Advocate and leader

Dr. Kristie (Fleming) Norwood (’04) is a licensed clinical psychologist and the director of the Student Counseling Center at Hampton University, where she also serves as a psychology professor.

Last year, she was given a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by former President Joe Biden.

“Throughout my career, I have always prioritized dedicating time, skills and passion to addressing critical challenges in the community, fostering an environment of mental well-being and support for those in need,” Norwood said. “This award celebrates my dedication to building a more inclusive, compassionate society and efforts to solve pressing mental health-related issues that impact the nation.”

The distinguished honor is presented “under the auspices of Points of Light and the School of the Great Commission Education Foundation,” according to a Hampton University announcement in December 2024. It “recognizes Dr. Norwood’s extraordinary commitment to service, including over 5,000 hours of volunteer work benefiting the United States of America.”

“I believe that everyone has a gift to offer to this world,” Norwood said. “To be recognized for my unwavering commitment to helping people find light in dark places is truly an honor and a blessing.” 

As the director of the Student Counseling Center, Norwood has expanded mental health services, doubling the center’s staff, introducing Mental Health First Aid and Safe Talk training, and hosting the U.S. Surgeon General’s We Are Made to Connect tour to promote student well-being.

One of her most impactful initiatives is the SheCare Wellness Pods, which operates in partnership with the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and Kate Spade New York. Introduced in the fall of 2023 at Hampton University, these pods provide safe, supportive spaces for Black women to focus on their mental health — a milestone in Norwood’s advocacy work.

Before joining Hampton, Norwood was the assistant chief of psychology at the Hampton VA Medical Center, where she coordinated the Women’s Mental Health Clinic, led the PTSD clinical team, and established the first Diversity Discussion Groups to foster inclusion and support.

Norwood’s passion for advocacy was shaped during her time at JMU, where she majored in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. As a student, she was actively involved in various student-led organizations on campus. She served as the president of Women of Color, was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (Iota Alpha chapter president) and was a finalist for the 2003-2004 Miss Madison.

“It really gave me a sense of feeling immersed in the community and connecting with other students and then also being able to make an impact, while JMU also was making an impact on me,” she said.

Beyond her involvement in student organizations, Norwood gained invaluable leadership skills as a resident adviser and later as a hall director. Through these roles, she learned firsthand the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for students — an experience that influenced her career in mental health advocacy.

Additionally, as a sister of Delta Sigma Theta, Norwood was involved in various service projects that had a lasting impact on the campus and Harrisonburg community. Whether it was picking up trash in local areas through the Adopt-a-Spot initiative, volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club of America, hosting soup kitchens, or organizing informational programs about study tips and academic success, Norwood prioritized giving her time.  

While at JMU, Norwood was fortunate to have a strong mentor who helped shape her academic and professional journey, Dr. Celeste Thomas, a psychologist and the director of the psychology department. Thomas inspired her to think about her long-term goals and how to align her academic journey with her true passions and aspirations. She also played a pivotal role in guiding Norwood through the graduate-school application process.

“[She] encouraged me to really reflect on what is it that you’re called to do, and what is it that’s going to bring you joy, not necessarily just what program you got into. She really helped me realize that you have to go in the direction in which you’re called and meant to go into.”

These days, Norwood continues to make an impact through her passion for leadership and service. She is the founder of ReMIND-U Wellness and Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to decreasing the stigma around mental health in the BIPOC community. She also provides clinical care and launched the Exhale Summit, a three-day nurturing space in Newport News, Virginia, where women can engage, uplift and encourage each other while focusing on mental and emotional healing and self-care practices.

Along with several of her JMU classmates, she planned the 2025 Exhale Summit, which took place from March 13 to 15. She said their hope was to attract 300 women to support the “national movement of prioritizing our mental health and well-being.”

Looking ahead, Norwood is committed to expanding her impact on mental health advocacy by providing new ways of support and resources to those in need.

“I am looking forward to partnering with local organizations to offer clinical workshops, trainings and therapy services to the community,” she said. “I may also look into writing and publishing a book or workbook to aid people in processing their thoughts and emotions.”

Reflecting on her Madison Experience, Norwood recognizes how JMU fostered her personal growth and empowered her to take initiative. “I also think that my time at JMU helped me realize that whatever community you’re part of, you can step out and make a difference, no matter how big or how small,” she said.