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Hampton Eager to Replace Deteriorating Business School Building

An architect's rendering of the new Hampton business school.

By David Paulk
Black College Wire

Its building is deteriorating and its five-year master�s of business administration program is not fully accredited -- two reasons that the Hampton University School of Business is trying to establish a multi-million dollar facility, according to university officials.

And there is a larger justification: "There are very few HBCUs that have an MBA program," said Ruby Beale, assistant dean of the business school. "But if African Americans can�t get into the white schools and the black schools lack the necessary resources, then the number of students [at black schools] pursuing doctorate degrees in business will continue to decrease," she said.

Sid Howard Credle, dean of the School of Business, said he envisions a five-story building that includes a penthouse reception hall, 17 electronic classrooms, a chess analysis room, a library and even a dojo to house the school�s fencing classes. "It�s more or less a vision," Credle said.

A $16 million building-campaign kickoff took place at Hampton�s 2003 Homecoming Bazaar. The school is targeting Hampton alumni and major corporations. Groundbreaking is expected for Homecoming 2004, Credle said.

A corporation whose name is being withheld made a $250,000 pledge, according to Credle. The Hampton University MBA alumni group donated $4,500 and members of Omega Psi Phi fraternity donated $200. The school has also raised funds through an annual faculty talent show.

Naming rights for the 125,000-square foot building are being negotiated with another major corporation, Credle said.

When Buckman Hall was erected in 1967 to house the business school, the facility was top-notch, said Credle, who was a business student at the time.

Now, the building is plagued with cracked, infested walls, waterlogged ceilings, disappearing tiles and limited space.

"In the business world, you need to outthink your opponent three to five steps in advance," Credle said. "Buckman is not the most promising atmosphere."

Rick Wiley, a sophomore marketing major from New Castle, Del., called the current accommodations in Buckman inadequate.

"I don�t understand why they have half of a building dedicated to such a large program," Wiley said.

Buckman Hall is designed to hold 500 students and 20 faculty members, but now has 1,200 students and 30 faculty members.

Because Buckman is connected to Martin Luther King Hall, the overcrowding results in rush-hour traffic congesting the MLK rotunda when students travel to and from classes.

"If I were to get an outsider to stand in an entrance, and see what we go through, more than likely they would almost get crushed," Credle said.

The building is so crowded that many professors� offices have been relocated to other buildings.

Kimberly Pollard, a senior marketing major from New York City was frustrated with the professors being spread out across the campus.

"A new facility is needed in order for students to truly experience the school of business itself," she said.

The facility would not only offer more office space for faculty but also better faculty-student interaction, conditions necessity for the five-year MBA program to obtain full accreditation, said Ruby Beale, the assistant dean of the business school.

The program has basic accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, but is working toward upper level accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The program is offered in conjunction with a major in business administration.

The fact that the MBA program is not fully accredited stands as a warning for some students. Stephen Wesley, a sophomore business major from Houston, opted to major in finance rather than join the five-year program because he feared the degree would not be valued in the business world.

"I wanted to join a program that was established and had a reputation," Wesley said.

Amber Lockett, a junior five-year MBA student, said that while the business school isn�t perfect, it is up to the student to use the resources given.

"It�s what you make of it," Lockett said. "You might have someone from an ac credited school who might find a job. But they might not keep that job."

Tom Harris, assistant dean of the school of business, said a new facility would increase the level of pride and respect students have for the department.

"If I asked you to try on a new suit opposed to your old one, more than likely you would want to keep on the new one," Harris said.

Students such as five-year MBA major Ashley Peters, a junior from New York, are waiting for the chance to try on that new suit. "I just hope the new building is here before I graduate," she said.

David Paulk, a student at Hampton University, writes for The Hampton Script.

Hampton School of Business

Posted Jan. 20, 2004