Alumni

A brief history of the Department of Psychology at Hampton University reveals that the first psychology courses aside from Educational Psychology, Child Psychology, and Adolescent Psychology which were all taught in the Division of Education, were listed in the 1941-1942 Bulletin of Hampton Institute. Listed under General Education they were Psychology 101-Individual and Social Adjustment and Psychology 102-Vocational Adjustment. By 1942-43, there were 12 courses in Psychology listed, along with overall objectives. Kenneth B. Clark is listed as the head of the Department of Psychology, although he was "On leave of absence---War Service" and, not surprisingly, one of the courses listed is Racial Psychology. In 1968, the first graduates earned a degree in psychology. Fifteen students in a class of 366 were majors in psychology; one of these graduates ranked number seven in the class, and the highest ranking psychology graduate earned a Ph.D. in psychology within a few years. In 2001, there were over one hundred psychology major graduates, and the valedictorian was a major -- Celia Kerr -- who enters graduate school this Fall at the University of Missouri-St. Louis!

Thanks to Dr. Harold Conley, former Chair of the Department, for compiling the information from which the above history of the Department is drawn.

Our alumni have gone on to accomplish great things! Many have distinguished themselves in the fields of psychology, education, medicine, and the military. Because it is so very important for our current students to realize their connection to the past, the present and the future of the relationship between the field of psychology and Hampton University, we urge graduates of the Department to contact us.

Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society

Psychology majors are also eligible for membership in the Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society. The objectives of Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor society was established in 1923 at Lincoln University by the science faculty and students.The motto of the organization is "Science holds the golden key to the royal palace of knowledge".

Membership is open to graduate and undergraduates majoring in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science and clinical psychology. Undergraduate membership requirements are 60 hours of completed college work; a 3.0 cumulative grade point average; a 3.0 average in one of the areas recognized by the society; and there must be a minimum of 17 hours in the qualifying area.

For more information contact Dr. Douglas DePriest at 757.727.5843 or via e-mail at douglas.depriest@hamptonu.edu.

Psi Chi National Honor Society

The Hampton chapter of Psi Chi is open to students with the following qualifications:

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (seniors with a 2.95 may apply)
• An average of at least 3.0 in psychology courses
• 9 completed hours (3 courses) in psychology

Most psychology majors are juniors before meeting the above requirements. Fees associated with membership include a one-time membership fee of $25 paid to the national organization and $10 per year to the local chapter. The local chapter has been involved in a variety of activities including, field trips, tutoring programs for psychology majors, community outreach, workshops and outside lecturers. Current members choose the activities for each school year. Dr. Adolph Brown, Chairman and a faculty, is a co-sponsor.

Psychology Club

The Psychology Club serves as a vehicle for information dissemination, departmental discussion, and social interaction between students and faculty. Membership in this officially recognized campus organization is open to all students majoring in psychology. The Club sponsors outside speakers, a tutorial program and also participates in homecoming activities. Dr. Earle Williams, Assistant Professor of Psychology, is the faculty sponsor. Get involved and help determine what the club will do and how it will serve the needs and interests of psychology majors.