Hampton University has received a $135,000.00 grant from the Economic Development Authority City of Hampton, Virginia, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, (“EDA”) to fund the “Center of Excellence,” Hampton University’s Severe Storm Research Center.

“With the creation of this Center, Hampton University can continue to provide breakthrough satellite data and real-time information about area storms with our weather technology that rivals most weather centers in the country,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.

The “Center of Excellence” will use Hampton University’s state of the art weather technology for weather data collection, analysis and prediction, and recruit world-class experts, as well as collaborating with the EDA to support, promote and expand key clusters. It will also provide the latest severe weather reports, for the safety, health and welfare of the citizens of the City of Hampton.

The “Center of Excellence” will be a facility, which will operate in the City of Hampton as a high-tech company and create value-added jobs. It will foster collaboration among various regional and state economic drivers and allies to pursue excellence in weather forecast capability. Through commercialization, the Center will promote success in the achievement of its objectives as well as grow in an innovative and entrepreneurial eco-system.

The primary goal for the Center is to be better prepared for storms like Hurricane Florence that hit North Carolina in September 2018,

killing 54 people and causing over $24 billion in damages. “We want to be able to detect those thunderstorms, big and small. Our weather modeling tool is high-resolution temperature and moisture soundings derived from satellite observations received in real-time at Hampton University. With the addition of expert weather scientists supported by modern techniques and advanced technology, the Center will be able to have better prediction models of the land fall of hurricanes and the location of severe thunderstorms,” said Bill Thomas, Associate VP of Governmental Relations at Hampton University.

For more information about the Center of Excellence, contact Dr. William L. Smith, Director; or Dr. James Russell, Hampton University Center for Atmospheric Sciences at Bill.l.smithsr@gmail.com or James.Russell@hamptonu.edu.

Hampton University rising sophomore, Nupol Kiazolu was recently crowned Miss Liberia USA 2019-20, in her first ever participation in a pageant. This year was the 17th Annual Pageant, which took place on Liberia’s Independence Day, July 26th at the Suzanne Roberts Theater in Philadelphia, PA.

“Ms. Nupol Kiazolu is just one example of the best and the brightest students that we have here at Hampton University. We know that she will continue to succeed and represent her ‘Home by the Sea’ in all her future endeavors. Congratulations!” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.

Kiazolu is a political science major on the pre-law track from Brooklyn, NY. She is an activist and organizer, the President of Black Lives Matter Greater NY and the Founder and CEO of Vote 2000, where partnered with DoSomething.org, the organization aims to get young people to register to vote. Kiazolu was also featured in Teen Vogue’s 21 Under 21 class of 2018, which spotlights extraordinary young women, girls and femmes making waves in their industries or passions of choice.

Contestants of the Miss Liberia Pageant are scored in six categories: preliminary interview, African wear, talent, platform, evening wear and final interview question. The winner of the pageant receives a monetary award as well as an all-expense paid 10-day trip to Liberia. As the winner, Kiazolu will also attend speaking engagements, make appearances and be able to network with like-minded individuals.

“Past winners and contestants have gone on to create nonprofit organizations focusing on

The Hampton University Department of Sports Management secured a $340,658 technology grant from the Department of Homeland Security to create an Esports lab, offering courses in Esports to students.

“This is a great example of how Hampton University continues to be ahead of the game. We always provide students with the best opportunities to excel and advance in whatever profession they choose. We are excited to see the elevation of this new addition to our campus,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.

Esports or electronic sports is a competition using video games, taking the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams. Fortnite, League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, Overwatch and Madden NFL are the most popular at-home video games for gamers. The gamers are watched as they play and followed by millions of fans all over the world. Fans attend live events or tune in on TV or online.

“Esports is the newest thing in sports management. Since 2016, there has been $16 million allocated for Esports Scholarships.

Many African Americans have not been afforded these opportunities. There is a void in diversity between HBCUs and the history of the white institution level. I’m looking to increase the diversity in Esports and also have a revenue opportunity for this institution at the same time,” said Instructor of Sports Management, David C. Hughes.

With this technology grant, Mr. Hughes will create an Esports lab on campus and spearhead the curriculum change that will allow Hampton University to offer courses.

