10/03/2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Alison L. Phillips
(757) 727-5253
alison.phillips@hamptonu.edu
HU Issues Statement to Associated Press's "HBCUs Facing Declining Enrollment"
In response to the article "Historically Black Colleges Facing Declining Enrollment" written by Associated Press reporter Dionne Walker that first appeared on Sept. 23, Hampton University finds the story to provide an inaccurate and unfair representation of the University.
In the article, the reporter attempts to correlate Hampton University to statistical data indicating HBCUs are facing a drastic decline in enrollment
numbers. That is blatantly false. In 1996, the University had a total enrollment of 5,554 and in 2005, the University had a total enrollment of 6,309, clearly illustrating a historical increase in enrollment figures. The University also continues to rank among the leaders in higher education, with U.S. News and World Report listing Hampton University as the 25th ranked institution among all southern universities in 2006. However, these facts did not support the preconceived notion Walker carried prior to contacting the University, therefore she did not include this information in
the story.
Secondly, the article opens with the account from a University of Virginia (UVA) student who considered attending Hampton University but stated in her
opinion that the facilities were antiquated. That too is blatantly false.
During the last five years, Hampton University has constructed the state-of-the-art Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, the Student Center, and White and Holmes Halls. In addition, the historic Ogden Hall, known for its acoustics and as a cultural center in Hampton Roads, was renovated in 2004. The University is also in the developmental stages of building a new three-story 100,000 square-foot Dining Facility and Activity Hall overlooking the Hampton River.
This individual visited the campus in January 2006 as part of the Honors Visitation Weekend. The reporter acted in a very sophomoric manner by taking one individual's opinion and aligning it with her preconceived notion that historically black universities offer aging campuses and therefore are
facing a "resulting exodus." Walker also declined to offer another perspective by rebuffing our offer to speak with a student who chose to attend Hampton University instead of a state institution such as UVA.
Furthermore, Hampton University cooperated fully when Calvin Jamison, senior vice president, spoke with the reporter numerous times prior to the release of this story. Jamison presented Walker with a detailed account of all buildings and renovations at Hampton University over the last 20 years, enrollment statistics, and additional University information. Jamison also offered a personal account of his choice to attend Virginia Tech while his own son chose to attend Hampton University on his own accord. Since his statements did not align with the reporter's theory, she blatantly disregarded any accounts provided by Jamison. This further adds to the reasoning that this article deliberately misrepresents the University in its entirety.
Hampton University, a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, is a privately endowed, non-profit, non-sectarian,co-educational, historically black university. It is located in southeastern Virginia and boasts one of the loveliest campuses in the nation, with a picturesque waterfront and historic buildings and landmarks. Hampton University's endowment is currently over $220 million. Comprised of seven schools, a Graduate College and a College of Continuing Education, Hampton University is among the leaders in higher education.
Posted By: Jehan Bunch
Tuesday, October 3rd 2006 at 11:55AM
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