Brett Pulley of Bloomberg News Named New Dean of the HU Journalism School

Brett Pulley of Bloomberg News Named New Dean of the HU Journalism School

Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey has announced that Brett Pulley has been named dean of the HU Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. Pulley’s appointment is effective January 1, 2012.

“The Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications has gained a national reputation of preparing students in the ever-changing media industry. Mr. Pulley’s vast knowledge and experience in the journalism and digital media makes him an ideal candidate to lead the School and prepare a new generation of communicators,” Harvey said.

Pulley, business journalist and author, currently covers the media and entertainment industries at Bloomberg L.P., the global information services, news and media company. His work appears daily on the company's terminals, its website, and inside its magazines. He is a frequent commentator on Bloomberg Television.

"I am honored to return to my alma mater and work with our dynamic president Dr. Harvey,” Pulley said. “This is an exciting time in the media business and an exciting time for the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. The faculty and administration have been doing a terrific job of training and placing students in the business. With the proliferation of digital distribution platforms now driving profound changes in the media industry, we have a terrific challenge and a unique opportunity to make Hampton University one of the premier schools for journalism, communications, and digital media innovation. I am looking forward to leading the Scripps Howard School in this effort, and I'm thrilled about returning with my family to Hampton University. ”

Formerly a senior editor at Forbes Magazine, Pulley authored many cover stories for the magazine on topics ranging from the legendary Hollywood studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, to the entertainment giant, The Walt Disney Co. Prior to joining Forbes in 1999, Pulley spent five years at The New York Times, as a national correspondent, and as a local reporter covering politics and economic development. His work at The Times was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Pulley also spent five years as a correspondent at The Wall Street Journal, where he was based in Chicago and New York, covering the airline industry and national urban affairs.

Pulley has served as the president and chief executive officer of NewYork.com, an internet company dedicated to tourism and entertainment. In this capacity, he was responsible for a website with over 150,000 visitors and 500,000 page views each month, providing users with hotel and restaurant reservations, transportation services, sightseeing tours, and tickets to concerts, Broadway shows and sports events.

He has received numerous journalism awards, including two first place annual prizes from the National Association of Black Journalists, one in 1994 and another in 2002. Pulley has appeared frequently as a guest on television, providing commentary and insight on media and entertainment industry issues. He has made appearances on networks such as CNN, CNBC, and MSNBC, and has been called on to discuss the finances of celebrities on Entertainment Tonight, Showbiz Tonight, Inside Edition, Access Hollywood, CBS’s “48 Hours,” and NBC’s “Dateline.”

A native of Washington, D.C., Pulley has a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University, and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. He is a member of the board of trustees at Hampton University, and a member of the board of The Andre Gist Memorial Scholarship Foundation.


Pulley is the author of “The Billion Dollar BET” (John Wiley & Sons, April 2004), a book that takes an in-depth look at Black Entertainment Television and its founder, Robert L. Johnson. Pulley lives in South Orange, New Jersey, with his wife, Stacey, and their two teenage daughters, Zoe and Blake.

Hampton University Senior Selected as Marshall Scholarship Finalist

Hampton University Senior Selected as Marshall Scholarship Finalist

Hampton University senior Kendyl Crawley-Crawford has been chosen as a 2012 Marshall Scholarship finalist.

“Although I am nervous, I am excited and happy that my hard work has paid off,” stated Crawley-Crawford, a marine and environmental science major and native of Hampton, Va.  “I look forward to the opportunity to represent Hampton University and my Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences on a national level.”

The Marshall Scholarship is one of the most prestigious postgraduate scholarships available to Americans. The Marshall Scholarships finance American students to study at any institution in the United Kingdom. Up to 40 scholars are selected each year at the graduate level.

Crawley-Crawford has a 3.9 GPA and is involved in many research activities related to marine fisheries and environmental conservation. She has traveled as far away as Tuvalu to document fisheries catches, and her research has informed and updated various bodies of the United Nations. Crawley-Crawford has also worked to organize youth around environmental concerns and has published a children’s book about ecology. A well-rounded student, Crawley-Crawford is also an avid tap dancer, pianist, and composer.

“Hampton University is extremely proud of Kendyl and we are all rooting for her as she prepares for the Marshall interviews,” stated Dr. Freddye Davy, Endowed University Professor and Director of the Honors College at Hampton.

Marshall Scholarship winners are selected for their potential to excel as scholars and leaders. Scholars are future leaders that are expected to strengthen the relationship between the British and American people.  

Twenty Marshall finalists are selected from eight regions in October and interview with their region's selection committee in November. Crawley-Crawford will interview with the committee on November 11.

 In 1953, an Act of Parliament established the Marshall Scholarship program. Named in honor of U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall, the scholarships are an expression of Britain’s gratitude for economic assistance received through the Marshall Plan after World War II.

Hampton University Alumnus Named Rhodes Scholarship Finalist

Hampton University Alumnus Named Rhodes Scholarship Finalist

Hampton University’s 2011 valedictorian and former Student Government Association President Jeffrey Eugene has been named a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarships.