“The first thing we have to do is create a lab, then we’ll offer a concentration in Esports at the graduate level. In the lab, we’ll have TV’s, video games, computers, and people can practice their craft of playing video games,” said Hughes. “They can learn how to play a video game, play with each other and against each other. The lab will be on the fifth floor of the library. We have a goal to kick things off summer 2020.”

AUGUST 2019

Hampton University and the City of Hampton Partner toForm Hampton University Severe Storm Research Center

Hampton University Student, Nupol Kiazolu, Crowned Miss Liberia USA 2019-20

Hampton University Receives $340,658Technology Grant to Create Esports Lab

(continued on page 3)

Hampton Life (Vol. 11 Issue 6) is published monthly by

Hampton University in the Office of University Relations.

Contributors:Matthew White, Glenn Knight,

B. Da’Vida Plummer,Jessica Zimmerman, Alexis Brower

2 • HAMPTONLIFE • AUGUST 2019

Hampton University Names Dr. Jodi Jensen First Women’s Triathlon CoachDr. Joetta ( Jodi) Jensen, the current Director of Aquatics at Hampton University, was announced as the first head coach of the Hampton Women’s Triathlon team.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Jensen to our athletic department,” said Hampton University Director of Athletics Eugene Marshall, Jr. “The creating of our first women’s triathlon team is another step in the vision of our President, Dr. William R. Harvey, as the Standard of Excellence and we look forward to seeing this team develop under Dr. Jensen.”

She has been the Director of Aquatics at Hampton since 2004 where she teaches undergraduate classes in swimming, lifeguard training, water safety, First Aid and CPR. Jensen has taught all levels of swimming in all areas from children, to adults, to helping train triathletes.

Dr. Jensen is a nationally recognized Aquatics Professor with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Before coming to Hampton University, she worked in public parks and recreation for James City County and the City of Newport News, managing indoor aquatic facilities, outdoor aquatic facilities and a waterfront. Dr. Jensen also taught at Christopher Newport University and Old Dominion University.

“With Hampton being the first HBCU school to sponsor women’s triathlon, it is another step in the school continuing to be a leader for opportunities for women,” Jensen said. “Our first year we will be looking to build the foundation and participate in a meet in October held at Smith Mountain Lake, Va. Following a year to hit the recruiting trail, we would be looking to make an impact on the national scene in year two and beyond.”

She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Recreation and Tourism from Christopher Newport University in 1997 and her Masters of Public Administration from Old Dominion University in 2002. Dr. Jensen received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Management from Hampton University in 2018.

For more information on Hampton University women’s triathlon, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

The Virginia Department of Health has recently approved Hampton University’s formal request for one fixed MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine to be constructed at the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute.

“With the addition of this state-of-the-art technology, HUPTI can continue to ease human misery and save the lives of cancer patients. This is our mission at the world’s only free-standing proton beam cancer treatment center,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.

The addition of an on-site MRI machine will be a big boost to the facility, as it will eliminate the need to outsource imaging to other locations. “This is a big win for Hampton University and HUPTI as well as a major progression for our patients’ care,” said Dr. Vahagn Nazaryan, HUPTI’s Executive Director. “Positive developments such as this one allow for expedited patient treatments and previously inaccessible research opportunities.”

The approval for a new MRI machine is one of the many notable achievements and milestones for the Institute over the

last several months. In March of this year, HUPTI surpassed 3,000 patients treated since its inception in 2010. Hampton University also became a Member of the National Cancer Institute’s Quantitative Imaging Network (QIN), and secured a $2 million contract for cancer imaging research from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health to assist in further developing research resources at HUPTI to support various health-centered projects, one of which included MRI imaging capability at the facility.

Also of note, in April, Dr. Nomonde Nolutshungo, the Minister Counsellor (Health Attaché) for the Republic of South Africa, toured HUPTI. She met with Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck and the Institute’s medical staff to discuss ways to make the proton therapy cancer treatment modality available to the residents of South Africa. In the country of 58 million people, over 100,000 citizens disproportionately suffer from prostate, breast, lung, colorectal and other cancers. Following Dr. Nolutshungo’s visit, subsequent meetings with HUPTI staff are being scheduled to decide what next steps can be taken to help the people of South Africa gain access to proton therapy.

The Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute is located in Hampton, VA and currently treats breast, lung, prostate, head and neck, ocular, GI, brain and spine and pediatric cancers.

For additional information about HUPTI, please call (757) 251-6814 or email cordereau.dye@hamptonproton.org.

