From the Desk of the President of Norfolk State University
One of my enduring goals as president of Norfolk State University has been both simple and resolute: to ensure that our students are Day One ready for the world of work when they cross the graduation stage. A Norfolk State education must do more than confer a degree—it must equip our graduates with the skills, confidence, adaptability and real-world experience necessary to thrive immediately and to succeed over the course of a lifetime. I am proud to share that our University continues to make meaningful, measurable progress toward that goal.
Internships and other forms of work-based learning are central to this effort. These experiences serve as a critical bridge between classroom learning and professional practice, enabling students to clarify their career pathways, build professional networks, and apply theory to authentic, real-world challenges. Through hands-on engagement, students gain insight into workplace expectations while developing competencies that are taught in tandem with classroom learning. At Norfolk State, internships are not seen as optional add-ons or peripheral opportunities. They are high-impact educational practices embedded into our academic culture—practices that directly fuel student achievement, career confidence and long-term workforce readiness.
Recently, Lena Bryan, a political science major and a Senator Yvonne B. Miller Intern, was appointed to serve in Gov. Abigail Spanberger's Administration as the Executive Assistant to Sesha Joi Moon, Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in the Office of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. As the Yvonne B. Miller intern, Bryan served during the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session in the Office of the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates.
Additionally, Alauna Samuels ’26, a Master of Social Work graduate, was selected from a record-breaking number of applicants as a member of the 2026 cohort of the Governor’s Fellows Program. The cohort is scheduled to serve from June 8 through July 31.
Our commitment to experiential learning has been affirmed through external recognition and investment. Norfolk State is among the Virginia institutions receiving a State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)–supported grant to strengthen the way we track and analyze internships and work-based learning opportunities. High-quality data will allow us to expand access, measure outcomes more effectively and ensure equity across disciplines so that every student benefits. Additionally, our selection as one of only 16 institutions nationwide—from a competitive pool of more than 200 applicants—for Lumina Foundation’s From Campus to Career initiative underscores the intentional, faculty-centered strategy we are advancing to deepen career-connected learning across the curriculum.
Our philanthropic partners share and strengthen this vision. A significant grant from the Hampton Roads Community Foundation is advancing our Career Accelerator Program, reflecting broad confidence in Norfolk State University as a model HBCU for the 21st century. Additionally, SCHEV recognized Norfolk State as a 2026 Top Virginia Employer for Internship Excellence, an honor that speaks to both the quality and impact of our programs.
I am proud that this issue of Behold spotlights the newly minted Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth Candi Mundon King ’04 (pg. 16), whose tenacity and the guidance of mentors here at the University helped her along the way. Mundon King also interned in the General Assembly.
For many years, Norfolk State has worked diligently to become more eco-friendly. These efforts now incorporate electric vehicles. This year, two of our students, Nakia Copeland and Genesis Facey, became the first NSU cohorts in the national E-Mobility Fellowship Pipeline program (pg. 10).
Collectively, these efforts reaffirm what has always distinguished Norfolk State University: an unwavering commitment to preparing students not only to graduate, but to lead, contribute and succeed—starting from Day One and extending far beyond.
As always, BEHOLD…
Javaune Adams-Gaston, Ph.D.
President, Norfolk State University
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