History of Norfolk State University in Timeline

Norfolk State University (NSU) is a public historically black university located in Norfolk, Virginia. As a member of both the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Virginia High-Tech Partnership, NSU plays a significant role in higher education for African American students and technological advancement within the state. NSU provides various undergraduate and graduate programs, contributing to the diversity of educational opportunities in the region.

September 18, 1935: Founding of Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University

On September 18, 1935, the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University was founded, marking the beginning of the institution. Eighty-five students attended the first classes.

1938: Lyman Beecher Brooks becomes director

In 1938, Dr. Lyman Beecher Brooks, a Virginia Union alumnus, succeeded Mr. Samuel Fischer Scott as director of the institution.

1942: Norfolk Polytechnic College

In 1942, the school became independent of VUU and was named Norfolk Polytechnic College.

1950: College's 15th Anniversary

By 1950, the 15th anniversary of the college founding, the faculty had grown to fifty and the student enrollment to 1,018.

1952: Athletic teams become the Spartans

In 1952, the college's athletic teams adopted the "Spartan" name and identity.

1953: Member of the Eastern Intercollegiate Conference

In 1953 Norfolk State was a member of the Eastern Intercollegiate Conference.

1955: Brown Hall opens

In 1955 Brown Hall, formerly Tidewater Hall, opened as the first permanent building on the new campus on Corprew Avenue.

1956: First bachelor's degrees granted

In 1956 the future Norfolk State College granted its first bachelor's degrees.

1960: Left the Eastern Intercollegiate Conference

In 1960 Norfolk State was no longer a member of the Eastern Intercollegiate Conference.

1962: Member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association

In 1962 Norfolk State was a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

1963: Lyman Beecher Brooks becomes provost

In 1963, Lyman Beecher Brooks served as provost of the institution.

1969: Lyman Beecher Brooks becomes first president

In 1969, Lyman Beecher Brooks served as the first president of the institution.

1969: Norfolk State College Founded

In 1969, the college divided from Virginia State College and was named Norfolk State College. The college was issued accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools the same year with an enrollment of 5,400 students.

1974: Spartan "Legion" Marching Band founded

The Spartan "Legion" Marching Band was founded in 1974.

1975: Lyman Beecher Brooks presidency ends

In 1975, Lyman Beecher Brooks term as president ended.

1975: First master's degrees awarded

In 1975, the first master's degrees were awarded in Communications.

1979: Norfolk State University Status Granted

In 1979, the college was granted university status by the General Assembly of Virginia, and it changed its name to Norfolk State University.

February 22, 1980: WNSB (FM) radio established

On February 22, 1980, WNSB (FM) radio was established.

1985: 50th Anniversary

Norfolk State University celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1985 with a year of observances and with an enrollment of 7,200.

1995: Enrollment reaches 9,112

In 1995 Norfolk State University's enrollment reached 9,112.

1996: Left the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association

In 1996 Norfolk State was no longer a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

1997: Marie Valentine McDemmond becomes NSU's third President

Upon the retirement of Dr. Harrison Benjamin Wilson in 1997, Marie Valentine McDemmond became NSU's third President.

2001: Hampton last win as 15 seed

In 2001, Hampton was the last MEAC in-state rival to win as 15 seed.

2001: Spartan Suites Apartments built

In 2001, the Spartan Suites Apartments were built.

July 2005: Alvin J. Schexnider becomes interim president

In July 2005, Alvin J. Schexnider became interim president.

July 1, 2006: Carolyn Meyers becomes fourth President

Carolyn Meyers was selected as the fourth President and began service on July 1, 2006.

2006: Marie V. McDemmond Center for Applied Research built

In 2006, the Marie V. McDemmond Center for Applied Research was built.

2007: Featured Performers at Honda Battle of the Bands

In 2007, The Spartan Legion was featured performers in the Honda Battle of the Bands.

2007: New police station built

In 2007, the new police station was built.

2008: Featured Performers at Honda Battle of the Bands

In 2008, The Spartan Legion was featured performers in the Honda Battle of the Bands.

September 2009: New Student Center opens

In September 2009, the New Student Center facility opened.

2011: Tony Atwater becomes fifth president

In 2011 Tony Atwater was announced as the new president becoming the fifth president.

2011: Spartans win basketball tournament

The 2011–12 Norfolk State Spartans men's basketball team won the 2012 MEAC men's basketball tournament championship.

2012: Spartans in NCAA tournament

In 2012 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament, the Spartans, a 15 seed, defeated the #2 seeded Missouri Tigers in the second round, 86–84.

2012: State-of-the-art library built

In 2012, state-of-the-art library was built.

August 23, 2013: Tony Atwater removed as president

On August 23, 2013, Tony Atwater was removed by the board of visitors of Norfolk State University.

September 13, 2013: Eddie N. Moore Jr. appointed interim president

On September 13, 2013, Eddie N. Moore Jr. was appointed interim president of Norfolk State University.

September 23, 2013: Eddie N. Moore Jr. started serving as interim president

On September 23, 2013, Eddie N. Moore Jr. started serving as interim president of Norfolk State University.

December 2013: University placed on probation

In December 2013, the university was placed on probation by its regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, for "financial and governance issues."

January 2015: New Nursing and General Classroom Building completed

In January 2015, the construction of the New Nursing and General Classroom Building was completed.

January 10, 2016: Eddie Moore Jr. becomes 6th president

Eddie Moore Jr. became the 6th president of Norfolk State University on January 10, 2016.

September 2017: President Moore announces retirement

In late September 2017 President Moore announced his retirement.

2017: New G.W.C. Brown Memorial Hall opened

In the fall 2017 NSU opened a new G.W.C. Brown Memorial Hall, a three-story, 154,000-square-foot academic building, which houses the School of Business, College of Liberal Arts, and Mass Communication and Math Department.