From the Desk of Vice Chancellor Brandon Frye
Colleagues:
Welcome to the Fall 2024 semester at East Carolina University!!
Is it me or did the summer seem to breeze by far too quickly? In short, it was 100 degrees with no rain in June. It was 90 degrees and rained all of July. And we kicked off August with a tropical system dropping several inches of rain throughout the southeast. At least the Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore didn’t show up in Pirate Nation – then we know things would have been bad.
Despite the weather-related curveballs, we did hit a few homeruns in June and July. We enjoyed 10 multi-day orientation sessions for new first-year Pirates and their families which was a great success. We hosted nearly 3,900 students throughout the ten two-day orientation sessions which was an increase of nearly 150 students from last summer. When you factor each student brought a family member or two (and one family I met from New Jersey had both parents and both sets of grandparents), Pirate Nation welcomed about 10,000 people to campus.
On the housing front, the move-in process is underway in all three campus neighborhoods, and we’ve got several major university student traditions including Raid the Rec, Pirate Palooza, New Student Welcome and the First Year Photo on the field of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium later this week.
These signature events help build a sense of community and belonging which will help pave the way for new students to successfully transition from high school to college. Our students are encouraged to visit The Pirate Experience to learn about our 400+ student organizations, as well as events and activities taking place all over ECU’s campuses. The Pirate Experience is open to all students, but also for ECU faculty and staff too.
Thanks for all that you have done this summer to help with being ready for the Fall 2024 semester, and a big thanks to all who helped move in our first-year students.
Go Pirates!!
Supporting Students’ Transition to College: Your Role and Strategies
Submitted by Kelly Weaver, CCSD Staff Counselor and Group Coordinator
Transitions of any kind can be challenging. Shifting from the “summer mindset” back to the excitement, responsibility, and stress of the fall semester can be tough – even though it is something that we do every year. Students are also experiencing a great deal of change this time of the year, and it is important for us to help students find their routine early. They are looking to you for guidance, support, and knowledge.
Supporting students effectively throughout the semester can have the ultimate impact on their success.
- Be clear with your expectations for the semester. Make assignment due dates accessible. Show students how to find your syllabus and how to contact you.
- Normalize students' feelings and experiences during the first few weeks of the semester.
- Encourage students to interact with each other; create a sense of community in your office, classroom, and programs.
- Remember that you do not know all the things that a student is bringing with them to class, so be patient and have some grace as they are navigating this new semester.
Students often come with concerns that extend beyond academics.
- Be an active listener.
- Offer support in a non-judgmental manner and help students access the resources they need to overcome their challenges.
- Respond to students that reach out to you, regardless of their need or question.
- Encourage students to use campus resources during their adjustment to campus.
The Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) provides free and confidential mental health support to enrolled students who have paid the health services fee. Services include psychoeducational workshops, consultation drop-in groups, 24/7/365 crisis services, individual therapy, and group therapy. Contact CCSD at 252-328-6661 or visit our website counselingcenter.ecu.edu.
Additional Resources:
ECU receives first Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose classification
Published by Steven Grandy, ECU News Services
East Carolina University is one of 25 U.S. colleges and universities — and the only North Carolina institution — to receive the first Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose classification. The designation was awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE), the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
The classification recognizes institutions that have committed to campuswide efforts to advance leadership in pursuit of the public good.
“We are proud to be in the inaugural class receiving the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, a designation that confirms and endorses our institutional commitment to the pursuit of collective public goods,” Chancellor Philip Rogers said. “This designation reflects the leadership at the core of our university’s purpose and the call to action of our strategic plan to be future-focused, innovative leaders.”
Receiving the designation is the result of a rigorous process of self-study through which ECU administrators demonstrated evidence of an extraordinary institutional commitment, investment in and accomplishment at addressing pressing issues of the societies they serve through assessment of student learning, curricular and co-curricular offerings, and faculty and staff rewards.
“Congratulations to these pioneering recipients of the inaugural Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose classification,” said Carnegie Foundation President Timothy F.C. Knowles. “These institutions have demonstrated a relentless commitment to fostering leaders dedicated to the pursuit of vital public goods. Students from these institutions will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for us all, upholding fundamental American values and advancing opportunity for the nation.”
