Norfolk State University Seal6
History
Norfolk State University is a public HBCU located in Norfolk, Virginia. Norfolk State was established in 1935 as a sub division of Virginia Union University in Norfolk1. The university separated itself in 1942 changing its name to Norfolk polytechnic College. Norfolk state was given a permanent address by the city of Norfolk on Corprew Avenue. In 1969 the was another division from Virginia State college changing the name to Norfolk State College. Also in 1969 the school reached an enrollment of 5,400 students.In 1975 and 1976, the first Master’s degrees were given to NSU in the fields of Communications and Social Work2. Also in 1975 the university would see its first change in presidency changing from Lyman Beecher Brooks to Dr. Harrison Benjamin Wilson Jr3.In 1979 the General Assembly of Virginia granted the school University status. Following this the school name would be changed to Norfolk State University. After many years of success and prosperity in 1995 Norfolk State University's enrollment would reach 9,112.In 1997 Dr. Harrison Benjamin Wilson would retire, Dr. Marie Valentine McDemmond, would become NSU’s third President in 1997 and continue to be president until her retirement4. Dr. Alvin J. Schexnider became interim president in July 2005. Dr. Carolyn Winstead Meyers was selected as the fourth President and began her term on July 1, 2006. Dr. Tony Atwater was announced as the new president in 2011 becoming the fifth president and served until he was removed by the board of visitors of Norfolk State University on August 23, 2013. Dr. Sandra DeLoatch the Provost and President of Academic Affairs was named acting president. On September 13, 2013, Eddie N. Moore Jr. was named President September 23, 2013.
Local Information
NSU is located in an urban setting with much to offer. Norfolk State is within ten minutes from downtown Norfolk. This gives students the chance to experience all that Downtown Norfolk has to offer such as restaurants, shopping, a movie theatre, an Oprah house, and several museums. The HRT Tide system has two stops on campus, one is located on Park Ave and the other of Ballentine Blvd. The Tide system gives students a quick and safe way to travel Downtown at their leisure. Also the University is only a few miles away from Military Circle which is also filled with many restaurants and department stores.
Norfolk State University Campus7
Academic
Norfolk State is a public four year University. The school offers 36 undergraduate degrees, 15 Master's degrees, and two doctorates5. The Master's degrees include Criminal Justice, Optical Engineering , and Political Science. NSU has eight "schools" that their students can choose to complete their studies in. These schools include the school of business, school of education, college of liberal arts, college of engineering, science and technology, school of social work, school of extended learning, honors college, and graduate school.
Park Ave Campus Sign
Famous Alumni
Willard Bailey- former head football coach at Virginia Union University, Norfolk State University, and Saint Paul's College
Karen Briggs- Violinist
Don Carey- NFL defensive back
Ray Epps- NBA player
Willie Gillius- Former NFL player, Green Bay Packers
Tim Reid- Comedian, Actor, Director
J.B. Smoove- Actor, Writer, Comedian
Andrew Warren- Former U.S. diplomat to Algeria
1. "A Brief History of Norfolk State University" accessed November 28, 2014, https://www.nsu.edu/provost/emeriti-faculty/history
2. "Norfolk State University" last modified November 24, 2014, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norfolk_State_University#Notable_alumni
3. "Norfolk State University (1935-)" accessed November 30, 2014, http://www.blackpast.org/aah/norfolk-state-university-1935
4."Norfolk State University" last modified November 24, 2014, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norfolk_State_University#Notable_alumni
5."Norfolk State University" last modified November 24, 2014, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norfolk_State_University#Notable_alumni
6." Norfolk State University Seal" last modified November 24, 2014, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Norfolk_State_University_Seal.png
7." Norfolk State University Provides Millions in Economic Impact to the Hampton Roads Region" accessed November 30, 2014, https://www.nsu.edu/university-advancement/communications/news/archives/2013/04113economicimpactreport
