Hampton University has announced that the investiture of President Darrell K. Williams will be held at the end of March, the first investiture at the historically Black college and university in more than four decades. Dr. William Harvey, president since 1978, retired in June 2022.

President Williams and his wife, Myra R. Williams, are 1983 graduates of Hampton. Williams served as a general officer in the United States Army, directing the Defense Logistics Agency until 2020. The DLA provided over $40 billion in logistical support to all U.S. military services, U.S. government organizations, and federal agencies. He joined Hampton from Leidos as vice president and managing director of a $9 billion contract, providing global logistical support to U.K. military forces.

Hampton’s 2023 investiture is planned to acknowledge Williams’ vision to deliver the “Number One Student Experience in America” for more than 5,000 students.

“I am thrilled to have been selected as the next president,” Williams said after taking up the position in July 2022. “I will work with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community to prepare our graduates for tomorrow’s continuously evolving, technology-driven workforce.

“This is a historical event celebrated to show deference and honor to our institution,” he added. ” I invite all to come out to enjoy this occasion.”

According to Hampton, on Wednesday, March 29, the Hampton University Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will spotlight star athletes in the Convocation Center. This event will be live-streamed.

The Hampton University Museum will host An Evening at the Museum on Thursday, March 30. The event will feature the unveiling of a commissioned work by Preston Sampson and the official ribbon cutting for the museum addition. In addition, a Touch of Spice band will perform live.

The Student Salute in Song and Dance in the historic Robert C. Ogden Auditorium will be held on Friday, March 31. The University Concert Choir will open the program at 7:00 p.m., followed by performances by the Phoebus and Bethel High School choirs, Hampton City Schools. The world-renowned Terpsichorean Dance Company will grace the stage at 7:45 p.m., after which the outstanding Hampton University Choir will perform. The choirs and Terps will combine to present a magnificent finale to close out the evening. The investiture ceremony will occur on April 1 in the University Convocation Center. Click here for more on the Investiture Of President Darrell K. Williams.