APRIL 2020

Hampton University Integrating Campus-Wide Network Hampton University Project to Improve Infrastructure and Bring Technology Welcomes Councilmember Aaron Upgrades to Campus Rouse as Guest Speaker

Hampton University is getting an essential necessary digital capabilities that will allow completing the effort before the end of the for the William R. Harvey network upgrade with several phases that will be the University to take advantage of partnering, current semester. “We began to upgrade the Leadership Institute implemented over the next year, and some that research grants, proposals, and much more. first computers, and the results are successful. began in October 2019. Hampton’s business During the next couple of months, we will Meet the Leaders Series management processing software system Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) contact several users every day to make sure is being upgraded, as well as the Windows System Update we can back up their data and perform the The William R. Harvey Leadership Institute platform for all the computers on campus. All upgrades on their systems. After this upgrade, held another Meet the Leaders Lecture these upgrades will better support the students, The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) our computer systems will have better Series with guest speaker Councilmember faculty, administration and staff on campus, system (business management processing performance as well as improved security,” said Aaron Rouse. Councilmember Rouse is a and position Hampton for future innovation software system) that Hampton University Mr. Larry Ingram, IT Analyst/Help Desk native and is a strong advocate for challenges. utilizes is being updated from the Banner 8 Coordinator for the CIT/ATM. The purpose today’s youth and the military. version to Banner 9 Essentials. To accomplish of this upgrade is to provide a safer and more “The Hampton University Center for this, the CIT’s Computer Center team efficient operating system for users. “We were proud to welcome Mr. Aaron Information Technology has taken on the provided information and user training Rouse to the William R. Harvey Leadership task of improving campus technology with sessions for all staff who use the system. The Assistant Vice President for Information Institute to speak to our students about his energy and passion. With Dr. Alissa Harrison’s They also recommended and offered training Technology, Dr. Alissa Harrison, is the driver experience as not only an athlete, but in leadership, we will continue to explore new and were available for questions. Once the behind these three essential updates. When his role as Councilmember, At Large. Mr. technological innovations that will benefit system is upgraded to Banner 9, the CIT will she came to work at Hampton in 2019, she Rouse’s perseverance on and off the field the entire campus community. At Hampton, work with the user community to test every saw the need for transformation and took the showed our students what it takes for a true we Dream no Small Dreams,” said Hampton department’s Core modules (e.g., Financial, lead to accomplish just that. “The Center for leader to succeed,” said Hampton University University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. Human Resources, Financial Aid, etc.). Upon Information Technology (CIT) embarked on a President, Dr. William R. Harvey. completion of the user testing phase, the live journey to realign our organizational structure Network Infrastructure Upgrade version will be available to all users. The purpose and align our services to better support our Councilmember Rouse was born and of this upgrade is to enable Hampton University students, faculty, administrators, and staff,” Dr. raised in Virginia Beach. He attended First For the network upgrade, the Hampton to access self-service options and allow users Harrison said. “In support of President Harvey’s Colonial High School and graduated with a University Center for Information Technology access to features they need any time and from vision, we see a Hampton where technology bachelor’s degree in sociology from Virginia (CIT) planned to divide the project into phases. any device. integrates seamlessly with research, academics, Polytechnic Institute and State University. First, the entire core networking hardware had and administrative environments and elevates Rouse was drafted by the to be updated and replaced. Then, the campus Windows Upgrade productivity and innovation.” in the 2007 NFL Draft and also played for internet phase divided the circuit and upgraded the and . it into two (2) 10 Gbps circuits with dedicated Hampton University’s mixed operating system Hampton University’s Center for Information After retiring from the National Football networks for residents and a separate one for environment includes using Windows® 7 for Technology is not going to stop there. They League, Rouse returned home to Virginia administration and academic buildings. Next, several years. The CIT mandated the needed want to make Hampton an Authorized Beach to begin his career in public service. the CIT will test the circuits in all residence campus-wide update to Windows® 10 to PearsonVUE Testing Center and will be He served as a coach and a mentor before halls, administration and academic buildings. align with Microsoft’s January 14, 2020 end working with Amazon Web Services (AWS) founding Rouse’s House. Rouse’s House is a The entire network upgrade is expected to be in of service. While the update started during to use the new upgraded infrastructure and nonprofit organization that serves to establish place by August 2020. This update will provide the latter part of 2019, the CIT anticipates support the Hampton community. “I am really education as the foundation for today’s youth, looking forward to 2020,” said Dr. Harrison. with a primary goal of exposing youth and families in the