CONNECT . MOTIVATE . INSPIRE .
to Norfolk State University and for the university at large.”
because we’ve done the work, it should not be this hard to ensure there’s equity.” She also recognizes the challenge that sits before her student population as they matriculate through the real world and she is committed to making
foot Micro-NSU Nanofabrication Clean Room, one of the highest rated research facilities on the eastern seaboard and its online cybersecurity major, a top 10 program which beat out Georgia Tech, both efforts to help showcase the talents of students, faculty and visitors from surrounding areas. “I’ve been at NSU for 18 years. I have worked with a lot of different leaders’ personalities and backgrounds, and Dr. Adams-Gaston has really been very inspiring,” said Dr. White who said her boss’ psychology experience comes in handy. “I just completed my doctorate. She said ‘you got that.’ She knows how to see a person’s potential. She knows how to create leaders, create and cultivate people and she makes sure there’s inclusivity.” Mixing business with academia with a twist of psychology, Dr. Gaston-Adams seems to have created both a personal and professional recipe for success. She has a self-care plan–making sure to visit beaches around the world, and catching a beach sunset while home in Virginia’s Hampton Roads area–and her fashion sense isn’t too shabby as well, taking note from her business colleagues. “I loved heels for many years. But over time, I began to observe many male counterparts wearing sneakers with their suits. I started with sneakers more as a weekend treat,” she said. “I found that men’s sneakers give incredible foot and knee support. Friends have given me great sneakers and I find it refreshing to have comfort and style. I think women should feel comfortable to wear whatever makes them feel good. I love stylish, great foot support, sneakers.”
An ‘Assignment from on High’ When it comes to the road ahead, Dr. Adams-Gaston realizes that being not only president of an HBCU, but a woman president can be a challenge considering the difference between her experience at PWIs, and an opportunity. Dr. Adams-Gaston said her husband, Dmitri Gaston, says her calling to NSU is “our assignment from on High.” “I have the privilege of truly loving all my jobs,” she said. “There is something great about working in high resource institutions, especially as I
have worked at flagship PWI institutions. My experience at Norfolk State University is amazing. We love what we
get to do here. Having an incredible executive team, amazing faculty and staff and the brightest, most talented students is a gift.” “If I think about my friends and peers who are African American female presidents, I would say that we recognize that this is an opportunity for our students, faculty, our communities, the nation and the world to see the commitment and impact that African American women have on the success of our nation,” said Dr. Adams-Gaston. “We are significantly contributing to the world of work utilizing our knowledge and scholarship. We talk a lot about making sure there’s some fairness and equity in how HBCUs are supported and
sure her administration and faculty prioritizes the needs of NSU students.
“We are responsible for the success of African American students, Black students and others that want to come here. We all are in this sort of together,” she said. “Even though HBCUs are approximately 3% of the higher education community, we are graduating the highest percentage of Black lawyers, Black judges, Black STEM students. Our focus is how do we ensure that every student that comes through our doors is well prepared for the world?”
This is why Dr. Adams-Gaston is so proud of the campus’ 6,000 square-
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