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Mission

Mission Statement

Norfolk State University, a comprehensive urban public institution, is committed to transforming students’ lives through exemplary teaching, research and service.  Offering a supportive academic and culturally diverse environment for all, the University empowers its students to turn their aspirations into reality and achieve their full potential as well rounded, resourceful citizens and leaders for the 21st century.

Vision Statement

Norfolk State University will be recognized nationally as a premier public institution with outstanding signature academic programs, innovative research, and community engagement opportunities.

Core Values

Norfolk State University's strength lies in its core values. They form the foundation for the University's actions and reflect what is important to the members of the Norfolk State University community and the Hampton Roads region.

  1. Excellence – We are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence in all facets of the University through the highest educational standards for student achievement, stellar faculty teaching, innovative research, dedicated service and creative co-curricular activities.
  2. Student-Centered – Students are our top priority, and we are committed to helping them become globally competitive in an enriching, stimulating and supportive environment.
  3. Diversity & Inclusiveness – We foster a multicultural campus respecting all people, cultures, ideas, beliefs, identities, socio economic backgrounds, and perspectives. We train our students to become leaders in an ever-changing global and multicultural society.
  4. Integrity and Civility – We expect everyone to be accountable for his or her actions and to engage in honest, ethical behavior. We value the contributions of each person, treating all with respect and civility, and affirm our shared responsibility for institutional success.
  5. Engagement – We continually enhance the university’s role and influence in affairs of local and global communities by promoting educational attainment, cultural enrichment, and economic development. 
  6. Pride – We display great admiration for the University and its rich history and legacy.
  7. Financial Empowerment – We aggressively pursue expanded and more diversified revenue streams.

Institutional Goals

Institutional goals are derived directly from the mission statement and represent the direction the University intends to pursue over the decade.

  • The University shall continue to define those areas in which it can make the most effective contributions to the total educational enterprise of the community, state, nation, and the world.
  • The University shall continue to utilize its assembled expertise in research and public service to develop programs specifically related to urban needs.
  • The University shall continue to develop its management capability in order to provide adequate, efficient, and timely services to its constituents.
  • The University shall continue to maintain an environment which encourages its graduates to assume leadership roles in the community, state, nation, and world.

Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan:  The 2019-2025 Norfolk State University Strategic Plan sets the stage for bold and focused action that will further distinguish NSU as a leader and an institution renowned for its outstanding academic programs, innovative research, scholarship, and global outreach. The strategic plan is an essential element for enabling the University to adapt and take advantage of the opportunities presented by an expanding global marketplace for education, research, training, and economic development.

Guided by our mission, vision, and core values, our plan represents windows of opportunity and our commitment to positioning NSU as a leading institution with faculty and students who are fully engaged in the intellectual, cultural, and community environment of NSU. When viewed in its totality, the 2019-2025 Strategic Plan is our road map for guiding our future and for utilizing our many strengths and assets to respond to and anticipate opportunities that are unfolding nationally and globally.