Inside…
New Director of the Leadership Institute Named
Battinto L. Batts Jr.
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 and teaches media ethics and online journalism. 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 focuses on marketing.
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.
–Yuri Rodgers Milligan