SUMMER

RESIDENCY MAGAZINE 2015

VOLUME 7

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Table of Contents
Relax. Relate. Release.

10

Survial Tips for Summer

Residency

Alumni Spotlight

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Highlighting our Community of

Learners

PHOTO CREDIT Demeatrice Bentley

Internationally Known

Meet Cohort VII member

Melacyn Turner from
Doha, Qatar

PHOTO CREDIT Demeatrice Bentley

From the Desk of

Cohort VII Leaders

6 Special greetings on behalf of

Cohort VII from Team Leaders,
Crasha Townsend and Ashleigh
Taylor

8 Hampton History
A brief overview of Hampton
University's rich history

Nothing ever comes

to one, that is worth
having, except as a
result of hardwork.
-Booker T. Washington

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SUMMER
RESIDENCY 2015
CONTRIBUTORS

Cohort VII
Members

Demeatrice Bentley
Joy Bland-Gallop
Adrienne Britton
Susie Clemons
Seddrick T. Hill, Sr.
Geisu S. Lewis
LaTonya Simmons
Ashleigh Taylor
Crasha Townsend
Melacyn Turner
Ronald White

SPECIAL THANKS
The members of Cohort VII would like to extend a
special thank you to the faculty, staff and fellow
students of Hampton University. Thank you for the
support you displayed during the 2015 Summer
Residency. We will always cherish the memories that
were made at our home by the sea!

2015 by Cohort VII members. All Rights Reserved

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is
prohibited. Cohort VII is a registered trademark of
Publisher. Printed in the United States of America.

PHOTO CREDIT Demeatrice Bentley

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Internationally Known...

PHOTO CREDIT Melacyn Turner

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Image Caption: Melacyn presents

Dr. Holmes with a gift from Doha, Qatar.

PHOTO CREDIT Demeatrice Bentley

Cohort 7 member, Melacyn Turner has set sail across the ocean to a life in Doha, Qatar. She brings gree ngs from the small
Middle Eastern country that is in close proximity to Saudi Arabia. Ms. Turner serves as a middle school science teacher at the
American School of Doha. Melacyn, along with her teenage daughter Brooklynn, moved to the country 4 years ago in pursuit
of a global experience.

She chose to pursue her doctoral degree at Hampton University, due to the access of the program being oered online.
Melacyn has been able to make strong connec ons to her cohort through online social media pla orms, conference calls
and Skype. The working tle for her disserta on is Preparing K-12 Leaders and Teachers for an Interconnected World:
Perspec ves on Global Competency.

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Cohort Leaders

he work of the scholar has begun!

We remember our mixed feelings of
apprehension and excitement prior to

residency.
The overwhelming feeling of the first
impressions, cohort expectations and
classroom conversations have made the
residency experience priceless and
memorable. Our first day of class was
equipped with motherly wit and tough love
from Dr. Barbara Holmes. Her infectious

Photo Credit Seddrick T. Hill, Sr.

smile and pristine personality have

integrated us into the Hampton Family.
Dr. Holmes believes in us fully and this
newsletter is a reflection of what has colored
our residency. In this edition of Ready, Set,
Sail our contributing writers showcase
experiences and highlights from residency.
Articles include top ten tips for residency,
scholarly writing interpretations, alumni
spotlights, strategies to connect early and
much more. On behalf of Cohort VII, we
hope that you anchor down and head
towards destination dissertation with us.