community to a broader world The outcome of the infrastructure and network of learning. upgrade will surely elevate the Hampton students’ technological experience, both in the “I used football as my avenue classroom and their residence halls. Students to walk into Delegate’s offices already see the changes. “Although there are and Senator’s offices to still a lot of improvements that need to be made learn what they know to the overall quality of Wi-Fi on campus, I so that I could return am glad to see that we are taking steps in the home to Virginia, right direction to improve Wi-Fi access for use that knowledge students. Personally, I have definitely noticed and influence to better Wi-Fi quality, and I look forward to make changes,” seeing more improvements coming soon,” said said Rouse. Austin Sams, junior, political science major, and Executive Assistant in the Student Government (continued on Association. page 2) Guest Speaker (continued from front) Jamil Gambari, Hampton “When I started to campaign for Virginia “Councilmember Rouse provided the University’s Mr. Pirate, has Beach, they had only ever had four African Leadership Fellows vignettes on resilience Americans ever elected, but when I said, ‘Okay that will stay with them and undoubtedly they been Named an EBONY listen, I want to run for office.’ They said, ‘You will share with their peers. He continued to HBCU Campus King want to run for office, you need to get on a stress the importance of his faith, and how couple of boards, a couple of commissions, everything was falling around him, after the Hampton University then in about 5 or 6 years, you can run for car accident. His so called friends stopped student Jamil Gambari office.’ I said, ‘What? No way!’ They didn’t see calling, because he was no longer in the NFL, has just been named how for three years, I traveled from Hampton but he maintained his faith, and never wavered an EBONY HBCU Roads to Richmond, learning, networking, and throughout all of his trials and tribulations. He Campus King. Gambari not taking no for an answer.” is a role model and outstanding citizen, who is a senior, marketing is only scratching the surface in his political major from New York. On November 6, 2018, Rouse was elected career and I expect him to leave a legacy as a He is one of ten winning to Council as an at large member. Rouse public servant and leader for the betterment Kings who will be is a strong advocate for the support of first of the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Dr. featured in the pages of responders and the military along with their Jarris Louis Taylor, Jr., Director, William R. EBONY magazine and families. He is passionate about the potential Harvey Leadership Institute. at EBONY.com. Part of growth of Virginia Beach into a strong the EBONY HBCU Campus Queens franchise, economic, travel and entertainment location Councilmember Rouse also gave the Harvey this is the second class of EBONY Campus Kings. with support to residents and tourists. Rouse Fellows some good advice about being a leader. Gambari is the first Mr. Pirate to receive this is a lifetime member of the National Football “My mother and grandfather always taught me honor. These young men demonstrate the ability League Players Association, an active member to speak up for yourself. Be bold. Be a leader. to inspire, lead and give back to their communities. of his church and a member of North End Because you don’t know who you can rely Run Club. He serves as the City Council on,” Rouse said. “When you come face to face “Mr. Jamil Gambari epitomizes everything that liaison to the Minority Business Council and with responsibility and decisions, then you’ll makes Hampton University THE Standard of the Transportation District Commission of know how to go forward. If you are constantly Excellence. Congratulations to Mr. Gambari for Hampton Roads (HRT). dodging accountability, then you’ll be running his recognition, and for displaying great character for the rest of your life.” in all that he does,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. As Mr. Pirate, Gambari implemented his platform called 3D (Driven, Diverse and Dynamic). “My Hampton University Welcomes Dr. Valora Richardson platform highlights the multidimensional aspects that African Americans possess through proper knowledge of our history and confidence building. as the Director of Hampton U Online Too many times, we limit the multitude of talents we were gifted with, and I feel this would be an Hampton University education in any other amazing opportunity to highlight what we could manner. Hampton U Online combines achieve as we remove the barriers we impose on top-notch instruction with nurturing learner ourselves,” Gambari said. support services to ensure academic success and personal achievement. During his college career, Gambari has maintained a 4.0 cumulative GPA, and was recognized as a “I have lived in Atlanta my whole life. My Hampton Renaissance Scholar, representing the whole family, my whole heart and everything is top 5% of his class academically. He served as in Atlanta, so to pick up and move would be a Mr. American Marketing Association, a James T. big step, but I felt this was the right time. Dr. George School of Business Student Ambassador, Harvey and his gigantic vision for HU Online and he is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha is a big task, but my career has been based at Fraternity, Inc. In his fraternity, Gambari served as predominantly white institutions. After doing the 2018-2019 Financial Secretary and the Stroll a campus tour, speaking with Dr. Harvey, and master. He was also recognized as the College meeting people who say they loved Hampton Brother with the highest GPA in all of Alpha Phi University, I know this was the place and this Alpha Fraternity, Inc. nationally this past July in was the time to do it,” Dr. Richardson said. Las Vegas, NV.

