Norfolk State University fires its president amid signs of trouble; acting president named

NORFOLK, Virginia  --   The governing board of Norfolk State University has fired President Tony Atwater.

The Board of Visitors’ 7-4 vote Friday stunned Atwater, who called the decision “unexpected and disappointing.” He had 10 months left on his contract.

While board members declined to explain their decision, the vote came months after the state and the university’s accrediting agency had signaled trouble at the historically black university, according to media reports.

Atwater’s contract allowed the board to fire him without cause for the “convenience of the university.” His contract calls for him to receive his base salary of $295,000 through next June.

Sandra DeLoatch, provost and vice president for academic affairs, was named acting president.

Rector Thomas Chewning, who voted for the firing, said the board soon would discuss a search for a replacement and other details, including how long Atwater will remain in the president’s residence. He was appointed professor of communications with tenure when he was hired as president.

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Norfolk State fires its president

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- The governing board of Norfolk State University — which has been under scrutiny by both its accrediting agency and the General Assembly — fired its president Friday.

President Tony Atwater lost his job on a 7-4 vote but will remain a tenured faculty member, Rector Thomas Chewning said.

Provost Sandra J. DeLoatch was appointed acting president, effective immediately.

“It was not an easy vote,” Chewning said. He said the board appreciates the efforts Atwater has made during his two-year tenure to raise the profile of the university in the Tidewater region.

But he said the university faces challenges, and “an exhaustive search to find the right person” to lead NSU will be conducted.

Atwater will continue to receive his salary, which is $295,000, through the end of next June under terms of his contract. He was not fired “for cause,” Chewning said.

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