Cohort VII Leaders

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PHOTO CREDITS Demeatrice Bentley

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Hampton University
Rich in history, steeped in tradition, Hampton University is a dynamic, progressive institution of
higher education, providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, and graduate degree
programs. In addition to being one of the top historically black universities in the world,
Hampton University is a tightly-knit community of learners and educators, representing 49 states
and 35 territories and nations.
Hampton University is nestled along the banks of the Virginia Peninsula, near the mouth of the
Chesapeake Bay. The surrounding city of Hampton features a wide array of business and
industrial enterprises, retail and residential areas, historical sites, and miles of waterfront and
beaches..
In 1861, the American Civil War had shortly began and the Union Army held control of Fort
Monroe in Hampton, Virginia at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. In May of that year, Union
Major General Benjamin Butler decreed that any escaping slaves reaching Union lines would be
considered "contraband of war" and would not be returned to bondage. This resulted in waves of
enslaved people rushing to the fort in search of freedom. A camp to house the newly freed slaves
was built several miles outside the protective walls of Fort Monroe. It was named "The Grand
Contraband Camp" and functioned as the United States' first self-contained African American
community.
In order to provide the masses of refugees some kind of education, Mary Peake, a free Negro,
was asked to teach, even though an 1831 Virginia law forbid the education of slaves, free blacks
and mulattos. She held her first class, which consisted of about twenty students, on September
17, 1861 under a simple oak tree. This tree would later be known as the Emancipation Oak and
would become the site of the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.
Today, the Emancipation Oak still stands on the Hampton University campus as a lasting symbol
of the promise of education for all, even in the face of adversity.

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In recent times, Dr. William R. Harvey was unanimously elected the twelfth President of
Hampton Institute in 1978. His efforts included outlining a core set of required courses,
establishing an M.B.A. program and centers for high-tech scientific research, and expanding the
Continuing Education Program. By 1983, student enrollment had reached nearly four thousand
and SAT scores of entering freshmen increased by 93 points, even though national enrollment
levels and SAT scores were plummeting.
In 1984, after a nine-month study of Hampton Institute's rapid growth and development in
quality of students, faculty and academic offerings, the recommendation was made to change the
name to Hampton University. Today, over 140 years after its inception, Hampton University
continues to break new ground in academic achievement, staying true to General Armstrong's
original promise of The Standard of Excellence, An Education for Life.
History. (2015). Retrieved July adapted from http://www.hamptonu.edu/about/history.cfm

PHOTO CREDIT Demeatrice Bentley

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Relax. Relate. Release.

Survival Tips for Summer Residency
1. Avoid a visit to the chiropractor; invest in a rolling backpack.
2. Do you have a leadership position? If so, leave your title at the door. Be
humble and teachable.
3. Avoid matching tetanus tattoos; immunizations and shot records must
be current before doctoral students arrive for residency.
4. Can you afford to pay out of pocket for tuition and fees? If not, file your
FAFSA form in January and relentlessly follow-up with the Office of
Financial Aid.
5. Do you like boots? Do you like boots on your vehicle? Be sure to
purchase a Hampton University parking pass in order to avoid a parking
ticket.
6. You will not save the world; remember this when forming your
dissertation topic.
7. Avoid discussion board embarrassment; learn to count to three.
8. You do not need to know it all; trust the process.
9. Dont isolate yourself. Cohort members will become your extended
family and support.
10. So, you dont want to do what is required? In the clear and concise
words of Dr. Holmes, Oh, okay (2015).

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Cohort VII Members

Demeatrice Bentley
Concentration: Higher Education
Location: Macon, GA
Research Interest - College & Career Readiness:
Perspectives of High School Students in
Dual-Enrollment Programs

Joy Bland-Gallop
Concentration: K-12
Location: Norfolk, VA
Research Interest - Secondary Science Education

Adrienne R. Britton
Concentration: K-12
Location: Norfolk, VA
Research Interest - Strategies for Reading Across the Curriculum
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Cohort VII Members

Susie Clemons
Concentration: Higher Education
Location: Greenville, North Carolina
Research Interest - Institutional Development

Seddrick Thaddeus Hill, Sr.