Hampton University is excited to announce 20 years of experience in the online industry. Dr. Richardson earned her Bachelor of For his future career, Gambari plans to be a the hire of Valora Richardson, Ph.D. as the I started my career at as a Arts degree in English from Georgia State business owner and successful real estate broker. Director of Hampton University Online computer service specialist. That was the first University; she holds a Master of Science “Overall, I want to promote change and economic (Hampton U Online). Dr. Richardson came job I took after college. During my time at degree in Technical Communication from growth in low-income communities,” Gambari to Hampton from Georgia State University Georgia Tech, I developed a love for helping Southern Polytechnic State University, and said. where she worked as the assistant director of facilities, especially teachers, learn how to a Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from Technology Enhanced Teaching and Learning. use the web. Then, I went on to Southern Georgia State University. Her technology skills Polytechnic State University and earned my include social media, Learning Management “We are elated to welcome Dr. Valora master’s degree in Technical Communication, System Administration and Support, Richardson as the Director of Hampton U similar to technical writing,” said Dr. Classroom Technology and Creative Suite 6. Online. Dr. Richardson’s exceptional technical Richardson. She also worked for DeKalb knowledge and her ability to understand the County Schools, Georgia Perimeter College Fun Facts about Dr. Richardson: needs of today’s online student will advance and most recently, Georgia State University. She has played all of the instruments in the Hampton Life (Vol. 12 Issue 4) our already prestigious online program to is published monthly by string orchestra, except for the viola the next level,” said Hampton University Hampton University Online expands the Hampton University in the President, Dr. William R. Harvey. reach of the University’s stellar undergraduate, She has played the violin, cello and the string Office of University Relations. graduate, certificate and professional bass Dr. Richardson has a long work history and development programs to serve the needs of Contributors: plans to use her experience to increase the a diverse community of learners who would Living around all of this water, she plans to Matthew White, Glenn Knight, entirety of Hampton U Online. “I have over otherwise be unable to access a high quality learn how to swim B. Da’Vida Plummer, Jessica Zimmerman, Alexis Brower

2 • HAMPTONLIFE • APRIL 2020 Hampton University Museum Welcomes New Curator, Mr. Kenlontae’ Turner

American art in the world,” said Hampton Mr. Turner is a first-generation college student course are two big sections of the collection here University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. and the experience was transformative for him. and is a really big part of the history of Hampton “Working in museums really helped me pay it in general. I think in terms of the art world, we Mr. Turner has always been a lover of art. He forward in terms of making sure to educate as often get caught up in European art being the majored in studio art at Christopher Newport many people as possible, while also inspiring them standard and that’s been the way for centuries. I University with a double minor in museum with great culture and art,” said Turner. think bringing more light and opportunities to studies and art history. From there, he worked African American artists and culture, and Native at an art gallery in Williamsburg and then went In 2013, Turner was part of Hampton University American artists and culture, really would shed a on to graduate school at Georgetown University Museum’s IMLS grant-funded project to light on these stories, these histories that are just and majored in art and museum studies. While introduce African American youth to the museum as valid as the rest of the world,” Turner said. in Washington D.C., Mr. Turner interned at field. He was a member of HU Museum’s second Smithsonian museums, such as the Freer|Sackler cohort while Turner was still in high school and Turner is looking forward to incorporating Gallery, National Museum of the American this is where he was really introduced to the work contemporary topics into future exhibitions, and Indian and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture that is done in museums. After the project, Turner bringing new energy into the Museum. “I think The Hampton University Museum is proud Garden. Mr. Turner also interned several times was invited back to the Museum to serve as an often times, museums in general, have to depend to welcome Mr. Kenlontae’ Turner as the new over various