NORFOLK, VA — President Joe Biden appointed Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, president of Norfolk State University, to serve on the White House Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

“I am honored to serve on President Biden’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” Dr. Adams-Gaston said. “I appreciate the confidence the administration has in appointing me to serve on such a distinguished board.”

Dr. Adams-Gaston was one of 18 people selected to serve on the Biden Administration’s board of advisors. The board will advance the goal of the HBCU Initiative to increase the capacity of HBCUs to provide the highest-quality education to its students and continue serving as engines of opportunity, according to The White House website.

“I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members as we work to improve the outcomes for students who attend our historic institutions,” she said. “HBCUs were created to expand access to higher education for all, and we will work together to promote and advance the HBCU mission.”

Dr. Adams-Gaston served as president at Norfolk State since June of 2019. She led the institution during the COVID-19 pandemic, helped the university become recognized as a U.S. News and World Report Top #20 HBCU, and secured the university’s largest donation—$40 million—from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

For more information about President Biden’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs and other appointees, visit
whitehouse.gov.