Sandra J. DeLoatch

Dr. Sandra J. DeLoatch

Dr. Sandra J. DeLoatch was a pioneering educator and leader whose career spanned more than 40 years at Norfolk State University. A Suffolk, Virginia native, she earned her B.S. in Mathematics (Magna Cum Laude) from Howard University, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and went on to receive graduate degrees in mathematics and computer science from the University of Michigan (M.A.), Indiana University (Ph.D.), and The College of William and Mary (M.S.).

At NSU, Dr. DeLoatch broke barriers as the founding chair of the Computer Science Department, later serving as Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and even Acting President in 2013. She was instrumental in transforming NSU into a STEM powerhouse, administering over $50 million in external funding for research and education from agencies such as NASA, NSF, and the Department of Defense. Her leadership established NSU’s reputation in cybersecurity and information assurance, including securing one of the first NSA research contracts awarded to an HBCU.
Beyond NSU, Dr. DeLoatch championed women and minorities in STEM, creating outreach programs and mentoring thousands of students. A lifelong Girl Scout and former board chair of the Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast, she introduced STEM initiatives for girls and inspired future generations through programs like Science Alive. In her honor, the Girl Scouts created a special STEM patch program to encourage girls to explore science and technology.

Her legacy as an innovator, mentor, and advocate for diversity in STEM continues to resonate nationally.