NSU TO AWARD ITS FIRST EVER DOCTORATE DEGREES

Norfolk, Va. - Norfolk State University is on the verge of reaching yet another milestone during the year of its 65th anniversary celebration later this fall. The university will award its first ever doctoral degrees independent of any other institution of higher education during its spring commencement exercises at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 21, 2000 in the William "Dick" Price Stadium on campus.

Dianne Davis-Wagner and Val Livingston will make history as the first persons to ever receive an earned doctoral degree from NSU when they are awarded their doctor of social work (DSW) degrees on Sunday. The Honorable James S. Gilmore III will deliver the commencement address to the 700 member graduating class of 2000. Gilmore was elected Virginia's 68th governor in November 1997.

Founded in September 1935 as the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University as a two-year liberal arts college with 85 students, Norfolk State became a four-year degree granting institution in September 1956. The college awarded its first master's degrees in May 1975 and was granted university status in February 1979. Today, with more than 7,000 students, Norfolk State University is Virginia's largest and the country's fifth largest historically black university. Since its humble beginnings, NSU has established a proud legacy of offering a comprehensive university education to its many alumni and current students.

Davis-Wagner and Livingston also received their bachelor's and master's degrees from Norfolk State University. Both got their master's in social work. Davis-Wagner's doctoral dissertation topic was "An Exploratory Study of the Overrepresentation of Incarcerated African American Males in Local Jails." And Livingston's was "An Analysis of the Personal and Social Characteristics That Impact Black Female Career Mobility." 

Norfolk State University is also one of four institutions of higher learning participating in the Hampton Roads Consortium, which offers the doctor of psychology (Psy.D) degree to a number of students each year. Those students have the opportunity to participate in commencement exercises on a rotating basis at the member institutions. On Sunday, this year's 14 consortial Psy. D graduates will march in the NSU commencement exercises. Also, Virginia Delegate Lionell Spruill Sr. (Chesapeake's 77th District) will receive the coveted honorary doctor of laws degree (L.L.D.) for his distinguished and exemplary service to learning and mankind. He will become only the fifth person during the 65-year history of Norfolk State to be awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the university. 

For more commencement information, contact Dr. Ann McKinney-Morris at (757) 823-8015 or Gerald D. Tyler at (757) 823-8373. ###GDT###