Concentration: Higher Education
Location: Stockbridge, GA
Research Interest - College Philanthropy: Cultivating Giving
Behaviors Among Matriculating Undergraduates

Geisu S. Lewis
Concentration: Higher Education
Location: Galveston, Texas
Research Interest - Organizational Learning and
Human Resource Development

Tonya Simmons
Concentration: K-12
Location: Newport News, VA
Current Research Interests - ABE (Adult Basic
Education) Learners and Their Transition into
Postsecondary Education/College Readiness

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Cohort VII Members

Ashleigh Taylor
Concentration: Higher Education
Location: Washington, DC
Research Interest - African American Women
Collegiate Leadership Development

Crasha V. Townsend
Concentration: Higher Education
Location: Christiansburg, VA
Research Interest - Latino and Black student Retention in
Higher Education

Melacyn M. Turner
Concentration: K-12
Location: Doha, Qatar
Research Interest - Preparing K-12 Leaders and
Teachers for an Interconnected World: Perspectives
on Global Competency

Ronald White
Concentration: Higher Education/STEM
Location: Norfolk, VA
Research Interest - Inequality in
Mathematics Education
WRITTEN BY COHORT VII Members
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Demeatrice Bentley

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Cohort VII Connections

PHOTO CREDIT Demeatrice Bentley

Connecting early in
a cohort is of the
most importance
when working with
a community of
learners.

Connecting early in a cohort is of the upmost

scholarly environment of exchange for like-

importance when working with a community

minded individuals who are co-partners on

of learners. The qualities of community

a journey inclusive of similar and shared

building are 1) The method of program

activities, functions, and objectives

delivery; 2) the time spent in online learning

(Conrad, 2010).

groups; 3). The span of the program; 4) how

much interaction is expected from the online

We, the members of cohort 7, began to

learners (Conrad, 2005).

develop our community by creating a

variety of online communication avenues.

Online learners connect as a community and

There was a Facebook page set up and

define that community as having the

kept all important dates and events current.

comforts of home, in that the online

GroupMe, a smartphone instant messenger

community is safe and is recognized by

application, was used to keep members

online learners as a secure place emanating

abreast of immediate information.

confidence and reverence. It offers a

Conrad, D. (2005). Building and maintaining community in cohort-based online learning. Journal of Distant Education, 20(1), 1-20.
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Scholarly Writing

PHOTO CREDITS Demeatrice Bentley

Scholarly Writing

During the second week of residency, doctoral students learned from writing expert, Dr. Brenda
Young. Listed are a few take-aways that we learned:
Read and write daily
Keep APA 6th edition handy at all times
Read deeply and widely
Writing is an iterative process
Celebrate words on paper
Dismiss unnecessary words, use correct grammar, and increase your lexicon

Thank you Dr. Young for sharing your writing expertise with the doctoral students in Cohort VII!
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Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Kent Willis

PHOTO PROVIDED BY Dr. Kent Willis

"The world needs more people who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
The education and training available through the Hampton PhD in Educational Management will
prepare scholars to make a meaningful impact in the field education and beyond."
- Dr. Kent Willis

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Up Close and Personal

How did you develop your research topic?

Prior to arriving at my dissertation topic, I had several different research interests. The choice to
continue with a study that investigated college and career readiness was based on the fact that the
subject was timely, existing research called for further study on specific areas and the faculty
supported my inquiry.

My research topic was developed based on reading other studies that identified a need for further
investigation on programs that contributed to success of students in underserved communities. The
passion for my research really developed as I worked on the project. Once you invest time and
effort into a topic the ownership drives your energy and desire to share the information.


What is your professional title and briefly explain the position?

Currently serving as the Director of Athletics & Community Programs at New Summerfield High
School here in Texas allows me to work daily with students and staff to promote student
engagement. In my position, I serve as the main point of contact for athletics, volunteer programs,
clubs and organizations as well as school/community partnerships.

Why did you choose Hampton University Educational Management Program?

The Hampton University PhD program was appealing to me because it was in an executive format
and the curriculum seemed to be very practical. I had family members who are Hampton Alum who
had a great opinion of the institution so I decided that the program would be a good fit for me.