summers at the Hampton University intern during the funding they received from on ‘Instagramable’ exhibitions, or very ‘flashy’ Curator of Collections. Mr. Turner, a native Museum. the Luce Foundation to inventory the African shows that will attract everyone, but I think with of Newport News, Va., comes to Hampton American Fine Art collection when he was a the collection we have here and the history we University after recently working at the Freer “I’ve loved art ever since I was little. I think student at Christopher Newport University. have, we have a lot of opportunities to bring in Gallery of Art & Arthur M. Sackler Gallery in particularly with museums, I love the way that new visitors from all over the world,” Turner said. Washington, D.C. art can be used as a source of inspiration and In his new position as Curator of Collections, education. That’s why I got inspired to be part of Turner will be helping manage the permanent “I’m very excited that we selected Mr. Turner for “Hampton University is excited to welcome Mr. museums. I think they’re far more accessible to collection at the Museum, as well as helping with this position. To add a young and knowledgeable Kenlontae’ Turner to the Hampton University people, as most museums are open to the public. public programming, social media, and research curator to the staff is a welcome addition the the Museum. His passion for African American By educating and inspiring others, places like and logistics behind exhibitions. Hampton University Museum’s legacy,” said Dr. and Native American art will be an asset to our the Hampton University Museum can create Vanessa Thaxton-Ward, Director of Hampton museum, which houses one of the largest private a potential dialogue and a truly meaningful “I’m really excited to be focusing on African University Museum and Archives. collections of African American and Native experience for the audience,” Turner said. American and Native American art, which of

Hampton University Alumna, Chental Song Bembry, Tackles Bullying through New Novel, ‘Desiree Davenport’

Author, motivational boys and girls ages eight to 14 and is available then started a literacy campaign and traveled Leadership speaker and now on Amazon for $9.99. to schools, libraries, churches and book clubs Institute, I Hampton University to speak to children about the importance of learned that alumna Chental Song Bembry said she wrote “Desiree Davenport” to reading and goal setting. when faced Bembry (c/o 2018) is provide readers with an alternative to mainstream with rejection, continuing her legacy books, which often push negative topics on “’The Honey Bunch Kids’ was definitely the it’s up to me of children’s literature. Since making her debut African-American middle-grade children. These gateway to ‘Desiree Davenport,’” Bembry said. to find the on the 2015 BET Honors and Black Girls Rock! topics, Bembry said, include drugs, prison, police “In ‘Desiree Davenport,’ the characters explore courage to awards shows as an Early Riser and a Making a brutality, racism, and self-hatred. leadership roles when they are challenged to stand up for what complete an anti-bullying project.” Difference Girl, she has published a new middle- “I wrote ‘Desiree Davenport’ because I wanted I believe in. In addition, I’ve learned how I can grade novel called “Desiree Davenport: Welcome to write a normal story about a group of kids During her time at Hampton, Bembry interned use my talents to impact the lives of children and to Treeless Park,” available now on Amazon. who explore how they treat and interact with at Sony Music Entertainment, ABC 2 News change the way they see themselves in literature. Bembry is a literacy advocate who graduated each other in and outside of school,” Bembry in Baltimore, MD, American Banker in New I am extremely grateful to be an alumna of such Summa Cum Laude from Hampton with a said. “I wanted to tell a story that highlights the York, and ABC World News Tonight with a prestigious institution. It will always be my bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a minor in very best of people in a community who care David Muir. Today, Bembry works as an Inside ‘Home by the Sea.’” Leadership Studies. about each other; a story that allows children Account Manager at SHI International Corp. “It was a pleasure to get to know Ms. Chental to see a positive representation of themselves, “We are incredibly proud of Ms. Chental Song Bembry’s contributions to literacy have been Song Bembry during her time in Leadership Bembry. She continues to shine and is a perfect their families, and their friends in each of my Institute. She worked at ABC 2 News in characters.” recognized by Black Enterprise, Ebony example of a Hamptonian letting her life do the Magazine, Essence Magazine, ESPN’s