The 2024 designees represent 19 states. Of the 25 institutions classified in the inaugural cycle, 15 are public institutions, 10 are private and two are service academies.
ECU also has earned the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This acknowledgment highlights the work the university and its partners do together in communities across the globe. Only 40 U.S. colleges and universities received the 2024 designation.
A deep university-wide commitment to leadership was Dr. Steve Ballard’s first “big impression” of ECU during his visit in 2004 prior to becoming the university’s 10th chancellor.
“It was part of our culture and self-definition,” said Ballard, director of the Truist Leadership Center and co-chair of the Carnegie application team. “We have done so much more in leadership development since 2005, to the extent that it is found across the curriculum, in all colleges, and in our culture and mission.”
Dr. Dennis McCunney, director of intercultural affairs and Carnegie team co-chair, believes that the designation affirms ECU’s leadership contributions to the region envisioned by the university’s first president, Robert Wright.
“Our commitment to leadership education across the campus has been deep, pervasive and integrated,” McCunney said. “It’s been built into our strategic plan, our programmatic goals, our academic programs and our efforts to educate students outside the classroom and in the community.”
Emotional Support Animals Accommodations
Submitted by Paul Harwell, Disability Support Services Director
In June, Disability Support Services (DSS) hosted a training about Emotional Support Animals (ESA) on campus. This session featured nationally recognized expert, Jane Jarrow, founder and President of Disability Access Information and Support (DAIS), and included key ECU partners from Campus Living, the Office of University Counsel (OUC), and the ADA Coordinator.
Following the training, Campus Living and DSS collaborated to improve guidelines and processes for implementing ESA accommodations. These changes, which will be effective with the start of the Fall 2024 semester, improve communication and expectations for students with approved ESAs and Housing staff.
The joint training and subsequent improvements demonstrate our collective commitment to partnership and serving students with disabilities at ECU. DSS and Campus Living continue to foster a great partnership and have identified additional areas to prioritize for improvement.
ECU is now a Skin Smart Campus!
Submitted by LaShae' Wilson, Executive Director for Student Health Services
The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has presented the platinum level Skin Smart Campus Award to East Carolina University. This award recognizes ECU’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of the campus community, and to providing a safe, healthy learning and living environment on and off campus. ECU pledges to keep indoor tanning devices off the campus and out of all affiliated buildings. In addition, ECU promotes skin cancer prevention and UV safety education. Numerous studies have found that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and melanoma—the deadliest form of skin cancer—is one of the most common cancers diagnosed among young adults.
Katie Lovell, a fourth-year student at Brody School of Medicine (BSOM), spearheaded the introduction of the Skin Smart Campus initiative at ECU and presented the idea of seeking the award to Student Health Services (SHS). As part of the award criteria, Katie created content for the SHS web page with important information about skin cancer prevention.
ECU was awarded two free sunscreen dispensers and a year’s worth of sunscreen as part of the platinum designation. Due to the popularity of athletics among students and other fans, Katie, the SHS team, and ECU athletics installed sunscreen dispensers at baseball games this past spring and will have them available in the fall for football games. Additionally, free sunscreen packets will be available at multiple concession stands at home football games due to generous funding from the Student Government Association (SGA). SHS hopes the dispensers will serve as a tangible reminder to the campus community to take steps to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors and sporting events.
This award is a wonderful collaboration between BSOM, SHS, ECU Athletics, and SGA.
Click here to read more about the Skin Smart Campus initiative.
ECU GROW: Student Employees Reflect on Their Success Through Work, Academic and Career Connections
Submitted by Dr. Lauren Thorn, Director of Center for Student Success and Dr. Helen Mulhern Halasz, Assistant Director of Student Affairs Assessment, Research, & Planning
ECU GROW (Guided Reflection On Work) continued to provide shared language and core discussion topics for career-related competencies among the 900+ Student Affairs student employees this year. In March, students assessed their employment experience on the Five Core Competencies of GROW: accountability, adaptability, effective communication skills, effective reasoning, and teamwork. Additionally, they provided self-reflection ratings on the connection between their academic major or courses and their intended career path or professional employment.