The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and best-known awards for international study, giving scholars an opportunity to study at the University of Oxford in England.  It is one of the most renowned academic awards available to American college students.

"Jeff has all the qualities that one would hope to find in a Rhodes Scholar,” stated Dr. Freddye Davy, Endowed University Professor and director of the Honors College at Hampton. “He is a future leader, someone who is selfless and cares deeply about others.  He is also eager to explore the world.  We are terribly proud of him and are wishing him great success in the interviewing process."

While at HU, Eugene was involved in a wide range of activities including published scientific research with the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, acting in a number of college plays and tutoring peers and younger students. Eugene is currently a first year medical student at the Morehouse School of Medicine.

Rhodes Scholars are chosen in a two-stage process.  First, their university or college endorses candidates and then a Committees of Selection in each of the 16 U.S. districts invites the strongest applicants to appear before them for interview.

Eugene sought the university endorsement of Hampton University for the scholarship and received it this fall.

“I am grateful and honored to be named a Rhodes Scholar finalist.” stated Eugene. “I have worked hard to emulate the expectations of a Rhodes Scholar throughout my academic career. Hampton has supported me and encouraged me to push myself to achieve. I am truly humbled by the opportunity to interview with the committee.”

Established in 1902 by the will of Cecil John Rhodes, The Rhodes Scholarships winners are chosen based on requirements set aside by Rhodes in his will. The criteria are high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership and physical vigor.

On November 18 and 19 Eugene will interview before the District VI selection committee, representing Georgia and Virginia, among 12 other finalists. Two finalists from the district will be chosen to represent the 32 Rhodes Scholars from the United States. 

HU Announces 2011-2012 Musical Arts Society Season

HU Announces 2011-2012 Musical Arts Society Season The Hampton University Musical Arts Society has announced its 2011-2012 events featuring the Urban Souls Dance Company, Handel’s “Messiah” Sing-a-Long and Lonnie Liston Smith and the Cosmic Echoes. All performances will be held in Hampton University’s historic Ogden Hall, widely known for being one of the premier acoustic settings on the East Coast. Urban Souls Dance Company, Nov. 11, 2011 at 8 p.m. Based in Houston, Texas, the Urban Souls Dance Company believes in bridging gaps between the worlds of urban life and dance theater. Dedicated to the preservation and creation of historical and contemporary dances, Urban Souls celebrates cultural themes that educate and entertain.  This dance troupe provides audiences with more than just a dance performance, but a passionate “dance experience that will inspire and energize audiences.” Admission is $30 general, $15 for students. Tickets are available online throughticketmaster.com, or call the HU Convocation Center box office at (757) 728-6800, Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Call (757) 728-6508 for more information on attending a master class with Urban Souls Dance Company. HU Choirs & Orchestra present Handel’s “Messiah” Sing-A-Long, Dec. 4, 2011 at 4 p.m Celebrate the season with a “Sing-A-Long” to George Frederic Handel’s timeless holiday classic.  This timeless musical holiday classic has become a traditional event in the Hampton Roads community.  HU’s Department of Music, University Choirs and Orchestra invite audiences to join along with featured artists Shelia J. Maye, soprano; Suzanne Oberdorfer, mezzo-soprano; Michael Myers, tenor; and Walter Swann, baritone. Admission for this annual event is free; donations are appreciated. Lonnie Liston Smith and the Cosmic Echoes April 6, 2012, at 8 p.m. Richmond-native Lonnie Liston Smith is one of contemporary music's most versatile musicians, fusing jazz, soul and funk music together.  In a career that began in the 1970s, he has played alongside leaders such as Miles Davis and Pharoah Sanders before founding his own band, the Cosmic Echoes. Admission is $25 general, $15 students.  Tickets are available online throughticketmaster.com, or call the HU Convocation Center box office at (757) 728-6800, Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information on the Hampton University Musical Arts Society visit http://mas.hamptonu.edu.

HU alum’s booking agency plans Homecoming concerts

Tenisha Percell' 03 stands with Rick Ross after the HU Homecoming Concert 2010

HU alum’s booking agency plans Homecoming concerts

Thousands of screaming students packed in the Hampton University Convocation Center, performers giving their all and leaving their hearts on stage after performing, concert-goers still buzzing about performances years after the show.  These are the elements that are always present at HU’s homecoming concerts, and are a result of the business of Hampton alumna, Tenisha Percell ‘03.

A former entertainment editor of The Hampton Script, Percell turned her passion into profit when she founded “The Skool Boye Agency,” which she describes as “the most successful college-booking agency in the world.” The Skool Boye Agency specializes in the entertainment and product needs of the college market, and particularly plays a major role in the HBCU community.

The company started as an idea that Percell pitched to the Student Activities Office at HU, but now represents more than 200 schools across the country. As a student, in the agency’s humble beginnings, Percell helped bring Charlie Baltimore to HU for the school’s rendition of “Making the Band” in 2003.  The Agency has also been nationally recognized for its achievements, and had an article published in September 2009 in Black Enterprise about its successes.