The Baltimore, my hometown, and that was the singing,” said Hampton University President, Dr. In addition, Bembry said she wrote “Desiree Undefeated, BuzzFeed, USA Today, The Ringer, catalyst for numerous conversations about William R. Harvey. Davenport” to combat bullying in a “fresh way.” The Cheat Sheet TV, the National Urban life and future career plans after Hampton University. I recall her telling me about ‘The “Desiree Davenport,” Bembry’s first As opposed to anti-bullying novels that focus League, and Black Entertainment Television. In mostly on the person being bullied, Bembry’s 2015, she was recognized at the BET Honors Honey Bunch Kids,’ and the various series comprehensive middle grade novel, tackles and mediums she was planning to create and bullying using youth football and cheerleading. novel explores bullying by focusing more on the as an “Early Riser” and at the Black Girls Rock! bullies themselves. awards show, where the former FLOTUS, informed her about a friend of mine who was The story focuses on a 12-year-old girl named also publishing a children’s book based on her Desiree, who moves to a new city with her Michelle Obama, declared her a “Making a “I believe that the answer to anti-bullying starts Difference Girl.” In May 2018, Chental was two dogs. I am not surprised that Ms. Bembry mom after her parents get divorced. As a with the bully,” Bembry said. “If we take the time completed one of her goals as her favorite youth cheerleader, Desiree befriends fraternal featured in LeBron James’ Always Believe to analyze exactly why the bully behaves the way campaign during the NBA Playoffs. quote is from Louis Pasteur, ‘chance favors the twin brothers Rashad and Phil du Bois, the he or she does, then we will find the source of prepared mind,’ and she was always a believer stars of the football team, who welcome her the problem and end it much quicker. This is “I am very thankful to the professors and staff and practiced the third principle of the Harvey into their large family. Desiree feels content what I hope my novel shows readers.” at Hampton University for their support and Leadership Model - Academic Excellence,” in having regained a sense of family since her encouragement of my projects. Hampton has said Dr. Jarris Louis Taylor, Jr., Director of the parents’ divorce, but she becomes conflicted Bembry is no stranger to children’s literature. In supported me since my freshman year,” Bembry William R. Harvey Leadership Institute. upon discovering that the twins are bullies. 2010, at the age of 13, she wrote and illustrated said. “Because of the Scripps Howard School of Relying on her love of mystery books, Desiree “The Honey Bunch Kids,” a humorous and Journalism and Communications, I’ve had many In her spare time, Bembry continues writing. sets out to uncover why the twins bully their educational chapter book series about a group opportunities to work at top media companies. football teammate, Chauncey Willis. “Desiree of sixth graders who explored themes of As a graduating fellow of the William R. Harvey Davenport: Welcome to Treeless Park” targets friendship, respect and group dynamics. Bembry HAMPTONLIFE • APRIL 2020 • 3 NONPROFIT ORG. Hampton University U.S. POSTAGE Hampton University Student Ka’ena Farmer P.O. Box 6446 PAID Hampton, Virginia 23668 HAMPTON, VA Shares her Experience Interning at the PERMIT NO. 73 Super Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine

Ka’ena “Sissy” prior to the 2019 NFL Farmer, Hampton Scouting Combine University 5-year in Indianapolis. Forty MBA student, female participants recently interned currently working at the Super Bowl in and attended the connected with Women’s Careers executives and industry in Football Forum experts representing the during the NFL NFL, NCAA, Canadian Scouting Combine Football League, and in Indianapolis, IN. Women’s Leaders in She also spent last summer interning for the College Sports. Farmer was the only HBCU National Football League (NFL). student in attendance. “Congratulations to Ms. Ka’ena Farmer for “This experience was really exciting. I got to continuing to illustrate THE Standard of meet team owners, head coaches and hear Hampton University Assistant Excellence that our students exude on a daily from amazing women in sports like Callie basis in front of NFL officials. We know that Brownson, the first full-time female coach and Women’s Basketball Coach Named to Ms. Farmer was a great ambassador for her now Chief of Staff for the Cleveland Browns; ‘Home by the Sea’ at this unique learning Salli Clavelle, the first woman to coach in the experience offered by the National Football Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers; 2020 WBCA Thirty Under 30 List Leagues in their efforts to diversify their and Jennifer King, the first