Norfolk State University (NSU) is a four-year, state-supported, coed, liberal arts institution, founded in 1935 as the Norfolk State Unit of Virginia Union University (VUU). It is a historically black university located in Norfolk, Virginia. It is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund. Norfolk State's colors are green and gold and their nickname is the Spartans. Norfolk State sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (Football Championship Subdivision for football) in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).