Hampton University News February 24, 2012 New HU Deans Focus on Research and Collaborations This academic year Hampton University has reinforced its commitment to undergraduate and graduate research and collaboration across disciplines. The new academic deans that joined HU this year have committed to increasing innovative research and interdisciplinary collaborations within their schools. Dr. Patrena N. Benton was named dean of the HU Graduate College in January; Dr. Deborah Jones, dean of the HU School of Nursing, stepped into her role in August; and Dr. Calvin Lowe, dean of the HU School of Science returned to HU in October. Dr. Patrena N. Benton, Graduate College Dr. Patrena N. Benton is the new dean of the Graduate College at Hampton University. Prior to this position, she served as the assistant vice president for academic affairs and director of the Edwin P. McCabe Honors Program at Langston University. Benton looks forward to establishing additional internal and external collaborations and partnerships for the graduate college while working closely with other schools and departments to facilitate the legacy of providing exceptional postgraduate education at HU. "Dr. Benton comes to Hampton University experienced, talented, energized, and innovative," stated Dr. JoAnn Haybert, executive vice president at HU. "As we increase our efforts in becoming a research-intensive institution, Dr. Benton is professionally positioned to move the Graduate College to an even higher level. I am excited about what we will accomplish under her leadership." Benton earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters of Science in adult education. She received her Ph.D. in leadership studies from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She also holds higher education/leadership certificates from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, Hampton University, and the University of North Carolina System. Dr. Deborah Jones, School of Nursing Dr. Deborah Jones is the dean of the HU School of Nursing (SON). Before coming to HU, Jones was an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Baltimore, Md., and an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Jones plans to mold her students into leaders in the nursing industry, nurses that will influence the profession and the healthcare industry. In the short term, Jones wants to provide students with a curriculum that breeds success on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). "Dr. Deborah Jones is an exceptional nurse educator who brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to Hampton University in support of its nationally accredited nursing program," said HU Provost and Former SON Dean Dr. Pamela Hammond. "Her superb leadership has already produced positive outcomes for the school and its students." Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing and a PhD in Nursing Research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Calvin Lowe, School of Science Dr. Calvin Lowe returned to HU to serve as the new dean of the School of Science. Lowe is a former president at Bowie State University in Maryland. Most recently, Lowe served as vice president of research and program development at the National Institute of Aerospace. He is no stranger to Hampton; Lowe has served as an assistant professor in the Department of Physics, the vice president for research and dean of the HU graduate college. "I am delighted to welcome Dr. Calvin Lowe, dean of the School of Science, back to our 'Home by the Sea,'" stated Hammond. "Dr. Lowe's vast experience as a physicist, educator, and administrator, will serve the University and the School of Science well in our efforts to expand STEM education and research." Lowe will guide the School of Science as it takes a lead in moving HU to the next level in research. In becoming a research-intensive university, the school will engage in more cutting-edge research. Lowe received a Bachelor of Science in physics from North Carolina A&T State University, and a Master of Science in plasma physics and a PhD in solid-state physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.