This was the second year of ECU GROW implementation following the relaunch last year, which included supervisor training sessions, strategic communication campaigns, and administration of a performance self-assessment/survey to 900+ student employees.
The Center for Student Success and the ECU GROW working group would like to thank our many Student Affairs Educators for their time and energy spent incorporating ECU GROW into their supervision of our important student employees!
“I’ve really been able to grow my skills as a facilitator and organizer. Getting to interact face-to-face with both students and faculty has been a game-changer for me. These engagement opportunities have boosted my confidence and honed my presentation skills, which are absolutely crucial for my degree program. Thanks to these experiences, I’ve built a solid foundation in effective communication that has served me well within my degree program.” - ECU student reflection
The 2024-2025 ECU GROW program will include a refocus on the core questions that guide the supervisor/student employee conversations, encouraging the active reflection on their work. These questions include:
- How is this job fitting in with your academics?
- What are you learning here that’s helping you in school?
- What are you learning in class that you can apply here at work?
- Can you give me examples of what you’ve learned here that you think you’ll use in your chosen profession?
We are also excited to pilot a small number of Academic Affairs student employees this upcoming year! Training will be offered at the beginning of the fall semester to new and continuing supervisors of student employees. Supervisors should look for additional information on these sessions in the next few weeks from Dr. Linda Campion, Associate Director of the Center for Student Success.
SA Professionals Conference Presentations
2024 NASPA Conferences of Student Success in Higher Education
In June, Chelsie Hargrove, Director of the Women and Gender Office, and Ashleigh Taylor, Assistant Director of SA Assessment, Research, and Planning, represented ECU’s Student Affairs at the 2024 NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education (NASPASSHE2024), in Anaheim California.
The National Association of Student Professional Administrators (NASPA) is a professional organization for the field of student affairs, and the NASPASSHE2024 conferences combined three areas of focus: Assessment, Planning, and Data Analytics; Dismantling Systematic Barriers to Student Success; and First-generation Student Success.
Chelsie and Ashleigh’s presentation, “Removing Barriers: Creating Inclusive Spaces Through University-Sponsored Social Media Assessment” explored students’ sense of belonging through social media engagement. Their research explains how inclusive, university-sponsored online spaces bridge the gaps between institutional resources and students. The 76 presentation participants were provided with a background on students’ sense of belonging, current social media analytics trends and a demonstration, and strategies for incorporating inclusive language and visuals into their online spaces.
AI Disruption in Career Services
Tom Halasz, Director of Career Services, recently took part in a webinar by Protopia focused on the impact of AI on career services. The conversation touched on how AI will improve access and inclusivity, how large amounts of data may be leveraged to improve programs and services, and how AI will make career services more personalized and efficient to support a diverse and dynamic workforce. Challenges to AI application to career services were acknowledged, with the recognition that now is the time to actively evaluate the capabilities of AI based on the needs of individual colleges and universities.
Click here for the replay of the webinar including the transcript.
New Professionals Institute
The New Professionals Institute (NPI) is the preeminent professional development opportunity for new student affairs professionals in the south (‘new professionals’ are individuals with five years or fewer of full-time experience in Student Affairs). NPI is an intensive, interactive week of learning, sharing, networking and professional and personal development. This unique opportunity allows new professionals to draw on their first years of experience to improve their effectiveness and to learn from others. It is a time of professional and personal renewal and assists new professionals in the development of their careers.
Nichole Maldonado, program coordinator in Ledonia Wright Cultural Center, attended this summer’s NPI and offered reflections on her experience:
“I had the privilege of attending the New Professionals Institute (NPI) held in conjunction with SACSA and NASPA Region III at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. This opportunity allowed me to network and connect with other professionals working within student affairs at different universities. We met daily with various skilled group leaders to discuss and plan our professional development goals and how to achieve them. I highly recommend other new professionals attend this event if given the opportunity to!”
AHEAD
Staff from Disability Support Services (DSS) recently presented at the annual AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability) conference in Baltimore during the week of July 15th. This conference provided an opportunity to engage with colleagues nationwide, share our expertise, and bring back insights to continue serving ECU.
