By Hampton University
As we approach the conclusion of Dr. William R. Harvey, legendary tenure as Hampton University’s President of 44 years, he is expressing his heartfelt appreciation to the hard working and extraordinary effort on the part of all faculty and staff members that make up the campus community. Dr. Harvey has announced the University will provide each employee under contract at the beginning of the new 2022-2023 academic year a bonus of $1,000. The bonus check will be distributed July 1, 2022. In addition, all employees are eligible for an annual increase of up to 5% for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Dr. Harvey also announced that he and Mrs. Norma B. Harvey are donating $250,000 of their personal money to establish an endowment to create the Harvey Family Employee of the Month program. This program will name one Secretary of the month, Police Officer of the Month and Physical Plant Employee of the Month based on the criteria that includes; positive attitude, hard work, good customer service, being dependable and show initiative. Each winner will receive $100 as a reward for their service. Recommendations will come the their respective supervisors and the selection committee will include the VP for Business Affairs, HR Director and Chancellor and Provost.
“As the final year of my presidency comes to an end, giving this bonus is my way of thanking you for your commitment to Hampton University,” said Dr. Harvey. “I appreciate all of your hard work and support over the years. As we look to the future, one of our greatest challenges is to stand firm by the character traits of honesty, integrity, respect for ourselves, respect for others, discipline and responsible personal behavior. Please remember that General Armstrong founded Hampton, in his words, to provide top-flight academics (Today these offerings would be called workforce development.) and character development to recently freed slaves. After stating these two priorities in a speech to students, faculty and staff in August, 1868, he indicated that of the two, character development is more important! Today and into the future, we must embrace these standards and values that were espoused by our founder. I assure all of us that they are not only important, but essential to living a good life.”
These monetary additions come on top of other financial incentives that the University has provided over the last year and a half. This included a 2% salary increase effective January 1, 2021; a $200 Christmas bonus and a $25 gift for the much anticipated and celebrated annual turkey give-a-way. In February 2021, I announced the distribution of bonus checks to select members of the Hampton University workforce. Based on current employees’ annual salaries at that time ($50,000 or less), specific individuals received either a $125 or $250 bonus. In March 2021, the university announced an additional raise of up to 5% to all employees with an annual contract for the 2021-2022 academic year. Previously, the University increased its minimum wage on July 1, 2019 to $10.00 per hour, to $12.00 per hour on March 1, 2020, and to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2022. An incremental salary increase for faculty receiving grant funding of $250,000 and above was announced in February 2022.
