Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston is the seventh President of Norfolk State University. She began her tenure on June 24, 2019. As President, she is committed to ensuring that Norfolk State University fulfills its mission as an HBCU for the modern world, a university grounded by its heritage, focused on the future, and deeply committed to student success. Her vision is student success, opportunity access and affordability, and growth and sustainability. A strong advocate for collaboration and developing strategic partnerships with local, regional, and state stakeholders, Dr. Adams-Gaston is committed to cultivating strong connections with alumni and the community.

Dr. Adams-Gaston earned a bachelor's degree in biology, psychology, and general science, at the University of Dubuque; a master's degree in psychology at Loras College; and a Ph.D. in psychology at Iowa State University. She considers her greatest achievement to be her family. She is married to Dmitri Gaston, MCRP, who served as a planner and management analyst in Washington, D.C. for over 25 years and as a planner, including creating a program for diversity and inclusion education at The Ohio State University. They have three adult children, and they are extremely proud of them.