Debra L. Haggins has been named the inaugural dean of the School of Religion at Hampton University, a historically Black institution in Virginia.
Dr. Haggins was appointed as university chaplain and pastor of the Memorial Church at Hampton University in 2008, making her the first woman to hold the position. She also serves as executive secretary of the university’s Ministers’ Conference-Choir Directors’ & Organists’ Guild Workshop. Earlier in her tenure, she served as assistant to the chaplain and faculty advisor to the Student Christian Association.
Outside of her roles with Hampton University, Dr. Haggins previously served as interim pastor of the Queen Street Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. She has also served in several roles with the Virginia Beach City Public School System and the Norfolk Public School System.
Dr. Haggins holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, a master’s degree in secondary school administration from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, a master of divinity degree in theology from Virginia Union University, a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Hampton University, and a doctor of ministry degree in biblical interpretation and proclamation from Emory University in Atlanta.
