First Monday AN UPDATE FROM THE PROVOST | October 2025

A Message from Provost Chris Buddo

As we approach Fall Break, I hope you are having a productive semester.

On October 25, 2025, we will host our annual Fall Open House. This event serves as a platform to showcase our beautiful campus and introduce our guests to the broad range of academic programs, student support services, and impactful practices offered at ECU. Your active participation in this important event is greatly appreciated, as the first campus visit often makes the difference for many who choose ECU.

While continuing to leverage the fiscal health website for relevant updates, from time to time I will use this space to update you on specific initiatives in Academic Affairs.

In a strategic move to enhance efficiency and collaboration, I officially charged the Libraries Merger Steering Committee on September 30. This committee is tasked with guiding the merger of Academic Library Services and the Laupus Health Sciences Library into a single administrative unit by July 1, 2026. The committee will conduct a comprehensive review of both library units to recommend the most effective structure for a unified operation. The goal is to streamline resources, reduce redundancies, and ensure seamless patron services. My thanks to Beth Ketterman and Jan Lewis for leading this committee.

Vice Chancellor Coleman and I have also appointed a taskforce to conduct a thorough review of ECU’s summer school program. A well-designed summer school program is a crucial strategy for ensuring timely graduation of our students. To achieve this, we need to align instructional resources with student demand, which will enhance academic and budgetary efficiency. The taskforce will examine course offerings based on demand, ensure alignment of summer programming with institutional goals, review faculty workload and compensation models, develop marketing strategies for the summer school program, and establish a sustainable enrollment and budget model. I have requested a report from this taskforce by the end of January 2026. I want to express my gratitude to Allison Danell for chairing the taskforce.

As we considered ways to create efficiencies and encourage collaboration, Deans Reide Corbett and Allison Danell recognized their shared goals for the strength of the coastal research enterprise and began working with faculty to transition the people and programs of the Department of Coastal Studies into the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. There have always been natural and intentional partnerships among these units, appearing in the form of joint or adjunct faculty appointments, graduate student co-advising, funded research projects, and more. I believe that this transition presents opportunities to further strengthen research collaborations and support academic program growth, including in the Integrated Coastal Sciences PhD program that will be housed as a distinct research doctoral program within THCAS. We do anticipate that this transition will lead to operational and administrative savings. The affected faculty and staff in the Department of Coastal Studies and Harriot College have my full support as they navigate this process, and I am grateful for Allison and Reide's collaborative leadership during this transition.

Lastly, the Academic Program Review and Optimization Committee will soon be formally charged. Chair Ticknor has already begun some preliminary engagement, but I expect the committee to begin the work in earnest following the charge meeting this week on October 8.

None of this work is easy, but I am confident that everyone involved in the groups summarized above is committed to achieving results that will advance our mission.

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BY THE NUMBERS

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PIRATE360

Pirate360 has arrived!

On September 9, ECU launched foundational components of its first ever, university-wide student success platform — setting the stage for delivering an integrated 360-degree view of learners. This milestone results from years of collaboration among faculty, staff, administrators, and students.

The rollout began with a Soft Launch to the College of Business (COB), College of Health and Human Performance (HHP), and Major Advisement Program (MAP). Through the Learner360 Portal, Pirate360 reimagines how students connect with advisors and access support.

With just a few clicks, students can quickly identify their advisor, schedule advising appointments, and more. Pirate360 provides advisors with a centralized platform to access critical student information, enabling them to offer more efficient support and implement proactive measures to ensure no student falls through the cracks.

All remaining professional advising centers and students will go live in January/February 2026. Faculty advisors will go live in Fall 2026. Be on the lookout for opportunities to learn more this Fall and Spring 2026.

Pirate360 is a transformative step forward in fulfilling our commitment to improve the learner experience across every college and major. It lays the groundwork for continued innovation and student success in alignment with our “One ECU” vision.

What’s coming next?

With Education Cloud from Salesforce underpinning Pirate360, the system can be continuously enhanced to better meet learners’ and advisors’ needs. The immediate next phase of work focuses on creating and managing support requests, which allows learners to ask questions and report academic issues directly from Learner360. Advisors and Support Team members can then track, resolve, and close requests while maintaining a historical record—helping similar issues get resolved more quickly in the future.

Check out the Roadmap to learn more about what is planned.

