Hampton University taps first Black man to lead its nursing school

Hampton University’s School of Nursing is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Dr. Michael Jones as its new leader. His selection marks a significant milestone for Hampton and historically Black colleges and universities nationwide: Jones is the first Black man to lead Hampton’s School of Nursing and only the second Black man to head a standalone nursing program at an HBCU.

Jones’ connection to Hampton makes the appointment especially meaningful. A first-generation nursing student, he became the first Black man to graduate from Hampton’s Ph.D. program. His nursing doctorate also made him the first Black man to earn a Ph.D. in nursing from an HBCU.

Now, Jones hopes to use his position to serve as a role model for students who may not traditionally see themselves represented in nursing leadership. His goals extend beyond the classroom, including exposing young men from backgrounds similar to his own to healthcare careers and professional mentors.

That mission comes as the nursing profession continues to face challenges with diversity. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 8.6% of registered nurses identified as Black or African American in 2024, while the percentage of nurses who are men declined from 11.2% in 2022 to 10.4% in 2024.

Jones previously created the Emerging Health Care Scholars Leadership Institute to introduce young men to nursing and healthcare leaders.

His appointment comes as healthcare systems confront workforce shortages and increasing demand for diverse leadership. At Hampton, Jones will build on the university’s nursing legacy while preparing future nurses to lead with clinical excellence, compassion, innovation and a commitment to health equity.