Hampton University News July 21, 2017 Hampton University's New Assoc. VP of Development to Tackle Lofty Goal Her personality illuminates the room. Her demeanor is sweet and down to earth, but don't let her southern flare and dainty "AKA" pearls fool you. When it comes to business, Felicia Blow means business. She is returning to her alma mater as the new Associate Vice President for Development and Campaign Director. "It is a privilege and an honor to be selected for this position. I don't take it lightly," said Blow. "There is a lot to learn and a lot to do, but I am truly ready for it and excited to be here." Blow received her bachelor's degree in mass media arts from Hampton in 1988. She later completed her master's degree in business administration at Strayer University. Prior to taking on her role at Hampton, she began work on a doctorate in higher education administration. As one of Hampton's primary fundraisers, Blow has been tasked with creating a comprehensive capital campaign to raise $150 million dollars, a number that coincides with the university's 150th anniversary. How will she do it? "How do you eat an elephant?" she replied. "One bite at a time." As an award-winning leader with 28 years of organizational, strategic planning, leadership and management experience, Hampton couldn't have selected a better candidate. Along the way, Blow served as vice president for institutional advancement at Paul D. Camp Community College and Tidewater Community College. In addition, she spent 10 years in the public affairs, communications and marketing arena. At Southeastern Public Service Authority, Blow worked her way up the ranks from a public information officer to the head of public relations and marketing. Immediately after, at Cox Communications, Blow led the development of the philanthropic unit "Cox Charities of Virginia," raising more than $250,000 with its first event. "Development is relationship building," Blow said. "It is people to people. It is meeting, talking and communicating a core message that makes sense to the receiver. I feel that my professional background as well as being a Hampton alum and mother of a Hampton student, will allow me to excel in my role here at Hampton." At Hampton, Blow is cooking up a strategy that addresses the university's current needs as well as a 10-,15-, and 20-year outlook. Her interest is in creating or expanding programs that appeal to potential donors. "People don't give to projects, they give to movements, said Blow. "They want to invest in something that will make a life difference." That something could be the creation of a new bio-medical center, a vision in Hampton University's future. The center would house marquee programs and research already being conducted at Hampton with the goal of positioning the university as the go-to institution for health disparities of all types. Back at her desk, Blow points to the many books and notepads she has been reading and writing in since taking on her position at Hampton. She is learning the ropes after only a month on the job. Already, she is fostering new relationships that will keep her "Home by the Sea" standing strong for years to come. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/