nsu-norfolk-state-logoNorfolk State University faces some big hurdles in the next couple of months, hurdles that helped lead to the firing of President Dr. Tony Atwater in August.

13News Now combed through hundreds of e-mails sent by members of the Board of Visitors that detail problems like a failing nursing school, lagging student enrollment and improper financial accounting.

In an e-mail from Board member Lloyd Banks to other members, he writes, “The BoV can’t be hands- off at the poorest performing university in the commonwealth and expect success.”

That issue and others prompted a visit from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in September. The visit from SACS, which accredits the university, is an ominous sign that means the school could be sanctioned or even lose its accreditation. Without accreditation, a degree from Norfolk State University would be nearly worthless.

Watch 13News Now beginning at 5:00 p.m. for our investigation into the problems at NSU and what’s being done to fix them. REFERENCED