Outstanding Alumni
The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes HHP alumni who demonstrate a commitment to service and HHP’s mission. These outstanding alumni have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their profession, community, and have exhibited civic involvement. The college is committed to improving the well-being of all as we work to build stronger, healthier individuals, families, and communities, and all three of this year’s awardees have done just that!
Dr. Emily Tucker
Dr. Emily Tucker is a 2022 Graduate of The Department of Human Development and Family Science’s Medical Family Therapy Doctoral program. Dr. Tucker serves as an assistant professor of professional practice, at Oklahoma State University, and the program director of Opportunity Orange Scholars. Dr. Tucker's work focuses on increasing equity and inclusion for folks with intellectual disabilities. Her research has explored ways to increase access to equitable healthcare for adults with intellectual disability, and she currently serves as the program director for Opportunity Orange Scholars. As the program director Dr. Tucker works to increase access to post-secondary education for folks with intellectual disability, on OSU's campus. Dr. Tucker also works with OSU students who are interested in working with folks with intellectual disability in a wide range of professional areas (e.g., healthcare, education, research, social work, mental health).
Emily has always been selfless in providing guest lectures at ECU since her graduation, and her dedication is now witnessed through laws that she has helped to enact in the state of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Access and Achievement Scholarship Program was enacted in July 2024 and covers the full tuition costs for eligible Oklahoma residents with intellectual disabilities to attend postsecondary education programs.
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Ms. Jessica Edwards
Jessica is a 2013 and 2017 graduate of Human Development and Family Science. She graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences and earned her master’s in career and technical education plus her community college instruction certificate in 2017. Jessica has used her degrees to pursue her passions in the education field. Jessica describes herself as an enthusiastic and motivated educator with a history of leading and succeeding in the profession. Jessica is committed to student performance, student success and working with other professionals to meet the needs of all students in the classroom. With her education and experience, Jessica has the ability to assist students in career planning and preparation. Today, she serves Pitt County Schools as the Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator for the central office.
Ms. Tamara "Tammy" Whitten
Tammy is a two-time Human Development and Family Science graduate, receiving a degree in Family and Community Services in 2000 and MS in Marriage Family Therapy in 2006.
Since 1999, Tammy has been working with families to help make their lives happier, more fulfilling and more productive. After working with NC's Parent to Parent program, Family Support Network, Tammy went on to help open the local branch of Easter Seals NC through a grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation. Her passion for children, adults and families touched by developmental disabilities prompted her to earn a Master's degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. Following grad school, Tammy taught for three years at East Carolina University, sharing her passion for working with families with undergraduate students. From there, Tammy went on to serve as the Managing Editor and Community Directory at Bellagurl, Inc., where she directed the day to day affairs of Eastern Carolina Parent and Crystal Coast Parent magazines- a further reflection of her passion to share and provide information with families everywhere.
Currently, Tammy is in private practice as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified Family Life Educator. Using technology, she is excited to offer a variety of supports to her clients to better meet their needs, through coaching, online classes and therapy. Tammy is passionate about providing her services in a way that's real and genuine, differing greatly from others in the profession. This style resonates with women who are making transitions in their life or who are contemplating new paths.
As a licensed therapist and certified family life educator, Tammy's professional career is dedicated to service. Through her teaching, advocacy for special needs families, and practice devoted to therapy and education, Tammy serves her community diligently.
HHP Wall of Fame Awardees
The HHP Wall of Fame recognizes and highlights the service of those to whom East Carolina University and the College of Health and Human Performance alumni and friends are most grateful. This recognition is displayed prominently in the Rivers Building on ECU’s campus on the Marvin and Joyce Johnson Wall of Fame and the Max Ray Joyner Sr. Wall of Fame, which can be found in the flag lobby of Rivers – which faces 5th street. This year, we have one Wall of Fame awardees.
Dr. Alan Taylor
Dr. Alan Taylor is a professor in the department of Human Development and Family Science, while also serving as the Graduate Program Coordinator. Throughout his time at ECU, Dr. Taylor has taken hundreds of ECU students on Study Abroad experiences to over 25 countries around the world. Among these students, over 100 have been from departments within the College of Health and Human Performance. There is perhaps no greater champion at ECU for promoting global perspectives, intercultural relationships, and international service.
Dr. Taylor's students regularly comment that his mentoring with regard to international travel has expanded their perspectives beyond imagination. Dozens of students have chosen to travel with him again on a second Study Abroad trip because they share that the experience is meaningful and promotes connection with people from other cultures and nationalities. Dr. Taylor's Study Abroad program has fulfilled ECU's mission of regional transformation as it has transformed the worldviews of so many students who have come to love people from other cultures.
Many of his students are first generation college students, have never before traveled on an airplane, or have never left the area of North Carolina/Virginia.
Dr. Alan Taylor is truly a champion for transforming student's lives, and promoting global thinking and intercultural educational cooperation.
