HAMPTON

Her personality illuminates the room. Her demeanor is sweet and down to earth, but don’t let her southern flare and dainty “AKA” pearls fool you. When it comes to business, Felicia Blow means business. In July, Blow joined Hampton University, her undergraduate alma mater, as its new Associate Vice President of Development and Comprehensive Campaign Director.

In her new role, Blow will manage fundraising and development activities for the Office of Development at the University. She also will manage the University’s $150 million comprehensive campaign entitled “Dream no Small Dreams II.”

“It is a privilege and an honor to be selected for this position. I don’t take it lightly,” said Blow. “There is a lot to learn and a lot to do, but I am truly ready for it and excited to be here.”

Blow received her bachelor’s degree in mass media arts from Hampton in 1988. She later completed her master’s degree in business administration at Strayer University. Prior to taking on her role at Hampton, she began work on a doctorate in higher education administration.

As an award-winning leader with 28 years of organizational, strategic planning, leadership and management experience, Hampton couldn’t have selected a better candidate. Along the way, Blow served as vice president for institutional advancement at Paul D. Camp Community College and Tidewater Community College.

In addition, she spent 10 years in the public affairs, communications and marketing arena. At Southeastern Public Service Authority, Blow worked her way up the ranks from a public information officer to the head of public relations and marketing. Immediately after, at Cox Communications, Blow led the development of the philanthropic unit “Cox Charities of Virginia,” raising more than $250,000 with its first event.

“Development is relationship building,” Blow said. “It is people to people. It is meeting, talking and communicating a core message that makes sense to the receiver. I feel that my professional background as well as being a Hampton alum and mother of a Hampton student, will allow me to excel in my role here at Hampton.”

At Hampton, Blow is cooking up a strategy that addresses the university’s current needs as well as a 10-, 15- and 20-year outlook. Her interest is in creating or expanding programs that appeal to potential donors.

“People don’t give to projects, they give to movements, said Blow. “They want to invest in something that will make a life difference.”

Outside of Hampton University, Blow is happily married to the Rev. Alvin Blow, and they are the parents to Victoria, 22, and Trevor, 16.