HRBRC

Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston is the seventh President of Norfolk State University. She began her tenure on June 24, 2019. As President, 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 committed to cultivating strong connections with alumni and the community.

During her first year as President at Norfolk State University, the COVID-19 pandemic created multiple challenges for the nation and the world. President Adams-Gaston collaborated with her team to move the institution forward despite the issues created as a result of the pandemic. This led to the university achieving multiple successes. Under President Adams-Gaston’s leadership, Norfolk State University has successfully achieved the status of a U.S. News and World Report 2020, 2021, and 2022 as a Top 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) designation. Attained 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation by its major accrediting body, The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This reaffirmation underscores the University’s strength, stability, and forward momentum. Enrollment increased to a six-year high in 2019, to 5,600 students. This included the largest freshmen class in many years, 1,200 freshmen students (FY20). For Fall 2022 the new freshmen class included 1,300 students enrolled and a total population of 5,785 students. The university has realized record operating revenues, 104% above projection, the highest in the history of Norfolk State. A new 740-bed state of the art residence complex was opened. And Dr. Adams-Gaston has been successful in acquiring multiple donations including a transformational gift of over $40 million from Mackenzie Scott, the largest single donor gift in the history of NSU and a generous donation of support from Landmark Foundation of $5 million.

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. Her appointments include: President Biden’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, NCAA Board of Governors, NCAA Constitution Revision Committee, NCAA Division I Transformation Committee, NCAA Academic Committee, Board of Directors – Association of Public Land Grant Universities (APLU), numerous SACSCOC Review and Reaffirmation committees, Executive Board- Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Chamber Board of Directors, Board of Directors- American Red Cross, NASPA Foundation Board Member Chair, Board of Governors- Children’s Miracle Network, Greater Norfolk Corporation Board, Board of Trustees – The University of Dubuque Board (Elected Member), Diamond Honoree -American College Personnel Association, Chair- NASPA Pillar of the Profession, and Chair – NASPA National Conference.

Since President Adams-Gaston’s arrival, Norfolk State University has also expanded its online academic program curriculums to include a master’s degree in Cybersecurity and has been recognized nationally and been designated as a Department of Defense Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity and Department of Energy Cybersecurity Consortium Leader and named one of the Top School for Online Healthcare Administration. Under her leadership, the online master’s degree in Cyber Psychology launched in Fall 2020 in connection with Academic Partnerships, is the first of its kind in the nation. The University also opened the NSU Innovation Center in Downtown Norfolk, a learning space that integrates pedagogy and technology to help grow and serve as a channel for minority entrepreneurs. Norfolk State University has developed the Center for African American Public Policy, a first of its kind in Virginia which “serves to educate the public at large, empower minority communities and assist lawmakers on alternative ideas of how to solve issues that impact communities of color.”

An innovator and collaborator, President Adams-Gaston plays a critical role in developing outstanding opportunities for students. Transformative progress including a partnership with Eastern Virginia Medical School, Old Dominion University, and Norfolk State University to develop the ONE School of Public Health, focuses on addressing health disparities. At The Ohio State University, she was co-architect of the Second Year Transformational Program (STEP). This 2nd year living-learning 4000 bed residential student program incorporates faculty engagement with small cohorts of students and experienced learning opportunities. At the University of Maryland, Dr. Adams-Gaston co-authored the creation of the President’s Promise to focus on all students engaging in experiential learning via internships, research, service learning, study abroad and leadership. All these programs continue and demonstrate the importance of connectivity between institutions for the development of students in higher education.

Norfolk State University has received national recognition and visibility for several initiatives including the International Cyber Psychology Conference, the Voice of America’s 1619 Commemoration radio broadcast, hosting of a US Senatorial Debate and a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding to become a partner of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Tech Talent Pipeline initiative. Also, the Elephant in the Room Symposium was hosted on NSU campus in 2021 and participation in the Mighty Dream Forum sponsored by Pharrell Williams gained national attention. Dr. Adams-Gaston’s leadership has also resulted in Norfolk State’s participation in the Virginia College Affordability Network, providing a pathway for students with the Hampton Roads region to attend the university with full tuition scholarships. Additionally, the University has secured contributions of more than $64 million for scholarships and financial support to enhance student success during her tenure. Her strategic planning has also helped to secure transformational partnerships with the Sentara Healthcare- Public Health Program, Appalachian School of Law 3+3 program, Academic Partnerships online learning platform, executed Memorandum of Understanding with University of West Indies Jamaica , London Metropolitan University, among other international institutions, Netflix, 2U, Apple, Amazon, USAA, Dominion Energy, and the Black Ambition Prize and many others.