It’s that time of year again! Hampton University welcomed nearly 1,000 new Hamptionians to their new ‘Home by the Sea,’ as they moved into their residence halls, in preparation of having a successful year during the two-day move-in, August 23 and 24.

Several organizations from Hampton University’s student body and staff were available campus-wide, helping the newest Hamptonians and their families move items into the residence halls. It also provided an opportunity for students to meet their classmates, Resident Assistants, Residence Hall Directors, staff, administrators and get to know the historic campus they will call home for the next several years.

“I feel so comfortable here already and have already met new people. It really feels like home,” said Kamryn Guile, incoming freshman, kinesiology major from Bowie, Maryland. “I’m looking forward to the football games, classes, and learning all that I can.”

Throughout the weekend, students and their families were able to attend social and informative events, including an open mic night, talent show, and the Opening Session

on Saturday, August 24, which included a warm welcome address from Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. Dr. Harvey spoke about the importance of the first day of college for both the parents and the students.

“A sincere welcome to each of you to the place we affectionately call our ‘Home by the Sea.’ To the parents, I extend a special welcome and express my appreciation and wise decision to entrust Hampton University with your son or your daughter. This day is an accomplishment of a dream as your child is now beginning college. Today is both a beginning and ending. You are ending a phase of parenting in which you have had significant control over your children’s lives. You are now beginning a phase in which you will have an opportunity to see the fruits of your labor as your child begins to now take control of his or her own lives through their own decisions and subsequent actions,” Dr. Harvey stated.

During his address, Dr. Harvey also provided statistics about the incoming class of 2023, such as top majors and the top states the students hail from. He spoke to the incoming students about their wise decision to make Hampton University their “Home by the Sea.”

“Today, you are embarking on what promises to be one of the richest experiences of your very lives. Furthermore, let me assure you that your decision to attend Hampton was a very wise one. I am confident after these 42 years as President, that the decision to choose Hampton was for the same reason that other outstanding young men and women chose to attend Hampton. This university has a commitment to excellence, equal opportunity, quality education and character. We offer dynamic academic programs, athletics programs and support services for our students,” Dr. Harvey said. “When General

Armstrong founded Hampton, he said that there were two things that he wanted. One, he wanted a top-notch academic program, which today would be called workforce development. Secondly, he wanted an institution, which was of high character. He said of the two, character was even more important. At Hampton, we believe that good character is the main ingredient for a life well-lived.”

Hampton University Receives Approval for New MRI Machine for HUPTI

Hampton University Welcomes the Class of 2023During Two-Day Move-In, August 23 and 24

HAMPTONLIFE • AUGUST 2019• 3

Whether they are working late into the evening to meet a deadline, waking up early to fit in a workout before going in to work, preparing their kids for school, or rushing to a nonprofit board meeting, Hampton University’s 2019 Forty Under 40 class is anything but lackadaisical.

Some of these fine men and women work for the government; some are employed by the private sector; and others work as their own bosses—yet all of them are making their mark and representing their “Home by the Sea” well. In between being the best and the

brightest under 40, setting trends, surpassing goals and making a difference, they still manage to give of their time and treasure to their beloved alma mater.

Narrowing down an extremely talented pool of nominees for this year’s Forty Under 40 class was no small feat. The Office of Alumni Affairs received 283 nominations and from these nominations, our selections committee created a short list of approxi-mately 80 finalists who have demonstrated the highest levels of achievement, whether in their career or community work. A judging panel consisting of select

non-Hamptonian Office of Alumni Affairs staff, University academic professionals and administrators took on the challenge of choosing the top 40 honorees and Mentors of the Year, based on a set criteria, to make up this year’s class.

Stay tuned to learn more about our 2019 Forty Under 40 Class. An induction ceremony brunch will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to recognize our honorees. For ticket information, please visit hamptonalumnievents.com.

Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson, DNP, MSN, RN-BC has been appointed to the role of asso-ciate professor at Hampton University’s School of Nursing. Her newly created role will help develop the University’s Center of Excellence in Gerontology that will focus on developing inter-professional health care providers to deliver care for older adults, developing community-based programs to address social determinants of health for older adults and lead community-engaged research with a focus on helping older adults live healthy lives.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson to Hampton University and to the School of Nursing. Her credentials and experience make her the perfect leader to see our vision for this Center of being more engaged in the care of older adults come to fruition,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.

