History of Norfolk State University in Timeline

Norfolk State University (NSU) is a public historically black university (HBCU) located in Norfolk, Virginia. As a member of both the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Virginia High-Tech Partnership, NSU is committed to providing educational opportunities and fostering technological advancements. Its status as an HBCU signifies its historical mission to serve the African American community, while its affiliations highlight its dedication to broader academic and research initiatives.

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

On September 18, 1935, the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University was founded. Eighty-five students attended the first classes, with Mr. Samuel Fischer Scott as the first director.

1950: College's 15th Anniversary and Growth

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

1952: Adoption of the 'Spartan' Name

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

1953: Membership in Eastern Intercollegiate Conference

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

1955: Permanent Site and First Building

In 1955, the City of Norfolk provided a permanent site for the college on Corprew Avenue, and Brown Hall opened as the first permanent building on the new campus.

1956: Granting of First Bachelor's Degrees

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

1960: End of Eastern Intercollegiate Conference Membership

In 1960, Norfolk State's membership in the Eastern Intercollegiate Conference ended.

1962: Membership in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association

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

1969: Division from Virginia State College and Accreditation

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: Founding of the Spartan Legion Marching Band

In 1974, the Spartan Legion Marching Band was founded. The band performs at campus events and during some Norfolk State football and basketball games.

1975: First Master's Degrees Awarded and New President

In 1975, the first master's degrees were awarded in Communications and Social Work. Also in 1975, Dr. Harrison Benjamin Wilson Jr. succeeded Dr. Lyman Beecher Brooks as president after 37 years.

1979: Granting of University Status

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: Establishment of WNSB Radio

On February 22, 1980, WNSB (FM) radio, also known as "Hot 91.1", was established. It broadcasts in stereo 24 hours a day from the campus and covers the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area.

1985: 50th Anniversary Celebration

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: End of Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Membership

In 1996, Norfolk State's membership in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association ended.

1997: Marie Valentine McDemmond Becomes President

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

2001: Hampton's Victory in NCAA Tournament

In 2001, MEAC in-state rival Hampton had a similar victory in the NCAA Tournament, marking the last time a 15 seed defeated a 2 seed before Norfolk State's victory in 2012.

2001: Construction of Spartan Suites Apartments

In 2001, the Spartan Suites Apartments were constructed on the Norfolk State University campus.

July 2005: Alvin J. Schexnider Becomes Interim President

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

July 1, 2006: Carolyn Meyers Becomes President

On July 1, 2006, Carolyn Meyers began service as the fourth President of NSU.

2006: Construction of Marie V. McDemmond Center

In 2006, the Marie V. McDemmond Center for Applied Research was constructed on the Norfolk State University campus.

2007: Featured in Honda Battle of the Bands

In 2007, The Spartan Legion Marching Band were featured performers in the Honda Battle of the Bands.

2007: Construction of New Police Station

In 2007, construction of the new police station on the Norfolk State University campus was completed.

2008: Featured in Honda Battle of the Bands

In 2008, The Spartan Legion Marching Band were featured performers in the Honda Battle of the Bands.

September 2009: Opening of the New Student Center

In September 2009, the New Student Center facility opened, featuring a game room, dining area, bookstore, wellness center, student lounges, and administrative offices.

2011: Tony Atwater Announced as President

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

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: First NCAA Tournament Appearance

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

2012: Construction of State-of-the-Art Library

In 2012, a state-of-the-art library was constructed on the Norfolk State University campus.

August 23, 2013: Removal of Tony Atwater

On August 23, 2013, Tony Atwater was removed by the board of visitors of Norfolk State University, and Sandra DeLoatch was named acting president.

September 13, 2013: Appointment of Eddie N. Moore Jr.

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

September 23, 2013: Eddie N. Moore Jr. Starts 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, Norfolk State University was placed on probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for "financial and governance issues."