When we send our children off to college we always hope that those who are in charge of their education will not only meet our expectations but exceed them. Let’s face it…college is too expensive to take chances. Yet, taking risks is exactly what makes a great leader a “great leader”. We cannot possibly expect to get anywhere if we sit down and watch the world pass us by. It takes vision and action to make the impossible…possible. One of my favorite quotes is “Vision without action is dreaming but action without vision is drudgery”. So when there is a leader that does in fact encompass the qualities it takes to succeed and you realize that this person is part of the community of which you live…it’s hard not to take notice.
Dr. William R. Harvey is a native of Brewton, Alabama and current President of Hampton University. A graduate of Southern Normal High School and Talladega College, Harvey is sole owner of the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Houghton, Michigan. Dr. Harvey served three years on active duty with the United States Army and is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve. Dr. Harvey earned his doctorate in College Administration from Harvard University in 1972. He served as Assistant for Governmental Affairs to the Dean of the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University; Administrative Assistant to the President at Fisk University; and as Administrative Vice President at Tuskegee University. In 1978, Harvey assumed his role as President of Hampton University. He has served nearly thirty years in this position—an uncommon event in this country. Some of his great accomplishments at University President include:
Enrollment more than doubled
Average SAT score increased by 300 points
Established Undergraduate Programs in:
- Computer Science
- Marine Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Chemical, Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Airway Science
- Emergency Medical Assistance Management
Graduate programs in:
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Applied Mathematics
Doctoral degrees in:
- Physics
- Pharmacy
- Atmospheric and Planetary Science
- Nursing
- Physical Therapy
Encourages faculty research
Building the first proton therapy cancer treatment center in the Commonwealth of Virginia (see video at the bottom of the blog)
Watch the Tribute to Dr. Harvey from Hampton University
2010 Daily Press Citizen Award: Dr. Harvey discusses the Protom Therapy Cancer Treatment Center
