Town and Gown Committee

TOWN AND GOWN COMMITTEE MEETING 12:00pm TUESDAY – MAY 9, 2023 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE ROOM MINUTES I. Call to Order Chairman McKenna welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 12:13p.m. II. Roll Call Chairman McKenna asked the Clerk to call the roll: Members Present: Ann Bane, Steven Bond, Shay Claxton, Nicole Clark, Dominique DeBose, Novelle Dickenson, Evelyn Graham, Andrew Green, Mary Fugere, Bob McKenna, Steve Mallon, Carolene Goodwyn-Harris, Pam Richardson Guests: Walter Tillman and James Parker (Hampton University) Staff Present: Anne Ligon, Annette Oakley Chairman McKenna welcomed newly appointed member, Nicole Clark, Director of Human Resources for the City of Hampton. Ms. Clark gave a brief background and stated she was looking forward to serving on the committee. III. Presentation – Hampton University Chairman McKenna noted President Williams was unable to join today’s meeting, and in his absence introduced Walter Tillman, Vice President, Chief of Staff and Associate Professor of Education. After committee members introduced themselves, Mr. Tillman gave a brief background on his experience and current position. He then shared information regarding President Williams, whose goal for a student-focused agenda, is to deliver the #1 student experience in America. In doing so, they have identified the following key pieces of their strategic plan (2023-2033) they are working to achieve:  Endowment ($1B)  Enrollment (11k)  R-1 Institution  New Academic Units (4)  Technology Research & Innovation Park  Championship Athletic Culture Mr. Tillman highlighted and presented on the following goals:  Elevate Academic Excellence  Increase Research & Innovation  Improve Operations and Enhance Infrastructure  Increase Sustainability  Enhance Stakeholder Engagement  Sustain Athletic Excellence There was a Q&A opportunity:  Dominque inquired if there is potential talk of reestablishing the Arts Department? Mr. Tillman responded yes, they intend to enhance the Arts. They have invested in acquiring pianos and will become a Steinway campus. Mr. Tillman also noted that they are acquiring an organ, renovating their black box theatre, performing 1  arts center building is getting a facelift, and they are adding a repertory theatre. He noted President Williams is committed to the Arts.  Steven B. commented that he is excited about the strategic plan and stated we can more fully realize partnerships moving forward. He is excited about President Williams’ outreach and engagement goals.  Chairman McKenna noted Hampton University is much more engaged and the President has been to several VPC events. He also mentioned Evelyn Graham is on the VPC Committee. Chairman McKenna thanked Mr. Tillman for his presentation. IV. Key Updates Since the March Meeting: Committee Members provided the following key updates:  Evelyn Graham (Hampton University):  Commencement is this Sunday, May 17th and Ruth Carter is the guest speaker. She invited all to attend the ceremony.  Ann Bane (Hampton City Schools):  She mentioned Kellie Goral is attending the Citizen of the Month luncheon today, celebrating HSC young scholars.  HSC preparing for graduation – There are many scholarships this year and she is excited and proud of all the students. She thanked everyone for their support throughout the year.  Carolene Goodwyn-Harris (Bryant & Stratton):  They are excited about the various partnerships with the Town & Gown members and organizations.  Pam Richardson (Hampton University):  Season ticket packets are on sale now, which includes early-bird specials and a raffle for hotel stay and game tickets. They also have a promotion for Brick City Classic.  Nicole Clark (Human Resources):  She looks forward to working with the schools and is excited about the partnership opportunities. There is a new energy at Hampton University and it’s important to utilize HU and other schools to form partnerships.  Dominque DeBose (Phoebus Partnership):  Working to revitalize the partnership with Hampton University to turn Mellen Street ‘blue’ for football season in the fall – they can offer posters/fliers and discounts.  Pride Fest is on June 17th (in partnership with CVB) to include vendors and entertainment.  Steve Bond (City Manager’s Office):  City Council meets tomorrow and will approve the budget.  Working on gun violence prevention/grants and an intern partnership with Hampton University. Interns will work on comprehensive assessments, relational policing and building relationships. This is a great start and President Williams and Mayor Tuck have met and are building a great relationship. He looks forward to the continued partnerships.  Eric Harrell (Bryant & Stratton):  Excited for the commencements, which take place June 3rd and will be a combined ceremony with Virginia Beach and Hampton campuses. The guest speaker will be U.S. Representative, Jen Kiggans. 2   Kudos to sports teams! They have seven sports programs and this past weekend, the Bryant & Stratton baseball and softball teams went to the playoffs – all are very proud of this accomplishment!  Steve Mallon (Downtown Hampton Development Partnership):  Downtown is very active! In process of designing changes to the infrastructure to support development and improvements. Working on alternative sites to utilize the Carousel in the highest and best way.  Working on Block Party preparation, which will include: o 12-week session o Diverse music o Outdoor refreshments license – to transfer beverages outside.  Had a great meeting with President Williams in February to form bonds; excited for the new interaction between Downtown and Hampton University! Mr. Tillman suggested an introduction meeting and possibly a tour for the students.  Mary Fugere (Conventions & Visitors Bureau):  This is Public Service Week and National Tourism & Travel Week. CVB is working to thank visitors and will be at the airport on Friday to thank visitors who are traveling to the area.  Hampton Queen should start boat tours on May 18th – She mentioned we also have the Ocean Eagle, which does fishing charters and tours.  Weekly racing at Langley Speedway – SkyBox #13 is available for small groups, team building, etc. Please reach out to her for use of the skybox.  Basketball tournaments at Boo Williams Sportplex.  The American Theatre season is up and active; several upcoming concerts.  Mother’s Day concert at the Hampton Coliseum on May 18th.  CVB has a monthly Convention Calendar and she will be glad to add anyone to the distribution list.  Anzell Harrell (Hampton University):  Thanked Hampton City Schools for the student leadership program throughout the year – students are creating bonds.  Moved the HU ‘Ms. Hampton’ and ‘Mr. Hampton’ pageant to the Spring.  Last week, during reading day, they held a midnight breakfast for students, where the President served the kids and they had music, gift bags, etc. The event included about 500 students. It was a great event!  Senior Week included a week of activities, to include programs, visits to parks, restaurants, skate night, a senior banquet, family cookout, etc.  Planning for the upcoming fall activities. V. Approve March 14, 2023 Meeting Minutes (April meeting was cancelled): Chairman McKenna stated the draft minutes from the March 14, 2023 meeting were distributed for review, and if there were no changes, called for a motion to approve. ACTION: Novelle Dickenson made the motion to accept the minutes as written and Mary Fugere seconded the motion. All in favor, minutes were approved. VI. Next Meeting: Chairman McKenna stated the next meeting is June 13, 2023 and that we will probably not have a meeting in July.  Chairman McKenna gave a brief update on Virginia Peninsula Chamber (VPC) activities, stating the following:  VPC office has moved to 11850 Merchants Walk in Newport News – He noted that the location changed but the mission has not.  April ‘Spotlight on the Peninsula’ included the Aquaplex Center with a great presentation and tour. 3   May 24th – Spotlight will feature The Chamberlin, with a presentation regarding Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel expansion. This is a free event and encourage all to attend.  June 1& 2 – VPC Ribbon Cutting (6/1) at new location, with Open House (6/2). VII. Adjourn: Chairman McKenna thanked everyone for coming. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. 4