Javaune Adams-Gaston, Ph.D.

Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston is the seventh President of Norfolk State University. She began her tenure on June 24, 2019. As President, she is committed to ensuring that Norfolk State University fulfills its mission as an HBCU for the modern world, a university grounded by its heritage, focused on the future, and deeply committed to student success. Her vision is student success, opportunity, access, affordability, growth, and sustainability. A strong advocate for collaboration and developing strategic partnerships with local, regional, state, national, and international stakeholders, Dr. Adams-Gaston is committed to cultivating strong connections with alumni and the community.

During her first year as President at Norfolk State University, the COVID-19 pandemic created multiple challenges for the nation and the world. President Adams-Gaston collaborated with her team to move the institution forward despite the issues created as a result of the pandemic. This led to the university achieving multiple successes. Under President Adams-Gaston’s leadership, Norfolk State University has successfully achieved the status of a U.S. News and World Report 2020, 2021, and 2022 as a Top 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) designation. Attained 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation by its major accrediting body, The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Enrollment increased to a six-year high in 2019, to 5,600 students. This included the largest freshmen class in many years, 1,200 freshmen students (FY20). For Fall 2022 the new freshmen class included 1,300 students enrolled and a total population of 5,785 students. The university has realized record operating revenues, 104% above projection, the highest in the history of Norfolk State. A new 740-bed state of the art residence complex was opened. And Dr. Adams-Gaston has been successful in acquiring multiple donations including a transformational gift of over $40 million from Mackenzie Scott, the largest single donor gift in the history of NSU and a generous donation of support from Landmark Foundation of $5 million.

A nationally recognized higher education leader, President Adams-Gaston has been asked to regularly serve on multiple boards. In these roles she has provided her unambiguous perspectives to HBCUs, Research I institutions, public universities, and independent colleges. Her appointments include: President Biden’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, NCAA Board of Governors, NCAA Constitution Revision Committee, NCAA Division I Transformation Committee, NCAA Academic Committee, Board of Directors – Association of Public Land Grant Universities (APLU), numerous SACSCOC Review and Reaffirmation committees, Executive Board- Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Chamber Board of Directors, Board of Directors- American Red Cross, NASPA Foundation Board Member Chair, Board of Governors- Children’s Miracle Network, Greater Norfolk Corporation Board, Board of Trustees – The University of Dubuque Board (Elected Member), Diamond Honoree -American College Personnel Association, Chair- NASPA Pillar of the Profession, and Chair – NASPA National Conference.

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