The inaugural year for the Center of Excellence in Gerontology includes three pillars: 1) building partnerships with key community organiza-tions with an interest in care for older adults, 2) increasing community education and engage-ment through community-based seminars, and 3) building the workforce for caring for older adults; i.e. baccalaureate RNs with geriatric skills

set, geriatric nurse practitioners, pharmacists and physical therapists prepared to address the unique needs of older adults.

“The population of Virginians age 65 and older are expected to double between 2010 and 2030; and almost one in five Virginians will be considered a senior citizen, according to statistics from the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Hampton University is uniquely placed to be a leader in Hampton Roads in working with providing community education for older adults and care-givers, working alongside policymakers, leading research efforts and preparing future health care providers. I am very excited to begin this journey to help our older citizens live healthy lives and continue being productive citizens in the Commonwealth!” stated Dr. McQueen-Gibson.

Prior to assuming the role at Hampton University, Dr. McQueen-Gibson spent two years at Virginia Commonwealth University as part of the community-based Richmond Health & Wellness Program. In this role, she served as an advanced practice nurse and clinical researcher providing care for community-dwelling older adults in low-income apartment buildings in the inner city of Richmond. Her clinical research focuses on developing models of

care for custodial African American grandmoth-ers raising their grandchildren with a focus of addressing management of chronic disease. Her community-engaged research has also addressed nutrition insecurity, social isolation and its effect on older adults.

“We are simply thrilled to have Dr. McQueen-Gibson as part of the Hampton School of Nursing family! She brings a tremendous level of experience, and with her skill sets, our vision of establishing our Center of Excellence in Gerontology is definitely on the horizon,” said Hampton University School of Nursing Dean, Dr. Shevellanie Lott.

Prior to her work at VCU, Dr. McQueen-Gibson worked as a clinical administrator for Riverside Health System in Newport News, VA for their All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program for community-dwelling older adults. She has practiced nursing for over 35 years, to include clinical and administrative positions, and is a veteran having served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps on active and reserve duty.

Dr. McQueen-Gibson’s previous academic appointments include adjunct assignments at Marymount University, Norfolk State

University, Howard University, and Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma Community College and Pierce College (all in Washington). Additionally, Dr. McQueen-Gibson is serving an appointment by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to the Virginia Board of Nursing. She is also serving on the U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services’ Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Ursuline College in Cleveland, OH, a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Ursuline College in Cleveland, OH.

For more information regarding Hampton University’s Center of Excellence in Gerontology, contact the Office of the Dean at the Hampton University School of Nursing via email at shevellanie.lott@hamptonu.edu or via phone at 757.727.5654.

In the Hampton Spirit, Brint M. Martin, MBA, Director Office of Alumni AffairsHA

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Hampton Forty Under 40 Society www.hampton40under40.com

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TY Congratulations on being named to the 2018 Class of the Hampton

University Forty Under 40 Society! You are a part of a dynamicgroup of high achieving young Hampton alumni whose commitmentto excellence is reflected in your drive for professional success andpersonal growth. The prestigious group represents the top fortyyoung alumni that are continuing to share with the world what is sospecial about our ‘Home by the Sea.’ You are a testament to whywe say Hampton University brings the best and the brightest to ournation’s communities. Through your constant dedication toachieving high standards and through an active pursuit ofadvancement and commitment to your educational home- you areour young alumni to watch! This is another momentous year as you are the third Class for ourForty Under 40, and that will forever be a rare honor. Thank you foryour deep commitment to your alma mater, to the legacy andtraditions it upholds and to being our next generation of Hamptonleaders and achievers. I am so pleased to be in this moment with each of you, sharing inthis special achievement. More importantly, I am excited about thenext steps in your journey as leaders in your communities and asHampton alumni. I look forward to the legacy you will build for thenext young honorees, and where we will go, together, instrengthening and growing our great institution. Thank you again for you commitment to the Hampton ‘Standard ofExcellence’ and a heartfelt congratulations on such an amazingachievement.