Distinguished Service Awards
This award recognizes individuals who are not in the formal organizational structure of HHP, but are nevertheless some of our most wonderful collaborators and friends. HHP Distinguished Service Award honorees have provided great service and collaboration to our College for years and/or it may be that in the year they are honored they truly went above and beyond the call of duty and made a very positive impact.
Wendy Sergeant
Wendy serves as ECU's associate vice chancellor in Academic Affairs administration. Wendy is unable to attend today, but we are very grateful for her service that has gone above and beyond and her lasting impact in supporting our college. Wendy has shown exceptional dedication to HHP during times of transition, including in the last year with welcoming Dean Nicole Bromfield to her position. Dean Bromfield noted that Wendy’s expertise and institutional knowledge were invaluable in helping her navigate her transition to ECU, and Wendy shows a long-term commitment to supporting all of the Deans on campus.
Stephanie Bond
Stephanie is a marketing professional who has excelled in her career in various leadership positions and we are proud she is a 2002 alum of HHP. She remains heavily involved and connected to us while serving on the ECU Foundation board and serves on our merchandising advisory board. This award today specifically highlights Stephanie’s dedication to supporting our college’s efforts to refine and enhance the image and messaging of HHP. We greatly appreciate the time and thoughtful feedback you’ve provided to the Dean’s team on this effort.
Rick Smiley
Rick has worked in research administration at ECU since 2004 in various roles. He is active in the Greenville community – serving as Chair of the Sheppard Memorial Library Board of Trustees and Treasurer of the Greenville Noon Rotary. Rick is a tournament director for the US Chess Federation and directs monthly events locally at Coastal Fog and the Library. He met his wife of 30 years, Jessie, when they were in college together at Sewanee. Jessie is a nurse anesthetist at the surgicenter. His children, Gray and Andie, grew up in Greenville and now live in Virginia.
Today, Rick serves as the Sponsored Programs Officer in the ECU Office of Research Administration. Rick has been beyond supportive and provides guidance to our HHP Faculty in developing and submitting contract and grant proposals. Rick's expertise and exceptional level of support throughout the entire grant submission process has significantly contributed to the growth of our grant portfolio. Rick's communication is consistent, timely, thorough, and incredibly helpful. Rick has a unique ability to find reasonable solutions to challenges, and his accessibility and kindness truly set him apart. We are deeply grateful for everything you do to support our college.
Diane Coltraine
Diane Coltraine is the editor and publisher of the university’s academic catalogs. She has over thirty-six years of service to the State of North Carolina and East Carolina University. Ten of those years were teaching students at North Pitt High School and twenty-six supporting faculty at East Carolina University. Diane specializes in managing ECU’s Modern Campus Catalog database which is used to manage and publish the catalogs and in assisting faculty to design accurate catalog information for forms submitted for review through the campus approval process. The core principles of servant leadership have guided Diane throughout both of her careers and continue to inspire her daily. She believes there is no higher calling than to serve others. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and walking her dog.
We recognize Diane today for the exceptional guidance and support she has provided HHP faculty for all curriculum-related matters. Your institutional history, understanding of policies and processes, and management of complex curriculum packages are remarkable. Diane’s communication skills and responsiveness in her field are unparalleled, always ensuring that questions are answered promptly, accurately, and thoroughly. Diane has played a critical role in navigating the complexities of curriculum development, and her contributions have made a significant impact in HHP programs and our progress over the years.
Cornerstone Society Members
Individuals who have contributed over $1,200 or more to the College of Health and Human Performance for the 2024 calendar year.
Mr. John Archibald and Ms. Nicole Archibald
Mr. Gary Bass
Dr. Betty Beacham
Ms. Stephanie Bond & Mr. Devin Benton
Ms. Frances Cain
Dr. Worth Carter and Ms. Delores Carter
Ms. Dawn Cash-Salau (The Capt. Cash Foundation & Escrow Consulting and Accounting LLC)
The Caswell Center Foundation
Ms. Joann Ashley Cooper
Ms. Mary Ann Cooper
Ms. Peggy Cromer
Mr. Nagendra Das
Ms. Emily Evans
Dr. Michael Felts & Ms. Sherri Felts
Mr. Robert Jones and Ms. Eve Jones
Ms. Alice Keene
Mr. Chris Knott and Ms. Amy Knott
Dr. Angela Lamson & Mr. Bradley Lamson
Dr. Mel Markowski & Ms. Betsy Markowski
Dr. Jerry McGee and Ms. Marcella McGee
Ms. Laura Mitchell
Ms. Nancy Mize
Mrs. Alisa Mueller & Mr. Mark Mueller
General Gary North and Ms. Shelley North
NRF Foundation
Ms. Renee Pearson
Pelican Partners, LLC
Mr. Walter Perkins and Ms. Beth Perkins
Mrs. Julia Rogers
Simon & Simon Inc
Mr. Freddie Simon & Ms. Katie Simon
Mr. Wayne Staton
The Seby B. Jones Family Foundation
Ms. Cathy Thomas and Dr. Carolyn Dunn
Mr. Billy Wooten and Mrs. Linda Wooten