Paul Harwell, DSS Director, led a pre-conference workshop with a Purdue University colleague, focusing on writing effective accommodations to improve communication, particularly with faculty. The workshop introduced a framework for clear, concise accommodation language, ensuring faculty and campus partners can perform their roles confidently. This framework will be applied in the DSS office to enhance our resources at ECU.
Assistant Director, Davis Wilson presented with colleagues from UNC-Wilmington and Sacramento State University, showcasing three models for supporting faculty in creating accessible learning environments. Key insights included strategies for engaging faculty, integrating their perspectives, and providing ongoing development and training. At ECU, we value faculty as partners in the shared responsibility for access and will continue to invest in these approaches.
Access Consultant, Maddie Adams, attended her first AHEAD conference where she prioritized training on emerging legal trends and supporting students in Health Science programs. She engaged in multiple sessions, gaining insights and best practices that will be invaluable to our ongoing efforts to support students and partners across ECU.
We are proud to share these experiences with our university community. Our participation in the AHEAD conference underscores our commitment to professional growth and dedication to supporting ECU students, faculty, and staff.
Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance
Kevin Sutton, Director of Financial Wellness, attended and presented at the national Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance (HEFWA) conference in July. One of his presentations gave insights on training student workers and interactive activities other supervisors can incorporate into training to enhance their existing student financial wellness programs. He also participated on a panel with representatives across the UNC System including UNC, UNC-G, and the UNC System office. Their session discussed the UNC System’s approach to enhancing financial wellness on their campuses. This includes all institutions having a membership to the HEFWA organization, access to online learning modules, and resource sharing amongst institutions.
ECU will be directly supporting other institutions in the UNC System in areas such as supplementing training for undergraduate Financial Wellness interns at other campuses and supply resources related to budgeting, student loan repayment, and credit.
Resumania
Resumania provides a quick and convenient way for students to have their resumes reviewed on September 12th between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. This is a student drop-in event and no appointment is needed.
New Hires and Promotions
NEW HIRES
Jeanna Tomlinson – CRW
Jenna joined Campus Recreation and Wellness in June as the Coordinator of Athletic Training where she provides sports medicine coverage and care to the ECU student population with close attention to the 27 club sports. Her primary responsibilities include injury prevention, clinical evaluation, emergency care, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Prior to ECU, Jenna spent a year at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida working with the men’s and women’s basketball and tennis teams. She graduated with her master's in athletic training in 2023 and her bachelor's of science in 2021 from High Point University.
Jenna is originally from Raleigh, NC and has two cats named Simba and Nala. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and trying new coffee shops.
Audresha Nevels – Career Services
In June, Audresha joined Career Services as the Career Advisor and Liaison to the College of Fine Arts and Communications. She provides 1:1 counseling services to students needing resources for employment, career/major exploration, and graduate school.
Audresha worked in the public-school setting for nearly 6 years and the social work setting for 2 years. She recently received her MAEd form ECU in December 2023 and completed her undergraduate studies at UNCW. She enjoys family time and watching movies with her daughter, Alysse.
Allison Schaefer – SGA
Allison Schaefer will now serve as the Student Government Association Financial Advisor. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in General Science at East Carolina University and is pursuing a master's degree in science education.
During her time at ECU, Allison was a member of the Student Government Association and served as the SGA Treasurer for two years. She was also part of the Marching Pirates Color guard and Carolina Visual Productions Winter Guard. In addition to her role as the SGA Financial Advisor, Allison will be assisting the East Carolina University Marching Pirates as the Assistant Color guard Instructor.
Allison resides in Wilson, North Carolina with her boyfriend, Brian, and their two bunnies, Pepsi and Cola; and their two cats, Mittens and Pumpkin.
Corbin Smith – Counseling Center
Corbin Smith is a new hire working as a Staff Counselor at the Center for Counseling and Student Development. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist in the State of North Carolina, and she is a Nationally Certified Counselor. She received her bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy from Western Carolina University and her master's degree in clinical counseling from East Carolina University in May of 2024. She has 10 years of experience providing mental health care in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting.