October 26, 2018

Dear Hampton University Forty Under 40 Honorees,

The Hampton University Office of Alumni Affairs Unveils the 2019 Forty Under 40 Class

Hampton University’s School of Nursing Hires Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibsonto Lead Center of Excellence in Gerontology

Ms. Nasiya Acklen Ms. Kelli Anderson Ms. Dawna Boone Ms. Chantel Brown Ms. Kendra Brown Mr. Leon Burns IIIMr. Carrington CarterDr. Ebony CopelandMs. Erin CosbyHon. Samantha Cutler

Atty. Jemika DavenportMs. Stephanie DavisMs. Jennifer R. FranksDr. Timothy FrazierDr. Rikesha Fry Brown Mrs. Briana Gibson ReevesMs. Melissa Blount GrayDr. Tywana Groce Dr. Tamara Jackson Henderson Mr. Joshua Jones

Mrs. Ashley Huggins Laryea Ms. Alyson Rae Lawson Rev. Timothy LeeMr. Ray LewisDr. Kimberly Morris MappDr. Justin Morrissette Dr. Marrielle MyersMs. Tisa Rabun-Marshall Dr. Nagela Sainté-Thomas Ms. Temisan Shebi

Dr. Matthew SmithMs. Shatera Smith Dr. Carlos Stringer Smith Mr. William StilesMs. Tiffani Thomas Mr. Joseph Thomas Ms. Courtney Thornton Ms. Erika WhiteheadMs. Danielle Williams Dr. Shaun Woodly

And, the 2019 Forty Under 40 Mentors of the Year:

Atty. Damien BevelleMrs. Bethany McClam CriswellMrs. Isis Jones Lett Mrs. Erica Roberson-Peters Mr. Curtis D. Young

Join us in congratulating the 2019 Forty Under 40 Honorees:

clean water in Liberia, sexual abuse advocacy, mentorship, and a host of others. The Miss Liberia in the US Scholarship Pageant is more than just a beauty pageant. It puts its contestants and winners in a position where they can be strong advocates for their various platforms and ultimately implement it and watch it grow,” said Renee Wilson, Pageant Director of the Miss Liberia in the US Pageant.

Here is an excerpt from an interview with Nupol:

How did you get involved with the Miss Liberia Pageant? I’m not really a pageant girl, I’m an

on-the-ground activist and organizer. But this is something that I’ve wanted to do since I was a little girl. I grew up around a lot of people who have been in pageants but I never thought it would become a reality. Everything feels so surreal!

What was your experience like? The whole pageant experience was phenomenal. Going in, I didn’t know what to expect. I thought it would be like it is on TV, catty and competitive, but really it was a sisterhood. We supported each other throughout the week, gave each other critiques and after the pageant, we are still keeping that sisterhood alive.

How were you feeling during the actual event?I was so nervous! But then I got a pep talk from one of my friends and she said to just be yourself. Be the one who speaks out, the same one that is advocating for Liberia. Be who you are. So that’s what I did.

What is your platform for the pageant? My platform is rebuilding the infrastructure in Liberia through health care, socio economic infrastructure, criminal justice infrastructure and education. As a human being, we all have rights to these things but people in Liberia are struggling. Some people don’t have electricity, sanitation facilities and the country’s literacy rate is only 47 percent. It’s just not right.

What’s next for you? I actually have some really great things in the works. I’m working on an HBCU initiative to get more young Black students to vote. I chose to attend Hampton University because of the great history that Hampton has. I couldn’t see myself at any other school. I just love HBCUs, so shining the light on HBCUs is extremely important to me. As for the rest, you’ll just have to stay tuned!Kiazolu plans to be an elected official and a civil rights/defense attorney after she graduates from Hampton.

Kiazolu, Crowned Miss Liberia USA 2019-20, continued from front

Hampton UniversityP.O. Box 6446Hampton, Virginia 23668

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4 • HAMPTONLIFE • AUGUST 2019

Dr. William R. Harvey, President of Hampton University, Speaks at Liberty University’s2019 ConvocationHampton University’s President, Dr. William R. Harvey, spoke at Liberty University’s Convocation on Wednesday, August 23, delivering a powerful message of leadership, service and character, and receiving two standing ovations during his allocution.

Liberty’s President, Jerry Falwell Jr., introduced Dr. Harvey to the large crowd of students, faculty and staff. “Today I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. There’s a handful of college presidents that I got to know when I became president 12 years ago who have become mentors to me and I’ve learned so much from. President William Harvey is at the top of that list,” said President Falwell.

When introducing Dr. Harvey, President Falwell noted just a small portion of the many contributions Dr. Harvey has made to Hampton over the last 42 years he has served as President.

