Norfolk University is a historically black university located in Norfolk, Virginia. It is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund was named after Thurgood Marshall, the first black judge to serve judiciary system in America from 1967 till 1991. The university was founded in 1935. Norfolk State University was initially a College, brought to life in the midst of the Great Depression, provided a setting in which the youth of the region could give expressions to their hopes and aspirations. At this founding, it was named the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University.

In 1942, the College became the independent Norfolk Polytechnic College, and two years later an Act of the Virginia General Assembly mandated that it become a part of Virginia State College. It then became known as Norfolk State College. The College was able to pursue an expanded mission with even greater emphasis in 1956 when another Act of the Legislature enabled the Institution to offer its first Bachelor's degree. The College was separated from Virginia State College and became fully independent in 1969.Subsequent legislative acts designated the institution as a University and authorized the granting of graduate degrees. In 1979, University status was attained. Norfolk State University is an urban institution located in the heart of a metropolitan area with an enrollment of nearly 8,000 and a student-teacher ratio of 22:1.

Norfolk State University has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students are considered for admission upon application to the university. Once admitted to the Honors Program, students will be able to take small courses, attend special seminars and lectures, and work closely with faculty on independent study programs. The Honors Program makes Norfolk State one of only 9 universities that are part of the NEH (National Endowment for the Humanities) project “Bridging the Gap between the Humanities and Science.” Continuing education is offered through E-learning and through branch campuses in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth. Both graduate and undergraduate courses are offered at the Portsmouth Tri-Cities Center, and on-line certificate courses are offered through the Virginia Beach campus in healthcare, business, and various computing areas. Online courses are also available for regularly enrolled students in some subjects.

Some of the other unique opportunities available at Norfolk State University include the ACCESS (Academy for Collegiate Excellence and Student Success) program, which provides advising, mentoring, and counseling for high school graduates and returning adult students who need assistance with basic study skills.

Norfolk State's colors are green and gold and their nickname is the Spartans. Norfolk State sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (I-AA for football) in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).