Norfolk State University has been more than a workplace for Linda J. Stubbs ’76 — it has been a home. As NSU’s longest-serving employee, Stubbs has devoted her career to supporting students, faculty, and the mission of the University that shaped her life and the lives of several members of her family.
“I did not think that I would spend almost 50 years as an employee at NSU,” she says. “It has been a wonderful experience coming to a job that I absolutely love.”
Her NSU story began long before she set foot on campus as a student. One of 11 children, Stubbs followed the example of her oldest sister, Verdell Stubbs Whittington ’61, who became the first in the family to attend and graduate from Norfolk State.
Stubbs recalls how her sister started at NSU. “She told Dr. Lyman Beecher Brooks, the president at the time, that she wanted to go to NSU but came from a family of 11. Dr. Brooks listened and helped Verdell cover her financial obligations in order to attend.”
That simple act of generosity set off a chain reaction. Inspired by her sister’s experience, three other siblings, along with Stubbs herself, followed in Whittington’s footsteps — and the NSU tradition continued into the next generation, with a niece and two nephews also earning degrees from the University.
“When we all get together and share our wonderful experiences, it’s clear that NSU was our first choice for higher learning,” Stubbs said. Stubbs earned her degree in Office Administration in 1976, and her fondest memories as a student revolve around the people who made NSU special.
“My best memories include meeting faculty, staff and students from all over the United States,” she said. “I met some of my closest friends as soon as I arrived on campus, and we are still friends today.”
She remembers professors who went “over and beyond” to ensure that students mastered their coursework, and staff members who offered compassion, encouragement and sometimes just a listening ear.
“They were there when students needed love and support when things were going a little rough,” she said. “I enjoyed the food, the extracurricular activities, and admired the beautiful campus.” After graduation, Stubbs didn’t have to look far for her first job. She began working as a clerk-typist in the Psychology Department in 1976.
“As I approached graduation, I went to the Human Resources Office at NSU and joked with the staff that they gave me a degree, so now they should give me a job,” she said. “And that they did.” Five years later, she joined The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work, where she would spend the next four decades, and is currently in the office of Associate Dean Dr. Kirsten Ericksen.
“The Psychology Department was my first campus family,” she said, “but the School of Social Work became my second.” Stubbs began as the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program Secretary in 1981, hired by the School’s founding dean, Dr. Ethelyn R. Strong. Over the years, she has provided administrative support for every program in the school — undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral — as well as the dean’s office, and credits many colleagues for shaping her professional journey.
“I must give a shout-out to the late, great Professor Carrie Waites. She was like a second mother to me,” she said. “She taught me about the profession of social work and how important it is in today’s world.” Reflecting on what has kept her at NSU all these years, Stubbs points to a deep sense of community and purpose.
“The best thing about working at NSU is seeing the campus environment as a whole family,” she said. “I learned so much about how the offices and departments worked together like one big cheering squad for the success of the students.” She also takes pride in seeing former students return to give back.
“I enjoy seeing Social Work alumni coming back to teach. It’s rewarding to know that I had a small part in their journey.” When asked about retirement, Stubbs offers a familiar answer: “That’s a popular question for me. For now, I’ll say — when it’s time.”