Dr. William R. Harvey, president of Hampton University for nearly a quarter of a century, has not only moved the University to higher levels of academic and fiscal excellence, but has assumed the mantle of bridge builder to others who aspired to become college presidents or to assume other executive leadership positions. During the past decade nine members from Hampton's executive team have become presidents at other institutions, carrying with them professional tenets from the Harvey Executive Leadership Model.

"The Harvey executive model taught me a new concept; I will call it futuresite," said Dr. Oscar Prater, former president of Fort Valley State University. "You have to have a vision. What will this institution look like 10 years from this day with you as the leader," said Prater, one of the presenters at the conference.

Former Hampton University executives, who are now presidents at other institutions, served as Summit presenters. Dr. Carlton Brown, president of Savannah State University; Dr. Warren Buck, chancellor of the University of Washington-Bothell; Dr. Elnora Daniel, president of Chicago State University; Dr. Calvin Lowe, president of Bowie State University; Prater; Leon Scott, president of Consolidated Bank & Trust Co.; Dr. Rodney Smith, president of Ramapo College and Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber, president of St. Augustine's College shared with the aspiring leaders components of the Harvey Executive Leadership Model that they find critical in their current presidency positions.

"The Harvey model made Hampton University into a world class university," said Prater. "Dr. Harvey had a clear vision. The safe route was not the route that was taken." The tenants of the Harvey executive model are vision, work ethic, academic excellence, innovation, courage, management, fairness, fiscal conservatism team building and results.

Suber, president of St. Augustine's College, told the attendees that innovation is one of the most important tenants.

"Innovation is a process that requires one to move out of the comfort zone," said Suber. "A life leap from what is familiar. Innovation is not something you just jump out there and do. You got to do your homework," Suber continued. "It is not always about being right and innovation helps you get over that."

Smith, who was vice president of planning and dean of the Graduate College at Hampton before becoming president at Ramapo College, said it is important to replicate the model without replicating the University. Smith said he went from an institution that is 80-85 percent African American to an institution that is 80-85 percent Caucasian American and the model still worked for him.

Harvey told the aspiring presidents that while they are on the road to the presidency to make sure they have someone to mentor them.

"It is important to have a mentor," he said. "One of the best ways to be a good leader is to be a good follower."

For additional information, please contact: Yuri R. Rodgers at (757) 727-5253 or via email: yuri.milligan@hamptonu.edu