Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston
As the seventh and current President of Norfolk State University, Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston is a visionary leader who has taken on the challenges wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, earned the trust and respect of Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, resulting in historic, record-breaking donations of $40 million and $50 million. Additionally, under her leadership, Norfolk State University has successfully achieved the status of a U.S. News and World Report 2020, 2021, and 2022 Top 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) designations, as well as earning a new coveted Carnegie Classification as an R2 Research College and University.
She is committed to ensuring that Norfolk State University fulfills its mission as an HBCU for the modern world, a university grounded by its heritage, focused on the future, and deeply committed to student success. Her vision is student success, opportunity, access, affordability, growth, and sustainability. A strong advocate for collaboration and developing strategic partnerships with local, regional, state, national, and international stakeholders, Dr. Adams-Gaston is also committed to cultivating strong connections with alumni and the community.
An innovator and collaborator, President Adams-Gaston plays a pivotal role in creating exceptional opportunities for students. Transformative progress, including a partnership with Eastern Virginia Medical School, Old Dominion University, and Norfolk State University to develop the Joint School of Public Health, focusing on addressing health disparities.
A nationally recognized higher education leader, President Adams-Gaston has been asked to regularly serve on multiple boards. In these roles, she has provided her unambiguous perspectives to HBCUs, Research I institutions, public universities, and independent colleges.