Corbin lives in Pitt County with her husband and 3 sons. In her free time, Corbin enjoys reading, cooking, practicing yoga, gardening, trying new restaurants with her family, and watching reality television.
Kyler Williams – Campus Living
Kyler started at Campus Living in the Summer of 2024 where she provides primary administrative support to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Campus Living and the Director of Business Services. She was born and raised here in Greenville, NC. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in finance from UNC Charlotte in the Spring of 2024 and is now obtaining her MSA here at ECU. In her free time, Kyler enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the gym, reading, and finding the next captivating series on Netflix.
Julia DeWitt – Campus Living
Julia started at ECU in July of 2024 as the Residence Hall Coordinator for Fletcher Hall. A Connecticut native, she found passion for higher education during her undergraduate career at Central Connecticut State University, where she worked as an RA for Residence Life and an Area Supervisor for Campus Recreation before graduating with her B.A in Social Work in 2022. Julia then moved to North Carolina to attend Elon University, where she worked as a Graduate Apprentice for Residence Life while studying for her M.A in Higher Education, which she earned in May of 2024 before moving to Greenville for her first professional position here with ECU Campus Living! When not at work, you can find Julia reading, discovering new music, or at the beach!
Sage Messenger – Campus Living
Sage joined ECU in 2024 as the Residence Hall Coordinator for Jones Hall after spending three years working in Residence Life at another institution. Originally from southwest Pennsylvania, she received her BS in Hospitality Management from the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford and her MA in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her passion areas include supervising student leaders, first generation college student support, and access/accommodations for students with disabilities. When not at work, Sage loves reading, collecting plants, going to concerts, and snuggling with her two cats!
Chelsea Hewett – Campus Living
Chelsea is a two-time graduate of East Carolina University, with a Bachelor’s in University Studies and a Master’s in Counselor Education and will be the Residence Hall Coordinator for Legacy Hall. Before joining the Campus Living team in 2023, Chelsea served as a Graduate Assistant for the Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement and the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center. She also served as an Orientation Assistant under Student Transitions for two summers and has a background in recreation. As a student, Chelsea was involved in a wide variety of campus and community activities, including Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. Originally from Durham, Chelsea enjoys traveling, singing, and playing guitar, volunteering, watching TV, and growing her faith.
Noah Warren – Student Affairs Technology
Noah Warren is a recent graduate from East Carolina University and received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in May of 2024. In his role for Student Affairs Technology, he will be taking care of general workstation support and in-depth technical support with any computer needs.
Noah has two cats, and loves programming, sports and games!
Christopher Fortunato – Career Services
Christopher joins Career Services as the Associate Director of Employer Relations where he will engage in employer recruitment and outreach to offer professional learning and career opportunities for students.
Mr. Fortunato originally worked within the College of Fine Arts and Communication and the College of Business at ECU. He is originally from Pittsburgh, PA and enjoys watching Steelers football while eating a Primanti sandwich! The “Yinzers” would understand.
Sarah Cooley – Student Services Operations
Sarah Cooley is the Executive Assistant for Student Services Operations and will support the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor, Chris Stansbury, and the six departments in the unit related to budgeting and finance operations. She will also support special projects and initiatives in the division such as Commencement and Move-In.
Sarah is working on completing her bachelor’s degree from ECU in Communications and has been working at ECU full-time since 2020. Before joining Student Affairs, she worked in the Pirate Academic Success Center and Student Academic Success Services.
She is a Greenville area native and has an incredibly spoiled pup named Jagger. Sarah enjoys reading, listening to music, and traveling in her spare time.
Emily Stuart – Student Engagement
Emily Stuart joined the Department of Student Engagement as the Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority Life, and will advise the Panhellenic Association and their 11 sorority chapters. She will also be leading risk prevention education efforts and overseeing leadership development for the fraternity and sorority student leaders.
Emily received a B.A. in Secondary English Education from Louisiana Tech University where she joined Delta Delta Delta and then worked for her national organization in various capacities for several years. She recently completed her M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas.
PROMOTIONS
- Gillian Smith – Coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Life – Student Engagement – July 1
- Bailey Steckbauer – Associate Director of Residence Life – Campus Living – August 5