Selecting the right artists for a concert for students with diverse musical interests can be tricky. To help choose the best artists for campus culture, The Skool Boye Agency conducts research. They provide surveys and polls to students to figure out which artists the majority of the school wants to perform. The agency then books these artists, and handles everything from managing to promotion.

Percell attributes most of the agency’s success to the training she received at her Home by the Sea. HU’s Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Barbara Inman said, “The Skool Boye Agency has really taken the Hampton University Homecoming concert to the next level.”

Purcell has advice for current students looking to pursue a similar path. She earned her HU degree in Media Management.

 “Start doing what you want to do now,” she said.  “Find mentors and internships, and stay involved in a lot of activities.”

Students are anxiously awaiting the homecoming concert for this year and buzz about the performers has been a top topic on campus. What can students expect this year? This year’s homecoming concert features Travis Porter, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Porter and Miguel.

According to Percell, “Students can expect to have a lot of fun, and will see a lot of dancing and will hear a lot of yelling.”

For more information on The Skool Boye Agency, visit http://www.skoolboye.com.

-Morgan  Gusby

Miss Hampton University Coronation - “Fly Me To The Moon”

Miss HU 2011-2012 and her Homecoming Court.

Miss HU 2011-2012, Eyden Thomas, is crowned. 

The Miss Hampton University Coronation, “Fly Me To The Moon,” is 7 p.m., Oct. 19, in Ogden Hall. This traditional ceremony recognizes the “Mr.” and “Miss” from various campus organizations, and showcases the official crowing of Miss Hampton University who, this year, is Eyden Thomas, a senior sociology major from Charlotte, N.C.

Thomas won the title earlier this month. Her platform, “Empowering A Generation: Promoting Literacy Among the Hampton Roads Community” is dear to her heart.  She aspires to work as an educational advocate for underprivileged students.

On her experience with the pageant, Thomas said, “The girls were great … I truly made six new friends.”

Thomas is honored to have the title of Miss Hampton University 2011-2012, though she hasn’t quite settled in to the reality of it all.

“Everything is still very surreal at this point. Everyone says that after coronation it will finally set in,” said Thomas.

Admission to the ceremony is free and open to the public, and a reception will follow in the Student Center Ballroom. For more information about this event or other homecoming festivities, visit http://homecoming.hamptonu.edu or contact the HU Office of Student Activities at 757.727.5691.

-Stephanie Arterbery

Contestants and their coaches taking a break from rehearsal to smile for the camera. Chelsea Balentine (First Hampton Idol winner and vocal coach), Arquilla Burks, Zainab Mustapha, Malcom Scott, Apollo Simon (Vocal coach), and Jordan Johnson

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“Hampton Idol” kicks off HU Homecoming Week

Although Hampton University has a strong culture for music, there are many underground musicians that go unnoticed. In 2009, HU’s Student Leadership Program created Hampton Idol, a singing and rapping contest devoted to recognizing some of the school’s hidden talent.

In the beginning of the first Hampton Idol competition, contestants performed in the Student Center atrium for the first round of auditions, and went through a closed audition before making it to the show. Contestants were informed that they made it past the auditions, and worked with musicians to get arrangements and performances together. After two short weeks of rehearsals, it was show time.                    

Hundreds of students, including myself, packed Ogden Hall to witness the first Hampton Idol. The atmosphere oozed with positive vibes, and the stage showcased major talent. The show consisted of two parts; one portion was dedicated to singers, and the other portion was dedicated to rappers. Contestants got a chance to perform one song of their choice for the first round, then, celebrity judges eliminated three contestants from each part. The remaining two contestants got a chance to go head to head in the final round and received critiques from the judges. Amazing vocalist and senior, Chelsea Balentine was named the Hampton Idol winner for the singing portion. Quirky and well- known rap group Earth Gang emerged as the Hampton Idol winner for the rap portion.

Last year was the second showcase of Hampton Idol, and the performances were bigger and better. Singing group Emphasis wowed the crowd with a theatrical interpretation of the Bruno Mars hit “Billionaire,” and seduced Hamptonian women with a dance break during Destiny’s Child song “Cater to You.” Emphasis is an all male group composed of four juniors and one senior. Sophomore rapper Chemist enticed the crowd with his smooth rhymes during his performance. Emphasis and Chemist emerged as the two Hampton Idol winners for 2010.

The competition this year contains some heavy hitters in the singing category, including the go-go band’s lead singer Zainab Mustapha, and well-known campus singers, Jordan Johnson and Scotte Johnson.  The rappers this year include some previous contestants, and all have slick rhymes and punch lines, but must work the crowd well in order to win.

Students are anxiously waiting to see what talent HU has to offer this year. The competition is scheduled for 7p.m.  Oct. 17. in Ogden Hall and kicks off homecoming week. Tickets are on sale for $3 and are selling out fast.

As the competition approaches, contestants are working hard to put the finishing touches on their performances. Pre-judging this year’s show, I predict the contestants will make it hard for the judges.  Keep up with the HU blog site for the announcement of the 2011 Hampton Idol winners.

-Morgan Gusby