Dr. Herbert Archie Marshall was born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 17, 1916. He received his Bachelor's Degree (A.B.) from Virginia Union University and his Master's Degree from Case Western Reserve University. He did further study at the University of California, Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the University of Ghana in West Africa.

Considered one of the pioneers of Norfolk State University, Dr. Marshall was employed by Dr. Lyman Beecher Brooks in 1939 to teach history and to develop the social sciences at Norfolk State. Dr. Marshall was the first librarian at Norfolk State - having served as part-time Librarian from 1939 - 1940. During his long tenure at Norfolk State, he made many pioneering contributions to Norfolk State University. He was Acting Director of the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University (now Norfolk State University) from September 1940 to August 1942. During the early periods of the development of Norfolk State University, Dr. Marshall worked with the establishment of Negro History courses and programs, served as the first chairman of the Curriculum Committee and as chairman of the Assembly Committee.

Dr. Marshall held several administrative positions at Norfolk State University, including Head of the Social Science Department, Director of Instruction, Director of Continuing Education, Assistant Dean of General and Continuing Education, and Deputy Coordinator of the Gerontology Center Program.
			"... in recognition of Dr. Marshall's pioneering library efforts, his sustained interest and continuous contributions to ensure that the Library provides extensive materials on the African-American experience".

In addition to his professional involvement, Dr. Marshall was an effective and dedicated religious and community leader. As a longtime member of the Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church, he was a member of the Ministry of Deacons, as well as a Church Sunday School teacher and Assistant Superintendent.

As a community leader, he served on the Board of Directors of the Huntington Y.M.C.A., the Education Committee for the Urban League of Hampton Roads, the Norfolk Advisory Committee for Mental Health and he worked with Black History programs for the Norfolk Committee for the Improvement of Education. He was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

On April 15, 1997, Dr. Marshall was honored by the staff of the Lyman Beecher Brooks Library and Special Collections at Norfolk State University when the Black Collection was named the Herbert A. Marshall Collection, "... in recognition of Dr. Marshall's pioneering library efforts, his sustained interest and continuous contributions to ensure that the Library provides extensive materials on the African-American experience".

Dr. Marshall retired from Norfolk State University as Director of Continuing Education on June 30, 1981 with 42 years of service. He is listed with Professors Emeriti as Professor Emeritus of Continuing Education. Upon his death on February 16, 2002, Dr. Marshall was survived by his wife, Mrs. Hattie Marshall. He left a legacy to continue the study of African-American history.