DATE: Monday, June 23, 1997                 TAG: 9706230068

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY DIANE WASHINGTON, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: NORFOLK                           LENGTH:   54 lines

A RED-CARPET WELCOME MARIE MCDEMMOND WILL BE THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO LEAD A 4-YEAR COLLEGE IN THE STATE.

As she prepares to take the helm of Norfolk State University, Marie V. McDemmond welcomed the eager reception she received from more than 500 people Sunday - and warned that she'll be expecting more support from them.

``I now know that I have shaken your hand and looked you in the eye,'' McDemmond said as she studied the faces in the crowd. ``And I know that when I call on you for help, you'll be there.''

McDemmond, the first black woman to head a four-year college in the state, faces many challenges as NSU's president. For instance, Norfolk State's seven-year graduation rate is the lowest among Virginia's state-supported four-year colleges and universities.

McDemmond, who was chosen from 54 candidates, said she plans to change the relationship of the commonwealth with the historically black university.

``The state needs to understand the mission of the university, which is to guide young minds to be productive citizens,'' she said. ``It's important to make sure the state properly funds the institution, but it's also important to let the state be assured that those funds are being handled carefully.''

McDemmond, 50, was vice president for finance and chief fiscal officer for Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. On July 1, she will succeed Harrison B. Wilson, who will retire after 22 years as Norfolk State's president.

Sunday's welcoming reception for McDemmond at the Norfolk Airport Hilton was sponsored by the Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men and was the largest yet for her. The committee, a group of black men, began planning the reception in early March, but has plans to address more serious challenges.

``We're very proud of the number of people who came, but we are not a social club,'' said George Crawley, the committee chairman. ``We plan to get involved with community betterment activities including education and mentor and entrepreneurial programs.''

McDemmond is glad the group got together for her benefit and is confident their community involvement will help Norfolk State.

``If I have served as a catalyst in any way to these men getting together, that's wonderful,'' she said.

McDemmond, who will be NSU's fourth leader, admits her job won't be easy, but is confident that with community help, NSU will rise.

``I will have a lot to do. The community will have lots to do,'' she told those in attendance. ``But with us working together, Norfolk State will be the premier historically black university in the country.'' ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photo]

HUNDREDS HAIL NEW CHIEF OF NSU

NHAT MEYER/The Virginian-Pilot

Marie McDemmond, new president of Norfolk State University, greets

guests at a reception in her honor at the Norfolk Airport Hilton.

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