Norfolk State University Joins Virginia Sea Grant

Norfolk State University (NSU) has joined the Virginia Sea Grant (VASG) community, making it the seventh institution to join the network partners.

Virginia Sea Grant (VASG) is a Commonwealth-wide, multi-university organization with a mission to enhance the ecological, economic, and social sustainability of coastal and ocean communities in Virginia. With its partner institutions, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, Old Dominion University, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and now, Norfolk State University. VASG uses research, extension, education, and communication to deliver science-based information to decision-makers. It also cultivates the next generation of scientists and policymakers through fellowships and professional development activities.

“We are so excited to welcome Norfolk State University into Virginia Sea Grant and know that their perspective, particularly on undergraduate education, will be critical to Virginia Sea Grant’s future success and impact in the Commonwealth. NSU’s mission of offering a supportive academic and culturally diverse environment for all, perfectly aligns with VASG’s values and makes us all better,” said Troy Hartley, Director of Virginia Sea Grant.

Stephen Via, Associate Professor of Biology at NSU will serve as the newest member of VASG’s Research and Education Advisory Committee, which is comprised of representatives from each partner institution who are active in the regular operations of VASG, including strategic planning, programmatic policy development, and recruitment.

“For our students, this means access to new opportunities for academic and scholastic achievement. Students at Norfolk State University are eager to advance themselves in and outside the classroom and many engage in rigorous research with faculty on campus,” said Via. “The student body of Norfolk State University represents a highly diverse cross-section of people from all backgrounds and walks of life allowing them to bring unique perspectives and non-traditional methods of tackling problems to anything that they engage.

Story by Lathan Goumas / Virginia Sea Grant

Published April 27, 2022