Hampton University to open campus in Virginia Beach - noteworthy news

Black Issues in Higher Education, July 31, 2003

HAMPTON, VA.

Hampton University will open its newest satellite campus this fall in Virginia Beach, Va. The state-of-the-art College of Virginia Beach, located in the city's newly constructed Town Center, will offer undergraduate degrees in nursing (a condensed three-year program) and hotel/resort management. The college also will offer graduate degrees in education such as the master's in teaching (secondary level), education leadership, special education, as well as education certification programs.

The new facility is "an effort to address the major shortages in nursing and teacher education across Hampton Roads, the state of Virginia and the nation," says Dr. William R. Harvey, president of Hampton University. "The monumental project is designed to meet the needs of the local economy and aspiring students alike."

Virginia Beach officials are looking forward to the school's opening.

"I am pleased that this fine institution is opening its doors in Virginia Beach," says Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf. "The new College of Virginia Beach ... will offer wonderful educational opportunities for students in high-demand professions, including hotel and resort management, nursing and education. Hampton University is committed to providing an 'education for life,' and that's a perfect match for Virginia Beach, where lifelong learning is a top priority," Obendorf says.

Accredited by the State Council for Higher Education of Virginia, the College of Virginia Beach will offer the latest in learning technology. Campus amenities include: mediated classrooms and labs; real-time video/audio connectivity to main campus; mediated conference and seminar rooms; a 100-seat mediated lecture hall; instructional computer classrooms; visitor lounge and on-site catering services; large open computer lab and full campus library connectivity.

"The city of Virginia Beach has welcomed Hampton University with tremendous support," Harvey says. "We are looking forward to a lifelong partnership in innovative education."