Eddie Moore Jr., president of Norfolk State University, the historically Black educational institution in Virginia, recently gave his “State of the University” address. Dr. Moore acknowledged that the next six months were “critical to our survival and success.”
Norfolk State was placed on accreditation warning status by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools due to the commission’s concerns about the university’s finances. Dr. Moore stated that the financial reports called for by the accrediting agency were being assembled and would be ready by the commission’s October deadline.
President Moore also said that the university was working to satisfy all of the accrediting agency’s concerns. “Everything we do must be in the best interests of our students,” Dr. Moore said. “We must not abdicate this responsibility for any personal reasons or group agendas.”
Dr. Moore warned that the financial situation of the university is still not on totally solid ground. He noted a drop in state aid of $2.7 million and further enrollment declines will produce a drop in revenue. Last fall, enrollments were down 700 students from the prior year and this year the university anticipates an additional decrease of 500 students.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is expected to issue a ruling on Norfolk State in December.
