31 Interesting Facts about Hampton University

Dan March 14, 2023

Hampton University is a private historically Black university located in Hampton, Virginia. It was founded in 1868 by General Samuel Chapman Armstrong, and originally named Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. The school’s mission was to educate newly freed African Americans, and it was one of the first institutions in the United States to offer vocational training as well as academic courses. Today, Hampton University is a comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields.

The campus of Hampton University is spread over 314 acres and features numerous historic buildings, including the Emancipation Oak, where newly freed slaves first learned of their freedom, and the Hampton University Museum, which is the oldest African American museum in the United States. The university is home to nearly 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, which allows for personalized attention and support from professors.

Hampton University is known for its strong programs in the sciences, particularly in the fields of marine and environmental science. The university is home to the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute, which is one of only a few facilities in the world that offer proton therapy for the treatment of cancer. The university also has a strong program in aviation, and operates the largest civilian flight school in the United States.

In addition to its academic programs, Hampton University is also known for its strong athletic programs. The university’s sports teams, known as the Pirates, compete in the NCAA Division I in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Hampton University has produced numerous successful athletes, including NBA player Rick Mahorn and NFL player Justin Durant.

Hampton Institute

To know more about Hampton University, I’m sure that it’s a good idea to look at these 31 interesting facts about Hampton University

1. Hampton University was founded in 1868 as the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute for the education of newly freed African Americans.
2. The university is named after the city of Hampton, Virginia, where it is located.
3. The campus of Hampton University covers 314 acres and includes more than 100 buildings.
4. The Emancipation Oak, located on the Hampton University campus, is where newly freed slaves first learned of their freedom in 1863.
5. The Hampton University Museum is the oldest African American museum in the United States.
6. Hampton University is a private, historically Black university that is ranked #3 among HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) by U.S. News & World Report.
7. The student population at Hampton University is approximately 4,000.
8. Hampton University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1.
9. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs of study.
10. Hampton University is home to the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute, which is one of only a few facilities in the world that offer proton therapy for the treatment of cancer.
11. The university has a strong program in marine and environmental science, with its own research vessel and a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
12. The largest civilian flight school in the United States is located on the Hampton University campus.
13. Hampton University is one of the few universities in the United States to offer a degree in nuclear engineering.
14. Hampton University’s sports teams, known as the Pirates, compete in the NCAA Division I in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
15. Hampton University has a marching band known as the “Marching Force,” which has performed at numerous events including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
16. The university has its own radio station, WHOV-FM 88.1, which has been broadcasting since 1949.
17. Hampton University has its own TV station, WHOV-TV, which airs student-produced programming.
18. The Hampton University Choir has performed at the White House and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
19. The university’s campus includes a historic chapel that dates back to 1886.
20. Hampton University was one of the first universities in the United States to offer courses in African American studies.
21. The university has a strong program in business, with its own business school.
22. The Hampton University School of Pharmacy is one of only two pharmacy schools at HBCUs in the United States.
23. The university has a strong program in education, with a focus on teacher preparation.
24. The Hampton University Press is the oldest African American publishing house in the United States.
25. The university has a partnership with the NASA Langley Research Center, which is located nearby.
26. The Hampton University campus is home to a number of historic buildings, including Virginia Cleveland Hall, which was built in 1873 and is the oldest building on campus.
27. Hampton University has a strong program in theater, with its own theater department and performance spaces.
28. The university has a partnership with the United States Army, which operates a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program on campus.
29. Hampton University has a strong program in journalism and mass communication, with its own school of journalism.
30. The university has a strong program in psychology, with a focus on clinical psychology.
31. The Hampton University Convocation Center is a multi-purpose arena that hosts concerts, sporting events, and other activities.

Hampton University is a historic and prestigious institution of higher education that has played an important role in the education of African Americans and the advancement of civil rights in the United States. With a diverse array of programs and a commitment to academic excellence, research, and community service, Hampton University provides a rich and rewarding educational experience for students from all backgrounds. Its beautiful campus, historic landmarks, and impressive facilities make it a unique and inspiring place to learn and grow, and its graduates go on to make meaningful contributions in a wide range of fields. Overall, Hampton University is a vital and vibrant institution that continues to make a significant impact on the world.