President Adams-Gaston is a higher education professional and scholar with more than 35 years of experience at nationally known research one universities. Prior to joining Norfolk State University, Dr. Adams-Gaston served as senior vice president at The Ohio State University and led forty departments in the Office of Student Life annually impacting over 66,000 students. With her selection in 2009, Dr. Adams-Gaston became The Ohio State’s first female African American Vice President for Student Life. She came to The Ohio University State from the University of Maryland, where she served in administrative and faculty positions. Her experience includes serving at University of Maryland, College Park as associate dean of academic affairs, faculty member, executive director of the Career Center, equity administrator, psychologist and first UMCP African American female assistant athletic director (Division 1) and as an Athletic Certification Peer Reviewer for the NCAA. Trained as a psychologist, Dr. Adams-Gaston spent more than 25 years as a licensed psychologist in private practice. She also served as a member of the graduate faculty at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University. She was an affiliate assistant professor at The Ohio State University.

Dr. Adams-Gaston earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, and general science, at the University of Dubuque; a master’s degree in psychology at Loras College; and a Ph.D. in psychology at Iowa State University. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She considers her greatest achievement to be her family. She is married to Dmitri Gaston, MCRP, who served as a planner and management analyst in Washington, D.C. for over 25 years and as a planner, including creating diversity and inclusion education at The Ohio State University. He presently serves as a Planner/Grants Writer. They have three adult children, and they are extremely proud of them.

Milton Brown, MD, PhD, serves as Senior Associate Vice President of Research at Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences, where he oversees the institution’s research endeavors.

Dr. Brown is a renowned physician-scientist with more than 20 years of experience. His research and educational focus are in translational medicine and therapeutics discovery. Considered a pioneer in his field, Dr. Brown is one of only a handful of physician-scientists in the U.S. to hold both a medical degree and a PhD in synthetic chemistry. He earned his MD from the University of Virginia and his PhD in synthetic chemistry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Brown is an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He has over 40 patents in his name and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications. His licensed therapeutic inventions have led to the creation of five biotech companies and he has successfully designed and synthesized two drugs, both of which are in phase I/II clinical testing in humans.

Dr. Brown was a 2015 recipient of the Percy Julian Award by the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers for significant contributions in pure and/or applied research in science. He was appointed to a four-year term by the U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services to serve as a scientific counselor on the National Toxicology Program Board and has served as a scientific reviewer of grants and programs for the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Department of Defense and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dr. Brown came to Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences from George Mason University where he served as Professor of Practice in the College of Science and Director of the Center for Drug Discovery. Prior to George Mason, Dr. Brown was the founding director of the Drug Discovery Program (DDP) at the Georgetown University Medical Center.

Dr. Kenneth Fridley, came to ODU as the new Dean of the Batten College of Engineering and Technology on July 1, 2022 after a long tenure at the University of Alabama (UA). Fridley served as senior associate dean for administration at UA’s College of Engineering from 2014 to 2022 and as interim dean of the Honors College from 2019 to 2020.

He also served as head of UA’s Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering from 2003 to 2014. During his tenure, the department experienced significant growth in enrollment – with undergraduate and graduate enrollment more than doubling and doctoral enrollment tripling.

Fridley brings significant experience developing and advancing philanthropic opportunities, economic development, externally funded research and other fundraising efforts. While at UA, he was involved in two capital campaigns, including the $1.5 billion initiative announced last year.

At UA, he led efforts to establish a five-year BSCE/MSCE program, Bachelor of Science degrees in construction engineering, architectural engineering and environmental engineering and the cross-disciplinary MSCE/ MBA and MSCE/JD dual-degree programs.

Fridley developed the Engineering Positive and Intentional Change (EPIC) Scholars honors program and led efforts to establish The CUBE, an interdisciplinary prototyping and 3D printing lab designed to promote student innovation in engineering.

Much of Fridley’s research – including over $14.4 million in sponsored research – has directly impacted the civil engineering profession, resulting in changes in national design specifications, standards and codes.

While at UA, he founded the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure and was part of a team that created the Integrative Center for Athletic and Sport Technology. He was elected a fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2008 and received the ASCE Excellence in Civil Engineering Education (ExCEEd) Leadership Award in 2010.

