Donovan Rose has worn many hats in his 34 years associated with Hampton University. As a former student-athlete, NFL player, assistant and head football coach at Hampton, executive director of JET (Job Education Training) Corps and the H.O.P.E. program (Hampton Opportunity Program for Enhancement), Rose brings a wealth of knowledge, impeccable character, and the respect from the players, assistant coaches, school administrators, and the community.
He currently serves as the Director of Operations for Athletics after a three year stint as Assistant Athletic Director with an emphasis in Fundraising. In light of the Pandemic, Coach Rose has provided a weekly state-by state breakdown of the U.S. Coronavirus Cases, and the effect on H. U. athletics and sporting venues.
“With the tradition, family atmosphere, and roots that I have here at Hampton University, I definitely feel honored to be a part of the athletic management team, and to have the opportunity to work with thousands of alumni, organizations, and former athletes at my alma mater. Hampton has always been known for its academics and athletic achievements. With hard work, determination, and commitment, we can continue to provide a competitive atmosphere, win championships and compete at the highest level. I am very optimistic that with the support of our alumni, community, and businesses of athletic interests, we can build relationships and restore the luster to make Hampton a force to be reckoned with in all of our 17 athletic teams, he said.”
A 1979 graduate (Business Management) of Hampton University, Rose was an All-CIAA performer who was named the conference Defensive Player of the Year during his senior year. Rose also earned several All-American honors and was named a starter and captain on the 1978 All-Star Team which played in the New Orleans Superdome.
He later signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent in 1980, and also played for several championship teams in the (CFL) Canadian Football League, winning the Grey Cup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1984.
In 1986, Rose joined the Miami Dolphins and led the team in interceptions, before retiring from professional football in 1988.
Since 1992, Rose has redirected the lives and provided meaningful opportunities for thousands of youth in Hampton Roads and recruited hundreds of athletes and placed several in the Pros. In 2003, Rose was awarded the AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year in Division I-AA (now FCS) and the All-American Football Foundation Mike Campbell Top Assistant Coach Award. In 2006, Rose received the prestigious L.D. Britt, M.D. Community Service Award for his involvement and relentless service with youth and student-athletes.
Rose, a native of Norfolk, Va. is married to the former Miss Hampton University (1981) Sylvia Woody, Esq., a native of Tampa, Fla., and current Interim Dean for the JTG School of Business at Hampton University. They have two children: Deja (32), a Neurologist and Fellow at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic; Donovan Jr. (25), a Management Consultant Senior Analyst for Accenture and a granddaughter: Alexandria Rose Darrington (18 months)