African American future leadership workforce,” said Hampton female coach in the NFL,” Farmer said. “The Hampton University women’s basketball She completed University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. forum allowed us to be part of the combine assistant coach Kenia Cole was named as an her master’s of experience, where we got to meet coaches and honoree on the Women’s Basketball Coaches professional During her internship at the Super Bowl, general managers. It gives women a foot in Association (WBCA) Thirty Under 30 studies in Farmer was part of the Football Operations the door because if there are teams looking to presented by Marriott Bonvoy and Morgan sports industry team, specifically for the youth football integrate women on their staff, the forum is a Stanley Global Sports & Entertainment management department. “It was a great experience. I was great place to look.” for the 2019-20 season. This is the second at Georgetown able to help put on different camps for kids. year she was recognized on this list by the University in May Since girls flag football is a sport in Florida, Farmer is a 5-year MBA student and will WBCA. 2017. Nike gave them uniforms and we were graduate in 2020 with her bachelor’s degree able to help organize that. There was also a and then with her master’s degree in 2021. “Congratulations to Ms. Cole for this award Hampton finished production that I helped with because this She has two goals for her future career. “I’d that recognizes her work in developing future the season 18-11 is the 100th year of football,” Farmer said. like to work at a league office in Football leaders through athletics. Our world-class and was second in “During my internship, I got to work with Operations for the NFL and work on alumni continue to break barriers, make their the Big South with a 14-6 record. mark in this world and represent their ‘Home Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Marcus Allen and initiatives like HBCUs and social justice “The WBCA is pleased to recognize up-and- Ray Lewis. It was amazing being able to work initiatives. Secondly, I’d like to work on the by the Sea,’” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. coming talent in our coaching family. The 30 with the legends.” club side of things and work with salary cap coaches who have been named to receive the and eventually become a general manager,” The WBCA Thirty Under 30 program was Thirty Under 30 Award are deserving of this Farmer also got the chance to attend the 3rd Farmer said. annual Women’s Careers in Football Forum created to recognize 30 up-and-coming recognition. The WBCA congratulates them women’s basketball coaches age 30 and under for distinguishing themselves early in their at all levels of the game. Each honoree has careers,” said WBCA Executive Director exemplified their involvement in community Danielle Donehew. “These coaches have service, mentorship and impact on others, demonstrated eagerness, effectiveness, loyalty, professional manner, and attitude and love of the game, and a commitment to the professional association involvement. student-athlete. We celebrate their effort on the basketball court as teachers and equally “It’s a blessing and quite the honor to be applaud the extensive role they play in named to the 2020 WBCA Thirty Under impacting the lives of their student-athletes.” 30 class,” said Cole. “I hope to keep growing our game through service, leadership and “Marriott is committed to supporting the mentorship for all future women’s basketball career growth of women and we are honored players to come.” to help recognize these 30 dynamic coaches,” said Kieran Donahue, vice president, brand, Cole just finished her first year at her alma marketing and digital, Marriott International, mater under her college coach David Six. Americas. “In our fourth year as the Official She was a four-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Hotel Partner of NCAA, we are proud to Conference (MEAC) regular season celebrate these extraordinary women who are champion, three-time MEAC tournament under 30 and are already leaders in basketball, champion and was named the most improved mentorship, and community service.” player as a junior. She totaled over 245 assists in her career and ranked in the program’s “We are proud to be a part of this year’s top-10 for made three-pointers. WBCA Thirty Under 30 and recognize the future leaders and superstar coaches in In addition to her success on the court, she women’s basketball,” said Sandra Richards, was on the Dean’s List all four years of her managing director of Morgan Stanley and career and earned a bachelor’s of science head of global sports & entertainment and in sports management in May of 2015. segment sales & engagement. 4 • HAMPTONLIFE • APRIL 2020