“Forty-two years ago when he became President of Hampton, he told the Board, ‘I promise you, I’m going to run this school like a business and I’m going to do what’s best for the school.’ Let me tell you what that has resulted in. He’s got hundreds of millions of dollars in endowment. The campus has beautiful buildings from every decade since 1868. It’s right on the water, on the Chesapeake Bay. And it’s the most successful, both academically and financially, historically black college in the country, in my opinion, and it’s because of this man right here,” said President Falwell.

Dr. Harvey expressed his appreciation and admiration for President Falwell and their friendship. He also told the audience of his belief in the goodness of God. “I want you to know that the Lord has ordered my steps. I could not have done the things that I have done in my life if He had not ordered my steps,” Dr. Harvey said.

He went on to speak about leadership being the main ingredient for success of any entity, no matter the field. “Business, education, govern-ment, politics, organized crime, sports, the arts, healthcare, or the like. It could make a positive difference or a negative difference. Either way, success is defined by effective leadership,” said Dr. Harvey.

Dr. Harvey’s parents served as his first leader-ship role models. “The lessons that I learned from them directly started me on the road toward my own leadership development. For an example, my Daddy taught me the leadership lesson of listening, of asking questions, seeking input, analyzing information and respecting other folks’ opinions, and respecting them,” Dr. Harvey said.

From an early age, Dr. Harvey had been taught by his parents the importance of being of ser-vice. “Leading and serving others is a way of

life for me. I find great joy in knowing that my leadership and service have made a difference in others’ lives. Over 35,000 students have gradu-ated from Hampton since I have been there. I thank God for that. If any of you really want to be a leader, if you really want to be great. If you really want to be a person of honor, then you must do as Jesus said, you must serve others,” said Dr. Harvey.

Lastly, Dr. Harvey spoke about good character. “I recognize that in order to lead and serve, one must not only believe in, but also demonstrate, good character. As members of our society, all of us have a moral urgency to promote character development. There are those who will criticize us on this matter, but I would urge you here at Liberty as I do my students at Hampton, not to abstain from doing what you think is right and doing what you think is best, not just for today, but also for future generations,” Dr. Harvey said.

Dr. Harvey ended his speech with a challenge to Liberty students. “Allow your academic experi-ences here at Liberty to serve as the foundation upon which you build productive careers. Allow your social interaction with your faculty, staff, administrators, and your fellow students to guide you as you interact with individuals in the workplace and in society,” said Dr. Harvey. “It is my desire for you to live richly satisfying per-sonal lives, filled with love and laughter. To find ways to make your community a better place for yourselves and your neighbors, and to grow and continue to learn for the rest of your lives. Remember, Liberty has made you conquerors, and you have the courage and the strength to overcome every obstacle set before you.”

In an effort to help those students and families affected by Hurricane Dorian, Hampton University is entering into an agreement with the University of the Bahamas-North to allow students who have been displaced by the hurricane to continue their education on HU’s campus.

“I think this agreement is something that can be helpful to a great number of students and families, and is part of something I’ve tried to do my entire career – helping people to achieve and meet their goals,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.

Dr. Harvey and Dr. Rodney Smith, the President of the University of the Bahamas, the former Administrative Vice President and Chief Planning Officer at Hampton University, came to this agreement after Hurricane Dorian battered the Bahamas with high winds and rain for more than two days, causing extensive damage and several deaths.

Students from the University of the Bahamas-North will be able to attend classes at

Hampton for the fall 2019 semester, receive room and board for one semester, and will have the option to stay at Hampton once the semester is over at regular rates for tuition and fees.

“Hampton has been the educational choice for many Bahamians over its long history. I am grateful to President Harvey and university leadership on this demonstration of kindness and humanity to my home in our time of need,” said Lawrence Rigby, (c/o 2015), 2014-2015 Student Government Association President from Nassau, New Providence. “Young Bahamians from Abaco and Grand Bahama who are looking for the tools to rebuild their lives and home will find them at Hampton.”

For more information, please contact the Hampton University Office of Admissions at 757-727-5328. Anyone interested in supporting these students, please contact the Hampton University Office of Development at 757-727-5002.

Hampton University to Offer Free Enrollment, Room & Board to University of the Bahamas Students Displaced by Hurricane Dorian