Norfolk State University Executive and Leadership Team

Christine Booth, the President, Chapter (Norfolk) at Norfolk State University, leads local engagement efforts to strengthen ties between the institution and the surrounding community. Booth organizes initiatives that connect students with local professional networks, enhancing career services and internship opportunities. By fostering partnerships with regional organizations, the President, Chapter (Norfolk) expands the university's footprint and impact within the local area. This leadership role involves coordinating events that promote the university's academic programs and values to prospective students and alumni. Christine Booth directly impacts student development by creating pathways for real-world experience and community involvement. Through the cultivation of local relationships, the President, Chapter (Norfolk) ensures that the university remains a vital contributor to the regional economy. Ultimately, Booth drives the success of local outreach programs, ensuring that the institution's commitment to community engagement translates into tangible benefits for the student body and the broader Norfolk region.

Chelsee Smith, the President at Norfolk State University, defines the overarching strategic direction and academic mission of the institution. Smith oversees the university's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment while driving excellence in liberal arts, sciences, and engineering. By setting institutional priorities, the President ensures that all academic and support services align with the goal of promoting lifelong learning. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Visitors and external stakeholders to secure the resources necessary for long-term growth. Chelsee Smith directly impacts the university's reputation by championing initiatives that enhance student success and community engagement. Through the strategic allocation of funding and talent, the President maintains the institution's competitive edge in the education sector. Ultimately, Smith guides the university toward its vision of academic distinction, ensuring that every student receives the support required to achieve professional and personal success.

A'lauren Gilchrist, the NSU NABJ President at Norfolk State University, directs the professional development and advocacy efforts for students pursuing careers in journalism and media. Gilchrist architects programs that provide students with essential industry skills, networking opportunities, and mentorship. By facilitating workshops and guest speaker series, the NSU NABJ President ensures that students remain competitive in the evolving media landscape. This leadership role involves coordinating with the university's career services to bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice. A'lauren Gilchrist directly impacts student success by fostering a supportive community that encourages excellence in communication and storytelling. Through the promotion of diversity and inclusion within the media field, the NSU NABJ President enhances the university's influence in the professional sphere. Ultimately, Gilchrist prepares the next generation of media professionals to excel, ensuring that the institution's commitment to academic and career development remains a top priority.

Jerome Bynum, the Chapter President, Portsmouth at Norfolk State University, manages regional outreach and student support initiatives within the Portsmouth area. Bynum coordinates local events that highlight the university's academic programs and career services to prospective students and community members. By building relationships with local schools and businesses, the Chapter President, Portsmouth expands the university's reach and creates new opportunities for student engagement. This leadership role involves organizing community service projects that reflect the university's commitment to social responsibility. Jerome Bynum directly impacts the university's regional presence by serving as a primary point of contact for local stakeholders. Through the effective management of chapter activities, the Chapter President, Portsmouth ensures that the institution's mission of community engagement is actively practiced. Ultimately, Bynum strengthens the connection between the university and the Portsmouth community, ensuring that students have access to a broader network of support and professional development.

Travis Gatling, the Chapter President, Dance Theatre at Norfolk State University, oversees the artistic direction and performance initiatives of the dance program. Gatling architects creative projects that showcase student talent and promote the university's commitment to the arts. By managing rehearsals, performances, and community outreach, the Chapter President, Dance Theatre ensures that students gain practical experience in a professional performance environment. This leadership role involves collaborating with other academic departments to integrate dance into the broader university experience. Travis Gatling directly impacts student development by fostering discipline, creativity, and technical proficiency. Through the organization of high-quality performances, the Chapter President, Dance Theatre enhances the university's cultural impact and visibility. Ultimately, Gatling drives the success of the dance program, ensuring that students receive the training and exposure necessary to excel in the competitive world of performing arts while contributing to the university's vibrant campus culture.

Andria Chapman-Taliaferro, the Chapter President, DNIMAS at Norfolk State University, leads the specialized academic and research initiatives for the DNIMAS program. Chapman-Taliaferro oversees the development of rigorous curricula and support services designed to prepare students for advanced careers in science and engineering. By facilitating research opportunities and academic advising, the Chapter President, DNIMAS ensures that students meet the highest standards of excellence. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty to align program goals with the university's broader mission of fostering innovation. Andria Chapman-Taliaferro directly impacts student success by providing the resources and guidance necessary for academic achievement in challenging disciplines. Through the promotion of research and scholarly activity, the Chapter President, DNIMAS enhances the university's reputation in the scientific community. Ultimately, Chapman-Taliaferro drives the success of the program, ensuring that students are well-equipped to contribute to advancements in their respective fields.

Brion Baylor, the President, Chapter (Washington) at Norfolk State University, manages alumni relations and professional networking initiatives in the Washington metropolitan area. Baylor coordinates events that connect alumni with current students, facilitating career mentorship and internship placements. By maintaining a strong presence in the capital, the President, Chapter (Washington) expands the university's influence and creates valuable opportunities for professional growth. This leadership role involves advocating for the university's interests and promoting its academic programs to a wider audience. Brion Baylor directly impacts student success by leveraging the alumni network to provide real-world insights and career support. Through the cultivation of professional relationships, the President, Chapter (Washington) ensures that the university remains connected to key industry leaders. Ultimately, Baylor drives the success of the Washington chapter, ensuring that the institution's commitment to career services and lifelong learning extends far beyond the campus borders.

Richard Haynes, the Chief Technology Officer at Norfolk State University, directs the digital transformation of academic infrastructure. Haynes architects scalable cloud solutions to support student success across the campus network. By modernizing laboratory hardware and software, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that engineering and science departments maintain competitive research capabilities. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive student data while optimizing bandwidth for remote learning initiatives. Richard Haynes directly impacts the university's operational efficiency by integrating advanced educational technologies into the classroom experience. Through strategic oversight of technical resources, the Chief Technology Officer facilitates seamless collaboration between faculty and students. Ultimately, Haynes secures the technological foundation necessary for the institution to thrive in a digital-first educational landscape, ensuring that all technical assets align with the broader mission of providing high-quality academic services to the diverse student body.

Paul Strassman, the Chief Information Officer at Norfolk State University, manages the enterprise data systems that drive administrative and academic decision-making. Strassman oversees the implementation of robust information management frameworks to streamline student services, including advising and career placement tracking. By centralizing institutional data, the Chief Information Officer enables leadership to monitor student progress and allocate resources effectively. This role requires constant coordination with academic departments to ensure that information systems support the diverse needs of the university population. Paul Strassman directly impacts the university's ability to deliver personalized support by leveraging analytics to identify student needs early. Through the optimization of information flow, the Chief Information Officer enhances the overall efficiency of campus operations. Ultimately, Strassman maintains the integrity and accessibility of institutional information, ensuring that all stakeholders possess the data required to promote student success and community engagement.

Deborah Fontaine, the Chief of Staff at Norfolk State University, coordinates executive initiatives and aligns departmental goals with the university's strategic vision. Fontaine manages the flow of communication between the president's office and various academic units, ensuring that institutional priorities receive consistent focus. By facilitating cross-functional collaboration, the Chief of Staff drives the execution of programs designed to support student success and community outreach. This leadership role involves managing high-level projects that impact the university's market position and reputation. Deborah Fontaine directly impacts the effectiveness of the executive team by streamlining decision-making processes and ensuring accountability across all administrative functions. Through the careful management of institutional resources and stakeholder relationships, the Chief of Staff fosters an environment conducive to academic growth. Ultimately, Fontaine ensures that the university's mission remains the central focus of all operational activities, maintaining alignment across the entire campus community.