2020 was a critical year for the nation, bringing racial inequities to light and creating new opportunities for historically Black colleges and universities, says Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston. Photo by Mark Rhodes
As someone who believes strongly in change, Javaune Adams-Gaston assumed the presidency of Norfolk State University at a pivotal time for both the nation and historically Black colleges and universities.
“2020 really was an eye-opening experience for many in our nation — particularly with some of the disparities that existed that came to light through COVID,” says Adams-Gaston, who became NSU’s seventh president in June 2019. “The health disparities and then inequities that exist in [health] care really came to light, and that came at a time when also the social injustice issues came to light.”
Adams-Gaston’s first year as president saw not only the coronavirus pandemic but also widespread racial justice protests that sparked discussions about equality and equity that reached from protest marches to government bodies, corporate boardrooms and universities.
