Chelsea Alexander was at school when she learned from her brother that she had been admitted to Hampton University and she could barely contain her excitement. “I ran in the hallway, a couple of laps. I was excited!” she said, breaking into a big smile.

Chelsea said she hadn’t considered Hampton until the College Guidance Office suggested that she put it on her list. Now, Chelsea, who is planning a double major in sociology and political science, is thrilled to be going there.

“I knew from the very beginning I wanted to go to an HBCU” — Historically Black Colleges and Universities — she said, “because I wanted to be surrounded by black excellence and to attend a university where I knew my voice mattered.”

On her second visit to Hampton, she noticed that people were gravitating toward her. “I felt instantly like I belonged,” she said. “It made me feel welcomed.”

Chelsea is planning a double major in sociology and political science at Hampton University.

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