Hampton University President William R. Harvey announced that alumna Rashida Jones, President of MSNBC, will serve as the University’s 150th and 151st Commencement speaker on May 9.
“Ms. Rashida Jones and her professional success are an example of what Hampton University founder Gen. Samuel Chapman Armstrong envisioned when he founded this institution to educate recently freed slaves 153 years ago,” Harvey said. “His dream was to prepare the best and the brightest to lead our great nation and make a positive impact on the world at large.”
A Hampton University Scripps Howard School Hall of Fame inductee, Jones graduated from the university in 2002 with a degree in mass media arts. Since then she has had a very successful career in the journalism industry, most recently as the first Black executive to lead one of the major television news organizations. Under Jones’ leadership, MSNBC finished as the No. 1 network in all of cable television in February. This historic victory was achieved during a month of around-the-clock breaking news that included the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump, the first full month of the Biden administration and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“Her address will truly be well-received on this historic day,” Harvey said. “Not only will we recognize our graduates, but this ceremony will also recognize Hampton University taking another major step towards returning to normalcy since the beginning of the pandemic. Ms. Rashida Jones’ star is among the brightest in her field. She will inspire and enlighten our graduates as they prepare to make their own historical marks on the world.”
Some of Jones’ previous positions include director of WIS-TV, director of live programming and executive producer for The Weather Channel as well as producer for WTKR-TV. Prior to her appointment, Jones served as the senior vice president for MSNBC and NBC News, succeeding longtime network president Phil Griffin.
As senior vice president, Jones led breaking news and major events coverage. She helped oversee the second presidential debate, for which NBC News’ Kristen Welker made history as the second Black woman to moderate a presidential debate. Jones also oversaw MSNBC’s daytime and weekend programming.
