond.”
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Congrats to Alumna Marlee Coles ‘14 on Her 40 Under 40 Honor Congratulations to Alumna Marlee Coles ‘14 on being named one of The Roanoker Magazine’s 40 Under 40. Coles imparts her expertise to the next generation of beauty professionals as Cosmetology Teacher at BCAT at Roanoke County Public Schools. She also serves as a Redken Brand Ambassador and Territory Development Manager for L’Oreal USA Professional Products Division. Read more about Coles HERE.
Congrats to Alumna Monica Wharton ‘98 on Her New Appointment Congratulations to Alumna Monica Wharton ‘98 on her new appointment to the American Hospital Association (AHA) Regional Policy Board in Region 4 (RPB4). Wharton currently serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. Regional Policy Boards foster communication between the AHA, its members, and state hospital associations and provide important input on critical public policy issues unique to a region. Read more HERE.
Congrats to Alumna Honorable Kim Parker ‘92 on Her New Appointment Congratulations to Alumna Honorable Kim Parker ‘92, who was appointed by Governor Hochul to serve on the Supreme Court of New York. Hon. Michelle Johnson ‘89 spoke for the official induction ceremony.
Congrats to Alumnus COL (Dr.) Myron McDaniels ‘91 on His Retirement Congratulations to Alumnus COL (Dr.) Myron McDaniels ‘91 on his retirement from the Army. COL McDaniels’ stood before a crowd of family, friends, alumni, and coworkers to officially close out his 28 year career. Lieutenant General Dingle, the Army Surgeon General, hosted the ceremony.
Parker has worked as an Administrative Law Judge and Hearing Officer at the Office of Administrative Trials & Hearings since 2017. She also has served as a sole-practitioner since 2002 and as Of Counsel to Kip Lenoir, Esq. since 2003. From 2015 to 2017, she served as Executive Director of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. She also served as Special Counsel to former New York State Senator Eric Adams. Additionally, she worked on President Obama’s Clemency Project, providing pro bono legal services to federal prisoners.
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Sports
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HU Releases 2024 Football Schedule 20 THE HAMPTONIAN
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Sports
Career and PreProfessional Opportunities
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Administrative Assistant to AVP | Office of Alumni Affairs and Parent Relations MORE INFO
Assistant Director of Class Affairs/Reunions | Office of Alumni Affairs and Parent Relations MORE INFO
Copywriter | Office of Alumni Affairs and Parent Relations MORE INFO
Digital Media Specialist | Office of Alumni Affairs and Parent Relations MORE INFO
Digital Marketing Specialist | Office of Alumni Affairs and Parent Relations MORE INFO
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Morgan Stanley Internships We encourage candidates to apply as early as possible on our Campus Career Site as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You may apply for up to three programs. 2025 Summer Internship Applications – Key Dates: • • •
Revenue 2025 Internship Applications Opened on January 15, 2024 Infrastructure 2025 Internship Applications Open on March 15, 2024 Technology 2025 Internship Applications Open on June 15, 2024
Please reach out to Campus Recruiting should you have any questions.
Join Our Externship Program We are looking for ambitious sophomores, juniors, and seniors currently enrolled in accredited HBCUs to apply for our 2024 Spring Externship. Throughout the 6–8-week program, externs will work with The Home Depot’s internal departments to gain market research skills, experiential learning, and networking opportunities. This externship provides an opportunity to work on an actual organizational challenge faced by The Home Depot. Students will conduct a detailed analysis of an assigned project and suggest best practices, actionable insights, and thoughtful strategic solutions for the company. The externship will run from February 12, 2024 until April 12, 2024. APPLY NOW
Work With the Home Depot If Hampton University students are looking to get their career started after graduation, look no further than The Home Depot. This spring we’re hiring graduating seniors for full-time opportunities ranging from retail media technology and sales. Whether they know their career path, or not, interested students can check out our internship and entry-level opportunities to find the one that’s right for them. Kickstart your career with The Home Depot. Apply for a position at least 30-60 days before graduation so that your application is secured. APPLY NOW
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Virginia Management Fellow’s Program
The Commonwealth of Virginia – through a partnership between Virginia Tech and the Department of Human Resource Management – is hiring a 7th cohort for the Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) program. These Virginia General Assembly funded appointments typically range from 10-15 Fellows per cohort. Applications are available now on the state’s jobs.virginia. gov website or through our website, where you can also learn more about the program: https://vmf.spia.vt.edu/ application. The Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) is a leadership and management training program of the Commonwealth of Virginia, employing best and brightest in a 2-year salaried and fully-benefited fellowship. The deadline for submission for Cohort 7 of the VMF program is Monday, February 5, 2024 at 11:55pm EST.
In celebrating Black History Month, we at Hampton University are reminded of the importance of legacy. As part of our dedication to shaping a future as rich as our past, we offer FreeWill as a resource for creating your will and planning your legacy. This tool simplifies estate planning, enabling you to align your future plans with your values. As you plan, please consider including a gift to Hampton University in your estate. Your contribution will support future generations, continuing our tradition of education and empowerment. Get started here.
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