HU Names New Director of the Leadership Institute

Battinto L. Batts Jr.

Hampton, Va. –Hampton University Provost Dr. Pamela V. Hammond has announced the appointment of Battinto L. Batts Jr. as director of the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute at Hampton University. Batts began his appointment on Nov. 15.

“I am impressed with Mr. Batts’ good work ethic, demeanor, and leadership skills,” said Hammond. “I believe he has the energy and the dedication to take our student leadership program to an even higher level.”

Batts has been an assistant professor in the Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications since 2007. He teaches media ethics and online journalism, and researches current industry issues and applies them in the classroom setting. He is a media expert, specializing in public relations, advertising, graphic design and website design.

A seasoned journalist, Batts has served as a writer and editor at major daily newspapers including The Daily Press, Newport News, Va.; South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond, Va.; St. Petersburg Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.; and the Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va. Batts is the owner of Batts Enterprises, Inc., a corporation that manages limited liability companies (LLCs) focusing on publishing, graphic design, website design, content development, advertising, public relations, marketing and event planning.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to bring my corporate and educational experiences to bear to serve the students in the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute and the university,” said Batts.

Batts received the Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University and the Master of Arts degree in media management from Norfolk State University.

Batts has served as a recruiter and trainer for The Virginian-Pilot in the newspaper's news and circulation/marketing departments. He has also recruited college students for internship opportunities at the St. Petersburg Times. At various times, Batts has served in leadership/management capacities in the media industry and was a 2002-2003 Breakthrough fellow; a management training program with the Newspaper Association of America. This yearlong fellowship paired Batts with a vice president of Knight Ridder, Inc., where he studied human resources, recruiting and talent development.

The William R. Harvey Leadership Institute at Hampton University offers the undergraduate student a curriculum option that enhances the regular university experience. It is an intensive, interactive undergraduate minor designed to develop entry-level leaders for the workplace and community who are competent, committed and ethical. Students admitted to the Institute are designated Leadership Fellows. Fellows earn a minor in Leadership Studies upon successful completion of the eighteen (18) credit hour program and a 400-hour service learning internship. Also, Leadership Fellows may qualify for a Leadership Grant each academic year.

For more information on the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute, please call 757.728.6698.