Hampton, Va. – Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey was awarded the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) 2014 Educational Leadership Award. The award was presented at TMCF 26th Annual Awards Gala, themed “Developing Minds…Delivering Dreams.” This event will be held in Washington, D.C. Nov. 12, 2014.
The Educational Leadership Award is the highest volunteer award presented to an individual who has a demonstrated record of commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and education. The Educational Leadership Award is presented annually to a president of an HBCU who has demonstrated outstanding business, academic and visionary leadership through effective management of his or her institution.
“This award is usually presented to an educational leader from a publicly-supported HBCU, but Dr. Harvey’s success as President of Hampton University and his 30-year tenure as one of the longest tenures of any sitting president of a college or university in the country is outstanding,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., TMCF President and CEO. “Dr. Harvey salutes the legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall through his commitment and dedication to education and service.”
Harvey has served as president of Hampton University since 1978. During his tenure, he has increased enrollment, raised the endowment, raised the average SAT scores for entering freshmen, and implemented innovative programs, which have led to increased opportunities for Hampton graduates. Prior to joining Hampton, Harvey worked in various roles at Harvard University, Fisk University, and Tuskegee University.
Throughout his career as President of Hampton University, Harvey has demonstrated a strong commitment to the professional development of others. Fifteen of his administrative colleagues have been elected president and CEO at diverse institutions.
Harvey has served on a number of corporate boards including Fannie Mae, Newport News Shipbuilding, Signet Bank, and Trigon Blue Cross/Blue Shield. He is currently the chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and has served on the President’s National Advisory Council on Elementary and Secondary Education, the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, the Commission on Presidential Scholars, the NCAA Division I Board, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Development Advisory. He graduated from Talladega College and earned his doctorate in college administration from Harvard University.
