Javaune Adams-Gaston facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Javaune Adams-Gaston, Ph.D.
Adams-Gaston in 2022
President of Norfolk State University
Incumbent
Assumed office June 2019
Preceded by	Melvin Stith
Personal details
Alma mater	Iowa State University
Occupation	Psychologist, academic administrator

Javaune Marie Adams-Gaston is an American psychologist and a leader in education. She is currently the seventh president of Norfolk State University.

Her Early Career and Education

Javaune Adams-Gaston earned her Ph.D. degree from Iowa State University. She has also written many articles throughout her career.

For 25 years, Adams-Gaston worked as a licensed psychologist. She also taught as an educator. At the University of Maryland, she held several important jobs. These included being a psychologist, an associate dean, and an assistant athletic director. She also worked to make sure everyone was treated fairly.

Later, Adams-Gaston became a senior vice president. This was at Ohio State University. She was in charge of student life there.

Leading Norfolk State University

Adams-Gaston became the seventh president of Norfolk State University (NSU) in June 2019. She took over from interim president Melvin Stith.

As president, she has worked hard to get more money for the university. This support helps students, teachers, and staff. It also makes the university stronger.

Adams-Gaston helped NSU receive a huge gift. The gift was $40 million from MacKenzie Scott. This was the biggest gift in NSU's history. She has also led the university to get grants and work with big companies. These companies include Microsoft, Netflix, Apple, IBM, and Dominion Energy.

National Recognition

In March 2022, President Joe Biden chose Adams-Gaston for a special board. She was one of 18 people picked for this group. This board advises the president on Historically black colleges and universities. These schools are often called HBCUs.