No other single name in the storied history of Hampton University has a greater correlation to success than that of William R. Harvey. Hampton’s president since 1978, Harvey is one of the nation’s longest tenured college presidents and perhaps its most influential.
Over the course of the past 32 years, Harvey has solidified Hampton University’s reputation as a premier academic institution while simultaneously transforming the athletics program into one of the most envied in all of college sports.
Known as an innovative president and educator, a faithful humanitarian, a dynamic civic leader and an astute businessman, Harvey’s presidency has seen the student population at HU increase from 2,700 to over 6,300, the average SAT score increase by over 300 points, the introduction of 76 new academic programs and the construction of some 18 new buildings at “Our Home by the Sea.”
While Harvey’s leadership has made him a legend in academic circles, his influence in Hampton’s intercollegiate athletics program has been equally awesome. Providing the human and financial resources necessary to make HU athletics a premiere mid-major NCAA power, Harvey continues to lay the groundwork to ensure that the mission of the intercollegiate athletics program mirrors that of the University at large and that while winning championships, the focus remains on the primary goals – graduation of the student-athletes and preparing them for successful careers after college.
Under Harvey’s watch, the various Pirate and Lady Pirate teams have captured over 100 championships, including conference titles in the CIAA and MEAC, national titles while competing on the NCAA Division II level and other national championships. Towards reaching its storied tradition of excellence in athletics, Harvey has made the athletics program one of the top-funded programs of any program of its size and its facilities rank second to done. Among the facilities built during Harvey’s tenure are the HU Convocation Center, the Neilson-Screen Tennis Stadium, the Football Office Complex at Armstrong Stadium, a new track and field facility at Armstrong Stadium and major renovations to team locker rooms. Currently under construction is a state-of-the-art softball complex.
Dr. Harvey’s achievements have been recognized through his inclusion in Personalities of the South, Who’s Who in the South and Southeast, Who’s Who in Black America, Who’s Who in Education, International Who’s Who of intellectuals, Who’s Who in Business and Finance and Who’s Who in America. Six U.S. Presidents have appointed Harvey to serve on boards and commissions. He was recently elected to membership on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors and its prestigious Executive Committee, the highest governance body overseeing intercollegiate athletics in America.
Dr Harvey was also asked to serve as a member of the Selection Committee for the new president of the NCAA. Therefore, his influence over all intercollegiate athletics will be felt for years to come when the new president of the NCAA is selected.
