About the School of Liberal Arts
The School of Liberal Arts is the primary liberal education unit for the Undergraduate College. The school is responsible for the preparation of students in several professions, including education, mass media arts, music-related areas, and social services. The School of Liberal Arts provides quality undergraduate preparation for successful advanced graduate and professional study in several disciplines and areas of the arts, humanities, social and behavioral science, law, and other areas of interest.
It is organized into two inter-related divisions, each with its own mission, goals and academic standards:
The Division of Arts and Humanities includes the departments that provide the foundation for any general education experience, along with preparation for specialties in the arts. The Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences comprises the important cultural curricula of contemporary society.
Much of the liberal arts undergirding that supports all undergraduate programs at Hampton University is provided by the School of Liberal Arts. The Dean's office keeps faculty, staff, and students informed through the School newsletter, the LA&E Beacon. Faculty members in the School continue to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the University. The following faculty members continue to serve as Endowed University Professors: Dr. Lois Benjamin and Dr. Zina McGee.
The School of Liberal Arts continues to be the largest school in the University with an enrollment of over 1300 students. Departments increasing enrollments include Political Science, Music Recording Technology, and Graphic Design. The Dean's office and departments were involved in recruitment efforts through correspondence and individual consultations with students and parents. Students continue to do well in acceptances to graduate and professionsl schools., including Harvard (Medical), University of California, American University, University of Virginia, Rutgers University, University of Pittsburgh, Brown University, Duke University and the New School, among many others.
In response to the call of the dean to pursue greater funded and interdisciplinary research efforts, faculty members have begun to work with the development office liaison and school grants coordinator on proposal ideas. Of particular note is the continuation of COR grant and pilot funding for African American Marriage Center. Each department was charged with generating one-third of its operating budget. The Dean's office and other departments in the school received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, Title III, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Foundations.
The School continues to foster an environment of modern educational practices and research. Faculty members participate in conferences and workshops, as well as, publish articles and books. the School of Liberal Arts continues to bring national visibility and distinction to Hampton University through art exhibits, theatre productions, the band and choirs.