Hampton Hite's adventure to a career in the U.S. Army and his role at the Pentagon is nothing short of inspiring. Fueled by a deep sense of duty, a family history steeped in military tradition and a top-notch education from Elon, he is a thrilling testament to what passion and purpose can achieve.
From a young age, Hampton Hite ’82 GP’27 felt an unwavering pull to serve his country. He was inspired by the example set by his father, a career Army officer who spent three years in Vietnam. Although the decision to follow in his father’s footsteps was daunting at times, Hite knew it was the right choice.
“After my first assignment in the Field Artillery in Germany in the early 1980s, I knew I had made the right career choice,” he said.
Hite’s academic path at Elon University played a pivotal role in preparing him for the challenges he would face in his military career. Pursuing a degree in political science, Hite immersed himself in the study of global social structures, governance and cultural dynamics. He recognizes that the skills and knowledge he gained during his time at Elon continue to influence his work today.
“The skills, knowledge, and ability you gain from an Elon education touches basically every aspect of your life,” said Hite. “Specifically, today, I work in the Department of the Army Civilian (DAC) on the Army resourcing staff in the Pentagon, so the skills acquired in accounting, math, economics and business classes that I took at Elon are still impacting me in a positive way 40 plus years later.”
Hite’s military career, now spanning more than three decades, has been far from easy. As part of the Army resourcing staff at the Pentagon, he plays a crucial role in ensuring that military personnel have the resources they need to complete their missions, from ammunition to medical supplies. The stakes are high, and Hite understands the importance of getting it right.
“The best part of working on the resourcing staff is when we get it right, the young men and women selflessly serving have exactly what they need to perform their mission in our Nation’s defense,” he said. “That’s a very rewarding feeling.”
Although, it wasn’t just his academic achievements that helped Hite succeed; his time at Elon also provided him with lessons that continued to shape his approach to leadership. A member of both the 1978 football team and the 1979-80 basketball team, Hite credits his coaches, Jerry Tolley and Bill Morningstar, with teaching him not only the fundamentals of the game but also valuable life skills.
“They were not only excellent coaches in terms of Xs and Os, but truly great life coaches that taught discipline, teamwork, effort and attention to detail,” he said. “I’m extremely grateful for the positive impact they had on my life.”
Beyond the lessons learned in the classroom and on the field, Hite also formed enduring friendships that have stood the test of time.
“In my experience, it is the overseas assignments, especially combat deployments, where you make the most lasting and meaningful relationships and friendships,” said Hite. “Much like Elon, these are friendships and memories that last a lifetime. And just like Elon reunions, you’ll run into people you haven’t seen in years, but the familiarity and friendship come rushing back as if you had never been apart. It’s a wonderful experience each time it happens.”
Hite’s connection to Elon University has remained strong over the years, especially now that his grandson, Dillon Pardue ’27, is continuing the family legacy as a pre-med student and football player at Elon.
“Today, my grandson is at Elon with a 4.0 GPA, much better than me and is in his third year as an Elon football player which is much better than me,” Hite said with a chuckle. “I am very proud of the young adult Dillon has become, and Elon has been an integral part of it.”
Hite reflects on his journey and urges those considering a military career to thoughtfully assess what it takes to thrive in this path. He remembers beginning his military involvement through an ROTC scholarship at Elon, which he highlights as an excellent opportunity to engage with the community while also funding his education.
“It has to be something you want to do,” he advised. “It requires physical and medical qualifications, a willingness to move every two to four years and buy-in from your family or significant other. Once you’ve answered yes to those four questions, I’d say definitely consider it.”
He also points out the benefits, such as the adventure of living in different countries, competitive pay and the unique opportunity for a 20-year retirement, which you likely won’t find in the private sector. Above all, he emphasizes the pride that comes with serving one’s country.
“Serving your country in the armed forces is an incredibly rewarding experience, and something I’ve always taken a lot of pride in,” says Hite.
For Hite, his time at Elon laid the foundation for a successful career in the U.S. Army, culminating in his current role at the Pentagon. The lessons he learned, both inside and outside the classroom, continue to resonate with him, and he credits the university for shaping his life in ways that are still impacting him decades later.