Hampton University lifts tenure freeze, promotions

Hampton University in southern Virginia has ended a four-year-old freeze on tenure and faculty promotions. The freeze was one of several money-saving steps taken by Hampton in 2008 to avoid faculty layoff during the economic meltdown.

Provost Pamela Hammond told The Daily Press that lifting the freeze will increase the number of tenured faculty. The change will help the university as it seeks long-term research grants. According to Hammond, about 20 faculty members are expected to apply for tenure in the fall. About 90 of Hampton’s 339 faculty members have tenure.