THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 17, 1994 TAG: 9411150113
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Vicki Lewis
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
Gerald D. Tyler is in his 11th year as director of university relations for Norfolk State University.
Before coming to Norfolk State, he served as special assistant to the chancellor of Elizabeth City State University for eight years.
When he took his current job at Norfolk State, he says it was sort of like coming back home.
Tyler had graduated from the university with honors in 1977 before joining the Elizabeth City State staff. While at Elizabeth City State, he had been commuting to Norfolk to work on his master's degree at Norfolk State.
``Norfolk was my home away from home,'' Tyler said.
Name: Gerald DeForest Tyler.
Nickname: Jerry.
What brought you to Norfolk: A tour of duty with the U.S. Marines. I became the first African American in Hampton Roads to be an admiral's personal driver/orderly.
Birthplace: Louisa County, Va.
Birthdate: Feb. 28, 1946.
Occupation: Higher education administrator. Director of the Office of University Relations at Norfolk State University.
Marital status: Divorced.
Last book read: The Holy Bible (daily). ``Makes Me Wanna Holler: A Young Black Man in America'' by Nathan McCall.
Favorite movie: None. I don't go to the movies.
Favorite magazine: ``Plain Truth,'' ``Good News,'' ``Jet'' and ``Black Excellence.''
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? I don't envy anyone, and therefore I am not interested in trading places with anyone for just one day.
Biggest accomplishment: Achieving and maintaining a high degree of being at peace with myself with the help of God.
Most embarrassing moment: While in high school, I slipped on the gravel and fell partly down as a result of avoiding a serious right-hand cross thrown by a teenage female. Most of the guys observing thought that contact had been made and that a girl had actually knocked me down.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would give myself perfect health throughout this lifetime.
Perfect way to spend the day: To meet a nice eligible Christian lady between 30 and 40 years of age with an exceptional personality and existing commonalities. Then begin the day with a prayer breakfast, discussing each other to become better acquainted. Do some things that we both like, such as going swimming, playing tennis, having Bible study together, taking a short motorcycle trip, going to dinner at our favorite restaurant, and then spend a couple of hours at church praising God for all his blessings and worshiping him for who he is. And to do this without having our good to ``be evil spoken of.''
Favorite vacation spot: I believe it could be ``The Land Down Under'' in either Sydney or Melbourne, Australia. But since I have yet to vacation there, let me simply say the Poconos in Pennsylvania.
Pet peeve: Bumper-to-bumper rush-hour traffic, and double standards applied to people. After all, God is no respecter of persons.
First job: Peach picker in an Orange County (Va.) orchard as a teenager in 1962.
Worst job: Buffing floors at a Washington, D.C., hotel in 1964. Thank God it only lasted for about one month.
Hobbies: Reading, writing, swimming, playing softball, basketball, tennis and working out in my weight room.
Favorite restaurant: Scale O' De Whale in Portsmouth. I am a seafood lover, especially scallops.
What do you like most about Norfolk? Some indication of fairness pursuant to African Americans serving or employed in strategic and decision-making positions such as on City Council, vice mayor, assistant city manager, chief of police, chairman of School Board and so on.
What do you like least about Norfolk? The shortage of adequate and affordable housing for low-to-moderate income families and individuals. Also there seems to be a shortage of good quality modern housing available for middle- and upper-level income persons. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHRISTOPHER REDDICK
Gerald D. Tyler
by CNB