Norfolk State University (NSU) is leasing city-owned space at 520 E. Main Street. Norfolk City Council approved the $1-a-year lease for a period of three years at its November 2017 meeting and it became effective December 22.
The space is to be used by Norfolk State University and the Norfolk State University Research and Innovation Foundation and is expected to support several strategic initiatives and academic programs.
“We would like to house in this location programs that would support the University’s economic development, technology transfer and research activities,” said Hudnall Croasdale, NSU Research & Innovation Foundation executive director and chief executive officer. “These activities and initiatives, in addition to supporting the overall academic mission of Norfolk State, will complement and support both the City of Norfolk’s economic development plans and additionally a number of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s research and job creation programs, in particular the GO Virginia program.”
GO Virginia is an initiative for growth and opportunity that is working in nine regions across the Commonwealth. The purpose of this bipartisan, business-led group is to foster private-sector growth and job creation through state incentives for regional collaboration by business, education, and government.
Croasdale stated that the venture could be viewed as the next strategic step by the Norfolk State University Research & Innovation Foundation and Norfolk State University to increase both a physical presence in the Norfolk business district as well as to assume a greater leadership role in the region.
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander welcomed the move. “We are very excited that NSU is expanding its presence to Downtown and offering programs that will enhance Norfolk’s role as a leader in workforce development and innovation,” stated Alexander.
“This partnership will continue to distinguish Norfolk as a thriving center for higher education, and we are confident it will produce pioneers in business and emerging technologies.”
source: Norfolk State University