What was your greatest take away from the Hampton University Educational
Management Program?

The greatest take away from the Hampton PhD is that original research is important to help
advance education. Specifically, the faculty in the program helped me grow personally and
professionally. I feel equipped to be a real agent for change.

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Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Paula Gentius

PHOTO PROVIDED BY Dr. Paula Gentrius

"I graduated from Hampton University with a Bachelors of Art in Mass Media Arts and began the
graduate program in Higher Education Administration there as well. Therefore, Hampton is home for
me. It offered the online program in Higher Education Management--which was in line with my career
goal of becoming a university presidentand provided the flexibility I needed to balance work and life
obligations. The Higher Education Management program provided me with the credential I needed to
move to the next level in my career. The one word that captures my sentiments about the program is
patience. I learned to be more patient and realized that some things may happen on its own schedule. I
have also become laser-focused on my goals as a result of the enhanced patience."
- Dr. Paula Gentius
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Up Close and Personal

Paula Gentius is the Assistant to the Presidentsupporting the Interim President and CEO with his
duties and responsibilities for planning, directing, managing and coordinating the Universitys
operations, and advancing its mission, visions, and interests. Dr. Gentius also provides executive
support to the 13-member Board of Visitors, the institutions governing body. Prior to this role, she
served as the Assistant to the President for Partnerships and University Outreach, she was
responsible for developing and promoting significant external partnerships with community,
corporate, government and social sector constituents that support the Universitys strategic goals
and advance the institutions public profile on regional, state and national levels.

She also served as the Assistant to the Board of Visitors and the President and assisted the Rector
and members of the Norfolk State University Board of Visitors in successfully performing their
fiduciary responsibilities relative to NSU. As a gubernatorial appointee under three former Virginia
Governors, Dr. Gentius served as an Executive Policy Advisor, Interim Executive Director, Deputy
Director and Confidential Policy Advisor for a state agency in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Gentuis also
served as the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director and Telecommunications & Compliance
Manager of a regulatory agency overseeing the City of Detroits cable franchise and
telecommunications operations. She is an adjunct professor of legal studies and has a Ph.D. in
Educational Management from Hampton University, J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School
of Law, M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Ohio University, and a B.A. in Mass Media
Arts and Public Relations from Hampton University.

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Doctoral Student Spotlight

PHOTO PROVIDED BY Mr. Leo T. McAuley Brown

During Summer Residency 2015, Mr. Leo T. McAuley Brown graciously shared his
CLUTE Institute presentation titled, Crisis Averted: Rules of Engagement for the
Doctoral Student Journey. Mr. Brown is a member of Cohort V and resides in Atlanta,
Georgia. His dissertation is titled, "Halting the Exodus from Academe: Exploring Retention
of Academic Medicine Faculty."

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Rules of Engagement
10 Keys to Implement
1. Remain humble and teachable
2. Grow or go
3. Compartmentalize your life
4. Appreciate the journey
5. Do your work
6. Lean at the tape
7. Read and write everyday
8. Begin dissertation work early
9. You cannot operate in isolation engage with peers
10. Communicate consistently with your chair

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Thank You!

We would
like to thank
you for paving

the way, and for

welcoming us

PHOTO CREDIT Demeatrice Bentley

into the
Hamptonian
family.

he outreach and support began well before the start of classes. Cohort VI
called, emailed and texted with helpful information, shared tips (get your
rolling book bags), and most importantly emphasized the need to be a
cohesive unit. All of which has been valuable and has set us up for success.
We would like to thank you for paving the way, and for welcoming us into the
Hamptonian family. We appreciate your candor and would be remised if we
left our first residency without thanking you. We have learned many lessons
from you through observation as well as our mini conversations in the lobbies,
hallways and hotel conference rooms. Again, thank you and we wish you luck
in your pursuit of the doctoral degree.
Warm Regards,

Cohort VII

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