Hampton University is launching a Hispanic/Latino Initiative designed to meet the higher education needs of a fast growing Hispanic community, here in Hampton Roads, and all across the country. The initiative is the brainchild of HU President, Dr. William R. Harvey.
"The number of Hispanic students seeking a college degree has grown substantially and we want to be in a position to help them achieve their academic goals," Harvey said. "That is what we do at Hampton University. We have a proud tradition of servicing the needs of our community."
Answering Harvey's call to action is an internal steering committee comprised of faculty, administrative staff and students led by Dr. Almarie Munley, Dean of the Hampton University-University College and Alisha Foster, director and project lead for the initiative. Two new positions are being created as a result of the initiative - a Hispanic Liaison and Coordinator of Hispanic Outreach and Student Programs/Bilingual Recruiter.
"Our nation has arrived at a very important moment in our society where achieving diversity and inclusion in an era of transformation is key to the growth of the Hispanic population in Hampton Roads," Munley said. "Hampton University-University College recognizes contributions made and the important presence of the Hispanic/Latino population in our learning communities."
Increasing access to programs at HU for the Hispanic markets, offering Hispanic scholarships, and providing a progressive and innovative approach to educating Hispanic communities, are just some of the program’s immediate goals.
On April 16 University College organized the first Hampton University Hispanic/Latino Initiative Think Tank which hosted leaders from various Hispanic organizations across the State of Virginia and beyond, including Virginia Latino Higher Education Network (VALHEN), Hampton Roads Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HRHCC), Esperanza College from Philadelphia, Colonial Williamsburg Latino Association, Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACALAO), Hispanic Advisory Board of Newport News, Scholarship Sharing Organization for Hispanics, and National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC).
For more information about the Hampton University Hispanic/Latino Initiative call 757-727-5773.