Learner360 provides a centralized portal where students can manage their journeys in one place — identify and schedule with their advisors, stay engaged with consolidated views and tasks, view their programs and courses, and access links to Registration, Canvas, Degree Works, and other helpful resources.

The student experience is getting easier — and more consistent! Don’t just take our word for it. Daniel Walker, Student Body President, shares his enthusiasm for Learner360:

“Learner360 provides a one-stop shop for student resources and increases accessibility to advising options on campus. I am impressed with the simplicity and the user-friendly nature of the program!"

For more, check out the resources below:

• One ECU PSA
• Pirate360 Project Info Site

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AROUND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

LEARNER OPERATIONS

Learner Operations held its first Convocation on September 10. The event brought together leaders and colleagues from across the unit to reflect on recent accomplishments, outline priorities, and reaffirm a collective commitment to advancing student success.

The program featured remarks from Dr. J. Christopher Buddo, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Dr. Allen Guidry, Associate Provost for Learner Operations. In addition, Angela Anderson, Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Academic Success and University Registrar, Nancy Reading, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, and Stephanie Whaley, Director of Non-traditional/Post-traditional Enrollment, provided perspective on current initiatives and the essential role of their units in enrollment management and student progression.

Highlights of the division’s progress included:

• A third consecutive increase in first-time, full-time undergraduate enrollment (+2.7%) and transfer enrollment growth of more than 10%;
• The second highest first-to-second year retention rate in ECU history for first-time, full-time students, as well as improved retention for transfer students;
• A 118% increase in Flight Path enrollment from Fall 2024, totaling 683 students; and
• Expanded engagement in professional readiness and experiential learning initiatives.

At the same time, acknowledgement was given to ongoing challenges, including reduced funding, heightened competition for student enrollment, and increasing expectations for a modern, high quality student experience.

The 2025 Learner Operations Convocation underscored the importance of operational excellence, barrier reduction, and a culture of care as vital to advancing the University’s mission, while also establishing a strong foundation for the unit and reinforcing the value of collaboration, innovation, and service at ECU.

STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS SERVICES

STUDENT SUCCESS LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Empowering First-Year Pirates Through Advocacy and Support

The Student Academic Success Services Success Learning Community is launching a three-part workshop series on advocacy designed specifically for first-year students. Transitioning into college can be overwhelming, and these workshops are designed to provide students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to effectively advocate for themselves both inside and outside the classroom.

The three-part series includes:

• Understanding Advocacy – What it means to speak up for yourself and others in academic, social, and personal contexts.
• Practical Strategies & Stress Management – How to communicate needs, manage stress, and navigate resources.
• Leadership Through Advocacy & Resilience – Turning advocacy into action by building confidence, strengthening resilience, and forming meaningful community connections.

By participating, students will not only learn how to navigate challenges, but also how to manage stress in healthy ways and develop resilience that will serve them throughout their college journey.

The Success Learning Community program welcomes 125 new freshmen each year and is led by Reva McCloud, Associate Director for Student Success and Learning Communities in Student Academic Success Services.

For more information about the program, please contact Reva McCloud at mccloudr25@ecu.edu or go to Success Learning Communities on our website.

ECU CONNECT

ECU CONNECT Third Faculty Survey Opens

The timing of the 3rd ECU CONNECT survey is critical, as it closes just before the course withdrawal deadline. This ensures that instructors have an opportunity to provide meaningful feedback based on student performance and engagement, while there is still time to intervene. By submitting the survey before the deadline, faculty give students and the Student Success Team the chance to engage in important conversations about academic progress and available support resources. This proactive communication can help students make informed decisions and, when possible, stay on track toward successful course completion.

• Survey name: Serve: Supporting Student Success
• Open date: October 15, 2025
• Deadline 1: October 21, 2025
• Deadline 2: October 28, 2025
• Close date: October 31, 2025

Recognizing September 2025 Super Pirates

🎉 Congratulations to the September Super Pirates for effectively using ECU CONNECT, ECU’s early alert system! 🏴‍☠️ Your dedication to supporting student success and timely communication makes a real difference. Thank you for making a real impact! 💜💛

