HU Pres. Named Chair of Obama's Board of Advisors on HBCUs

Hampton, VA - On Feb. 26, President Barack Obama appointed Hampton University President William R. Harvey Chairman of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Obama announced Harvey’s appointment before signing a new Executive Order re-establishing the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and President’s Board of Advisors.

"I applaud President Obama for his vision and emphasis on the role that Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in this country," stated Harvey. "I look forward to serving his administration and working with other members of the Advisory Board to advance the cause of education, research and public service."

The Board of Advisors, created in 1981 by Executive Order, is tasked with advising the President and the Secretary of Education on methods, programs, and strategies to strengthen these valued institutions. The signing of the Executive Order represents the Administration’s commitment to assure increased access to federally-sponsored programs and opportunities for the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It will also contribute to the Administration’s efforts to increase the number and percentage of college-trained Americans by the year 2020.

At the signing Obama said, “And that's why we're here today -– to ensure that these schools remain the beacons that they've been for more than a century and a half: Crucibles of learning where students discover their full potential and forge the character required to realize it; catalysts of change where young people put their hands on the arc of history and move this nation closer to the ideals of its founding; and the cradles of opportunity where each generation inherits the American Dream -– and keeps it alive for the next.”

Obama will also show his support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities by serving as Hampton University's 140th commencement speaker on May 9, 2010.

“I also want to acknowledge…a great friend, President of Hampton University for more than 30 years, Dr. William Harvey,” Obama said. “I promised him I'd come back to Hampton, so I'm going to be speaking at his commencement this year.”