Ethelyn R. Strong
Dr. Ethelyn R. Strong was the true innovator behind the school of social work. The school of social work, with Dr. Bernard Pendleton as assistant dean and her as Dean, created the program in 1975. The new academic program greatly enhanced the efficiency of the administration for the academic programs. Furthermore, this also helped maintain the efficiency of the athletics department during the time.
In honor of her contributions to the university and the social work program, they named the social work program the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work. Dr. Strong attended Virginia Union University's Norfolk division and was a native of Portsmouth, Virginia. She graduated with a DSW from Catholic University of America and an MSW from Columbia University. Dr. Strong was the Norfolk Department of Social Services' first African American child welfare employee and supervisor. She was a pioneer in the field of child welfare services and advocacy.
In addition, the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University has been a pioneer in producing talented, socially conscious, and compassionate practitioners for more than 60 years. Our programs, which have their roots in a history of activism and service, are intended to enable students to tackle the intricate racial, social, and economic issues that communities are currently confronting.