Fridley previously taught at Purdue University (1990-1992), the University of Oklahoma (1992-1994), Washington State University (1994-2001) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2001-2003).

He earned his B.S. in civil engineering from Washington State University, his M.S. in architectural engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and his Ph.D. in civil engineering from Auburn University.

Barbara Hamm Lee is an award-winning journalist, television/radio host, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) facilitator. As the owner of Sharing Info, LLC., Barbara provides consulting support to organizations to strategically maximize media potential, market effectively, and protect their brand. She is best known as the Executive Producer and Host of Another View, a weekly public radio talk show that “discusses today’s issues from an African American perspective”. A local celebrity, Hamm Lee is called on regularly to emcee and facilitate programs as well as to deliver motivational speeches throughout Hampton Roads and beyond. In addition, Barbara created a series of town hall meetings entitled Race: Let’s Talk About It, in response to increasing tension surrounding race relations.

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., Old Dominion University’s ninth president effective July 1, 2021, is an unwavering champion for access and opportunity, as well as innovation and research, with a deep commitment to forward-focused leadership. President Hemphill is proud to lead ODU with a steadfast dedication to excellence, a firm commitment to accountability and transparency, and — most importantly — a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as student success. President Hemphill, in close collaboration with the campus community, as well as business and industry, is working diligently to expand existing partnerships and create new opportunities in order to advance the institution, the region, and the Commonwealth of Virginia through entrepreneurial and innovative approaches!

A devoted public servant and steward of ODU and the commonwealth, President Hemphill proudly serves on a variety of boards and commissions. He faithfully represents ODU on the national scale with active involvement in various organizations and advocacy efforts. President Hemphill is equally dedicated to state and regional engagement through active membership on various councils and committees.

President Hemphill’s road to ODU has taken him from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, a flagship university, where he served as Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students; to Northern Illinois University, a large, public, research university, where he served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and Associate Professor for eight years; West Virginia State University, a public, land-grant, research university, where he served as the 10th President and Professor for four years; and, most recently, Radford University, a comprehensive university, where he served as the seventh President and Professor for five years. While at Radford University, President Hemphill built lasting relationships with many entities and officials throughout the commonwealth and beyond as the institution experienced historic growth and success in programmatic diversification and expansion, infrastructure improvements, and philanthropic giving, just to name a few!

President Hemphill serves on the John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (NYSE: WLY) Board of Directors, Preston Hollow Community Capital Board of Managers, and Jefferson Science Associates Board of Directors. He earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Iowa, a Master of Science degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State University of Science and Technology, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communication from Saint Augustine’s University. President Hemphill is a published author with a multitude of writings covering topics related to gun violence and threat preparedness on college campuses; emerging financial concerns affecting the collegiate sphere; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and economic-related issues pertaining to education; and a myriad of additional scholarly perspectives pertinent to the higher education environment. President Hemphill coedited a book, titled College in the Crosshairs: An Administrative Perspective on Prevention of Gun Violence. He is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, guest presenter, and panelist with frequent appearances across the country.

President Hemphill’s passion for life and unparalleled commitment to excellence begins at home where he shares his life with his loving and supportive wife, Dr. Marisela Rosas Hemphill, who proudly serves as ODU’s First Lady. The Hemphills are the proud parents of energetic, 11-year-old twins, Catalina and Cruz. President Hemphill also has two adult children, Jada, who is a public school teacher in Fort Worth, Texas, and Jordan, who is an Assistant Director of Athletics Development at the University of Iowa. Above all else, President Hemphill cherishes the time he spends with his children who are so very precious to him. The Hemphill family resides in the Jacobson House. President and First Lady Hemphill, as well as their entire family, actively engage both on the campus and in the community by attending a variety of activities and events in support their fellow Monarchs!

Dr. Michael Hooper is an experienced physician dedicated to providing quality, patient-centered care. As part of Sentara Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Specialists, he helps treat patients with all types of pulmonary and respiratory diseases, including obstructive and restrictive lung diseases, respiratory failure, lung cancer, occupational lung disease,and more. Dr. Hooper is a physician-scientist with active clinical trials in critically ill patients. When not caring for his patients, Dr. Hooper is a member of the West Ghent Civic League and participatesin Community Helper Presentations with Saint Patrick Catholic School in Norfolk.

Board Certifications:

Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine, Pulmonology & Critical Care Medicine

Board-certified by the American Board of Pulmonary Medicine in Clinical Informatics