Alumni Highlights

Congrats to Alumni Tyra Dent ‘79, William Brown ‘63, and Dr Janice Unverwod ‘98, on Leading AAFEA to Another Successful Year

Hampton Alumni are making a difference in the federal Senior Executive Service (SES) nationwide. The African American Federal Executive Association is a highly effective executive organization that is impacting the advancement of African Americans into the SES and profoundly impacting our nation’s future.

Tyra Dent, SES (ret), Hampton 1979, President of the African American Federal Executive Association, led the organization to another successful year, evident by the over 300 attendees to its national workshop at the University of Maryland, September 18 -20. AAFEA is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to preparing and supporting African Americans for advancement into and within the senior ranks of the U. S. Government. Founded on February 28, 2002, by another Hampton graduate, William A. Brown Sr, SES (ret), Hampton 1963, AAFEA has grown into the most influential organization for current and aspiring senior executive service (SES) members. The Honorable Ventris C. Gibson, the first African-American Director of the U.S. Mint, delivered a keynote address. Dr. Janice Bell Underwood, SES, Hampton 1998, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, Office of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, received the covenant Ebenezer Bassett Distinguished Service Award.

Congrats to Alumnus Kenneth E. Sharperson ‘93 on His New Role

Congratulations to Kenneth E. Sharperson ‘93 on his new role as Chief Diversity Officer at Armstrong Teasdale LLP.

Armstrong Teasdale is a partner-owned law firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The firm has about 800 employees in 18 offices. It was founded in 1901.

Congrats to Alumna Juliet Gilliam ‘88 on Her Promotion

The National Park Foundation has welcomed Hampton University alumna Juliet Gilliam ‘88 as their new VP of Media and Entertainment Relationships. Her expertise and accomplishments in the entertainment industry are exactly why she’s the first to serve in this newly created position. Read more about Juliet Gilliam HERE.

Congrats to Alumna Ashleigh Phillips ‘13 on Her New Role

Ashleigh Phillips joined United States Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia’s senior staff as the Administrative Director. In this role, Ashleigh manages all administrative functions of the office, including preparation, oversight, and implementation of the annual budget.

Ashleigh’s passion for public service began during her tenure as a Constituent Liaison with Majority Leader Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD 5th District), representing the Congressman in Maryland on a range of issues and assisting constituents with casework. Ashleigh later joined the House Committee on Homeland Security as the Clerk under the leadership of then Chairman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, where she provided support to committee counsels on legislative, procedural, and policy matters. She later served as the Director of Operations for Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.

Ashleigh holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hampton University and a Master of Arts in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University. She is a proud, active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated.

Congrats to Alumna Adrienne Clair ‘92 on Her New Role

Thompson Coburn recently announced several leadership transitions, including Washington, D.C. partner Adrienne Clair’s appointment to the firm’s Executive Committee.

Adrienne, Hampton ‘92, is a partner in the firm’s regulatory practice focused on representing clients in electric and natural gas pipeline matters. She serves as counsel for cooperative and municipal utilities in proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on transmission planning and cost allocation, markets for energy and capacity and related transactions and proceedings.

Read more about Adrienne Clair HERE

Congrats to Alumnus John Rose ‘14 on Being Named 40 Under 40

Congratulations to John T. Rose, who was named to the 2023 class of 40 Under 40 honorees by Georgia Trend magazine.

The annual list features the “best and brightest” professionals under the age of 40 in Georgia who are at the top of their field professionally and provide “service to others outside of work.”

Rose, an associate in the Entertainment & Sports Law Department, is cited as “a versatile attorney representing some of the biggest names in entertainment” who “uses his acumen and experience to make a difference in both the legal profession and Georgia as a whole.”

Read more about Rose HERE

Congrats to Alumna MG Janeen Birckhead ‘91 on Her Induction into the U.S. Army Cadet Command Hall of Fame

Congratulations to MG Janeen Birckhead. She was Inducted into the US Army Cadet Command Hall of Fame on October 9, 2023 in Washington D.C.