• Thomas Harriott College of Arts and Sciences: Angela Cline, Qingxin He, Benjamin Brooks
• College of Business: Oneil Harris, James Orr, Zhan Furner
• College of Fine Arts and Communications: Katya Hutchinson, Brian Massey, Raychl Smith
• College of Health and Human Performance: Jocelyn Vernet, Ishtehar Swazan, Jeffrey Skibins
• College of Engineering and Technology: Joshua Pitzer, Byungjoon Kim, Krishnan Gopalakrishnan
• College of Nursing: Candice Bissette, Misti Phillips, Ashlie Woodlief
• College of Allied Health Sciences: Janice Britt, Kimberly Womack, Melissa Wdowik
• College of Education: Leigh Belford, Kelsey Shue, Rachelle Savitz

If you have any questions regarding ECU CONNECT, please reach out to Dylan Moore at mooredy22@ecu.edu or call (252) 737 - 5731.

Pirate Academic Success Center (PASC)

On Friday, September 12, the Pirate Academic Success Center marked its 17th birthday with a spirited celebration. The week began with an exciting visit from Chancellor Rogers, who spoke with students, shared words of encouragement, and took photos, setting the tone for the festivities ahead.

Faculty, staff, and students came together for a resource tailgate fair, where campus partners including Laupus Library, Joyner Library, Connect for Success, the Graduate School, Pre-Professional Advising, and the Financial Wellness Hub showcased their services. A highlight of the day was a visit from Pee Dee the Pirate, who brought extra energy to the event while happily dancing and snapping photos with attendees.

Since opening its doors in September 2008, the center has proudly served ECU students for 17 years. This milestone celebration honored a legacy of community and connection while reinforcing PASC’s continued commitment to student success. With another milestone reached, PASC looks forward to continuing its mission of helping Pirates succeed.

OFFICE OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS

This fall ECU enrolled the largest class of international students on record, including another 6% increase in undergraduate international enrollment. Undergraduate enrollments have increased by 100 students over the past four years. Numerous individuals and units around campus are responsible for the welcoming culture we have built, but none more than Cathy Knudson, Mary Crawford, Saige Freidel and Dr. Bill Mallett.

The Office of Global Affairs will hold its first ever public fundraiser to support international education at East Carolina University on Tuesday, November 18. Join us for a memorable evening of authentic Italian flavors as we welcome Chef Mauro, a visiting culinary artist from Certaldo, Italy - home to our ECU Tuscany campus. This immersive educational and cultural program will guide guests through the techniques of preparing authentic Tuscan cuisine, with a live cooking demonstration followed by a multi-course dinner. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Congratulations to Dr. Toyin Babatunde, associate professor of nutrition science in the College of Allied Health Sciences, on her Fulbright U.S. Scholars award. Dr. Babatunde will be working with faculty at the University of the Gambia, a long-time institutional partner of ECU’s, to investigate several public health challenges faced by the west African nation.

Upcoming Global Affairs Events and Activities:

• International Happy Hour: October 9, 5:00 - 6:30PM, 1717 The Rooftop (423 Evans St.)
• Faculty and Staff International Awards applications/nomination deadline: October 10

OFFICE FOR FACULTY EXCELLENCE

This fall, faculty from several colleges and disciplines will participate in Active Learning and Leadership, a program supported by the ECU Truist Leadership Center. The cohort will be facilitated by Emily Brewer (College of Allied Health Sciences) and is an opportunity for faculty to explore and experiment with embedding a leadership-related focus into existing course activities, assignments, discussions and materials. The program provides an opportunity for faculty to explore and experiment with embedding a leadership-related focus into existing course activities, assignments, discussions and materials. Through a cycle of exploring, piloting and reflecting faculty work alongside program colleagues to equip and empower our students - the future leaders of our campus, community and world. Participants include Ashley Burch (College of Allied Health Sciences), Alana Freeman (College of Health and Human Performance), Kristen Gregory (College of Education), Nikki Hancock (College of Allied Health Sciences), Lawrence Hodgkins (College of Education), Kelsey Rhodes Sands (College of Fine Arts and Communication), Alexis Spence (College of Nursing), and Avian White (College of Health and Human Performance).

