Spartan News
has been working closely with freshmen students to ensure they get the full freshman experience even if they do not reside on campus. This impacted other student housing as some upperclassmen could not reside on campus.
In an effort to resolve housing issues, the university recently purchased Shepard’s Village across the street and plans to try and utilize it for student housing in the near future.
Another important issue for the NSU president is graduation rates. “One of our primary focuses is the graduation of our students. We talk about affordability, access, and then success,” said Adams-Gaston.
She emphasized that success has to do with graduation, but does not believe that freshmen will be deterred from graduating from NSU due to the housing situation. She explained that graduation rates are often impacted by financial concerns. Many students lack the funding to continue furthering their education.
Dr. Adams-Gaston says the university hopes to increase the NSU endowment, which allows them to assist students with completing their education. She also explained that this effort would provide other opportunities, such as providing students who have to work the opportunity to work on campus.
In discussing other university objectives, Dr. Adams-Gaston expressed her vision that every student leaves the university with at least one paid internship. She explained that students cannot afford to not have an internship because approximately 70% of students who receive internships gain a job.
Dr. Adams-Gaston addressed additional quality of life improvements such as parking and local crime.
“Parking is one of the biggest issues within higher education,” according to NSU’s top administrator. She discussed how the number of students always outnumbers the amount of parking spaces and as a result, the university is encouraging students to only bring a car to campus if they need it.
Due to a recent rise in gun violence throughout the Hampton Roads area, NSU has partnered with the city of Norfolk to increase the safety of students.
Dr. Adams-Gaston and Norfolk mayor, Kenneth Alexander, have been working on “pop ups” or “Norfolk State pop ups” around the city. This would allow students to engage with local events while remaining safe.
According to the NSU president, everyone should develop what she calls, “city filters,” which she explained as being constantly aware of your surroundings and making sure you always remain safe. She expressed that NSU’s police personnel are very dedicated to the safety and well-being of NSU students.
Dr. Adams-Gaston has recently had her contract with the unviersity extended to 2027 by the Board of Visitors.
In a recent post by the university, Rector Devon Henry explains the Board's reasoning, "We're very pleased that we are having an extension to 2027. We're very excited about the work she's doing and look forward to what she's going to do in the future," Henry said.
President discusses NSU issues issues
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Micaiah Brown/Spartan Echo
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