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Norfolk State University announces new president

The school's board of visitors introduced Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston as the school's 7th president.

NORFOLK, Va. — Changes are coming to Norfolk State University.

The university's Board of Visitors introduced Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston as the school's 7th president on Friday afternoon.

According to NSU, Adams-Gaston comes from Ohio State University, where in 2009 she became the school's first female African-American Vice President for Student Life. She became part of OSU's senior administration, which includes the development of the university's strategic plan and implementation.

This is the first time in the history of the school that a female president and female rector and vice rector will lead NSU.

"I promise you, every day I will strive to do the very same as we move the university onward, upward, and forward," Adams-Gaston said.

She added, "I would, could and will do this job to serve Norfolk State University well.”

NSU has been searching for a new president since last year, after Eddie Moore Jr. retired in December 2017 and Melvin Stith was named interim president.

RELATED: Norfolk State students, professors discuss path forward from political scandals

NSU has previously said its next president needs to understand the school's station as a historically black institution and the changing environment of higher education.

“We can meet our goals. We will work together to provide the best opportunities for our facility and staff to have all the tools that you need in order to assist you in meeting your personal excellence,” Adams-Gaston explained. 

She will take over the role of president in June.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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