Hampton University president announces retirement

After 42 years at the helm, Hampton University President William R. Harvey announced Monday he will retire at the end of June 2022.

Harvey is one of the nation’s longest-serving university presidents and will retire with 44 years at the 152-year-old historically Black private university. He is the eighth longest-serving university president currently serving a term.

“As a Hampton University alumnus and chairman of its board of trustees, the growth and development that I have witnessed under Dr. Harvey’s successful leadership have been, in a word, triumphant,” Trustee Wesley Coleman said in a statement. “The significance of this president’s legendary contributions to Hampton will be celebrated for generations.”

Some of Harvey’s most notable accomplishments include overseeing the creation of 92 academic degrees (including 12 doctoral programs), the construction of 29 new buildings and the growth of the university’s endowment from $29 million to more than $300 million.

Harvey and his wife, Norma, also own a Pepsi Cola bottling franchise in Michigan, and the couple has donated $8.5 million to Hampton University over the years. Many campus buildings and landmarks are named in his recognition. Hampton’s William R. Harvey Leadership Institute bears his name. The main thoroughfare through the 314-acre campus is William Harvey Way, and the library is named for the Harveys.

“The formula for any success that I have had is based on five priorities: character traits of honesty, integrity, respect, trustworthiness and good personal behavior; high standards and values; a good work ethic; service to others; and appreciating and utilizing the team approach,” Harvey said in a statement.

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