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NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY® A Newsletter for Faculty, Staff, Alumni and Friends of Norfolk State University W A V E S MAKING www.nsu.edu Created by the Office of Communications and Marketing, (757) 823-8373 NSU’s WoMen’s Economic Development Center recently awarded three women seed money to help grow their businesses. The women, all members of the community, took part in the Center’s Entrepreneur Series that began in October 2013. The series seeks to boost the number of entrepreneurs as a way of helping to increase economic development in Norfolk and helping the participants avoid possible unemployment during economic strife. The class participants developed business plans, learned how to operate a business, form partnerships, market their expertise and present ideas to business executives. Out of a class of 20, three women—based on their business plans—were awarded $1,000 each toward their businesses. The seed money was funded through a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The recipients are Grayce Nance, owner of BigPrettyFeet.com, which specializes in shoes for women sizes 11 and up; Stephanie Ferebee, owner of Ferebee 757 Inspections LLC, home inspection company; and Melissa Peele, owner of Firm Foundation of Virginia Inc., a nonprofit faith-based organization serving single mothers age 18-35. Dr. Page Laws, dean of the NSU Honors College, recently met in Germany with Dr. Petra M. Vogel, dean of the Philosophical Faculty (Humanities) at Universität Siegen, to discuss ideas for further student and faculty exchange between the two universities. Dr. Sandra Williamson-Ashe, assistant professor of social work, was appointed to the Council on Aging by Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Danielle Williams has been named the director of transfer services under the Office of Enrollment Management. Williams served as the transfer services acting director since October 2012. Regina English was recently hired as the technical systems manager in the Office of Enrollment Management. Dr. Walter R. Clemons ’87, ’90, has been named superintendent of Gloucester County Public Schools. Previously, he served as the superintendent of Northampton County Public Schools on the Eastern Shore. NSU Continues Building Ties Regionally, Nationally and Internationally Norfolk State University has combined its naval base military program and veterans affairs office into the Office of Military Services and Veterans Affairs. The new office is temporarily located in the Student Services Center, Room 318, on the main campus, while plans for its permanent location are underway. The office serves active-duty service members, reservists, veterans and dependents from all branches of service. Goals of the newly established office are to create a centralized model for engaging prospective and current students affiliated with the military; enhance transition and integration into the University community; facilitate the processing of critical paperwork; and increase the number of military- related students on campus as well as at Naval Base Norfolk. “By centralizing services, our military-related students will have a home specifically designed for their needs and will spend less time finalizing mandatory paperwork and seeking services,” said Terricita E. Sass, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management. “The new office,” said Sass, “is committed to serving active-duty, reservists, veterans and family members at both the on- and off-campus sites under a coordinated approach within one unit.” NSU WoMen’s Center Teaches Entrepreneurial Skills Stay up to date with all of NSU’s news, go to the NSU Newsroom at www.nsu.edu. Norfolk State University – An Equal Opportunity Employer New NSU Office Helps Military-Related Students Deirdre Sanderlin, WEDC director; Grayce Nance, owner of BigPrettyFeet.com; and Paula Shaw, director, NSU Office of Sponsored Programs
