NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State University Department of Athletics recently became the first historically black college and university (HBCU) and the 31st university nationally to receive program certification by the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics (N4A).

The N4A is an educational, service and professional organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of the academic achievement of intercollegiate athletes. Members serve in various roles in this capacity, but are primarily responsible for the counseling and advising of student-athletes. The N4A certification program was established in 2010 to raise the professional standard among academic support programs and encourage a broader range of understanding of best practices and successful operations.  According to the N4A, the purpose of program certification is to verify that an academic support unit can provide a basic set of services to student-athletes as outlined in N4A guidelines and code of ethics.

The NSU athletics academic support program recently underwent a program review, wherein N4A-trained consultants visited the NSU campus to conduct a comprehensive review of the services, resources and methods that the department utilizes to serve Spartan student-athletes. NSU was granted N4A certification as a result of this program review and the consultants’ report.

“This is a very significant accomplishment for the Department of Athletics. Meeting the academic certification standards of the N4A is a validation of the commitment that Norfolk State University has made in providing the academic support services required for our student-athletes to achieve academic success and graduate,” NSU Director of Athletics Marty L. Miller said. “The success of this program is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the academic support staff and student-athletes. I am extremely proud to be a part of a program designed to enhance the total well-being of student-athletes during their collegiate years.”