William R. Harvey, president of Hampton University in Virginia, has been appointed to the National Geographic Society board of trustees.
The 124-year-old National Geographic Society, whose mission is to inspire people to care about the planet, is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. It reaches more than 400 million people each month through its magazines, books, films, DVDs, interactive media, and cable television network. It has funded more than 10,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy.
Dr. Harvey has been president of Hampton University since 1978. During his tenure, enrollment has grown tremendously. Seventy-six new academic programs have been introduced, 18 new buildings have been erected and some $50 million spent on the renovation of existing facilities. The endowment, which stood at $29 million when he became president, now exceeds $250 million.
Prior to coming to Hampton, Dr. Harvey held administrative posts at Harvard University, Tuskegee University, and Fisk University. He holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Harvard University.
