Zenora E. Gay, Ph.D.
Dr. Zenora E. Gay is Manager of Web Applications and Integrated Solutions at Norfolk State University, bringing 24+ years of experience in higher education across IT, student success, and institutional initiatives. She previously directed the Undergraduate Research Program, supporting STEM research, mentoring, and outreach to advance academic excellence.
Dr. Gay earned her Ph.D. in STEM Education and Professional Studies from Old Dominion University in 2022, with research examining how student engagement impacts academic achievement for African American women, reflecting her commitment to equity and inclusion in higher education.
A longtime advocate for STEM students, she has co-led programs like Science and Technology Academicians on the Road to Success (STARS), advised the National Society of Black Engineers, and served as campus coordinator of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, earning its Outstanding Service Award in 2013. Her scholarship includes publications in the Journal of Technology Education and presentations such as “Pathways to the STARS…A Summer Bridge Program to Retain Students.”
Her leadership philosophy centers on intentional service, mentorship, and creating pathways that connect students to research, internships, and career opportunities, always prioritizing the success of underrepresented populations in STEM.
• Old Dominion University - Ph.D.
• Norfolk State University - M.S. and B.S.CS
• Outstanding Serice Award - TMCF
• ACE Virginia Network Senior Leadership Seminar Graduate - 2024
• Lead Virginia Class of 2025
• The Virginia Network - Senior Leadership Seminar
• LEAD Virginia Alumni Committee
What do you attribute your success to?
I give all glory to God for my success, for it is through His grace and mercy that I am grounded and sustained in every season of life. I’ve been blessed with remarkable trailblazers as mentors, including Bishop C. Vernie Russell Jr., Pastor Ronda Russell, and Dr. Sandra J. DeLoatch, whose spiritual leadership and academic guidance has shaped my journey. I am especially grateful for my mother, godmother, aunts, and sisters, whose strength, faith, and sacrifices continue to inspire and anchor me.
As a wife, mother, minister, and leader, I am sustained by the love and support of my husband, children, family, mentors, colleagues, and friends who are my village; their consistent encouragement makes all the difference.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Integrity matters and it will always be the right choice!
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Systems, in any industry, are often slow to change. But choosing to be someone who bridges gaps can move progress forward. Instead of only calling out what’s missing, create representation, opportunity, and support. Learn how to create connections that drive meaningful progress. Invest in people. Help shape the future and champion the next generation of leaders. When you intentionally build strong relationships in every arena and let faith guide your actions, your work will truly flourish.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the important opportunities for IT in higher education today is keeping up with the fast pace of change while working within a complex academic environment. As new technologies continue to emerge, institutions are learning how to adapt thoughtfully, embracing innovation while maintaining stability and staying aligned with their long-term goals and mission.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
At the center of everything for me is my faith in God. It has taught me how to maintain balance between work and home, helping me leave work at work and fully show up where it matters most. What I’ve learned is that human capital is the greatest priority! When you invest in genuine relationships across all areas of life, your efforts flourish, especially when faith comes first.
Time with my family is my place of rest and renewal. I’m fully engaged in my six-year-old’s educational and extracurricular activities; his focus is my focus. I also believe deeply in championing the next generation of leaders, planting seeds today that will bloom for generations to come.