This academic year, Amber Arnold (Office for Faculty Excellence) will be facilitating a learning community with a focus on accessibility. Faculty in this learning community will participate in working sessions from September through December and will learn best practices in digital accessibility and work on ensuring electronic materials in a selected course meet ADA accessibility standards. Two mentors from the previous cohort, Jake Vander Kolk (Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences) and Danielle Dietz (College of Education), will be connecting with the learning community by providing tips, lessons learned, resources, and encouragement. Participants include Ann Bell (College of Nursing), Tiffy Blanchflower (College of Health and Human Performance), Jungmin Choi (Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences), Laura Craven (College of Education), Gabrielle Freeman (Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences), Monica Gonzalez (College of Education), Hooman Hedayati (College of Engineering and Technology), Jenna Lee (College of Business), Eric Maertz (Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences), Kenn Pritchard (College of Allied Health Sciences), and Kelsey Sands (College of Fine Arts and Communication).

ONLINE LEARNING, ACADEMIC OUTREACH AND ACADEMIC INNOVATION

On September 17, the ECU Online Student Services Team, Learner Advocates Ericka Faison and Millicent Thomas, hosted the Fall Live Q&A Distance Education Student Forum featuring Ms. Carrie Forbes, Library Assistant Professor and DE Contact for Laupus Library. The session provided online students with an overview of ECU Libraries’ resources, covering research strategies, APA and citation support, database navigation, RefWorks, VPN access, and library website tools. The presentation was followed by a live Q&A that allowed students to receive immediate answers to their academic and research questions. This forum directly supports online student success by connecting learners with essential academic resources, strengthening research skills, and fostering greater engagement with ECU Libraries.

RESEARCH, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

Office of Continuing & Professional Education

The Office of Continuing & Professional Education supports non-credit continuing education courses for university faculty and for industry partners. If you would like to offer non-credit continuing education courses, contact our office to discuss options!

ECU Economic Development Academy

The ECU Economic Development Academy serves seasoned economic developers and those new to the field by providing, relevant and affordable continuing education opportunities as well as an accessible credentialing program. The Academy is composed of the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer Program and the Honors Seminar in Economic Development.

• Organization, Operation, and Strategy for Economic Developers in North Carolina – Nov. 12. (Register for course)
• Legal Framework for Economic Developers in North Carolina – Dec. 10. (Register for Course)

ECU Spring Pharma Conference

PharmaFest is a valuable resource for students seeking to understand the pharmaceutical industry and explore career opportunities, regardless of their degree program. This networking and educational event aims to demonstrate how any current degree can open doors to a career in pharma. Students will interact with regional pharmaceutical companies through informative sessions and activities, connect with ECU alumni working in these companies, and gain insights into company operations. PharmaFest serves as a career development platform where students can deepen their knowledge of the pharma industry, identify pathways to fulfilling careers, and discover both immediate and future job opportunities.

• PharmaFest: Oct. 8, Main Campus Student Center, Room 125

STEM@Starlight

Dr. Bhibha Das and Dr. Joseph Houmard from ECU’s Department of Kinesiology will share how their research – from lab-based studies to community programs – helps people age well and stay active. For more information or to register, visit the STEM@Starlight website.

• Healthy Aging Series: Part 2 -Physical Activity & Successful Aging: From Lab Benches to Community Centers. Tuesday, Oct. 21, 5:00 - 7:00PM, Willis Building Auditorium, 300 E. 1st St.

Lifelong Learning Program (LLP)

Open to those 18 and older, the Lifelong Learning Program offers affordable learning experiences in a relaxed atmosphere, without entrance requirements, exams or grades. Our purpose is to connect, engage and inspire the eastern North Carolina community by providing stimulating presentations; enriching courses, workshops and lectures; special events; enjoyable trips; and more!

Registration is open for fall sessions, trips, and events. View the catalog and register online. Courses being offered this fall will cover topics like creative arts, culture and religion, healthy aging and retirement, history science and government, technology, literature, and more. Trips will include the Washington waterfront and the North Carolina Estuarium, a kayaking trip in the Alligator National Wildlife Refuge, an Aging and Oral Health Lunch and Learn presented by the ECU School of Dentistry, and ECU’s Coastal Studies Institute presentation of Fantastic Fliers.

The Lifelong Learning Program is possible because of our wonderful and dedicated volunteer instructors. All ECU LLP instructors are unpaid volunteers. If you have an interest in volunteering your time to share your knowledge, hobby, interest or skill, complete the course proposal below and our Coordinator for Lifelong Learning Programs will be in contact. Sign up today!

The GlasStation Glassblowing Experiences

In collaboration with the ECU GlasStation and the ECU SOAD, the CPE office is offering a range of glassblowing experiences for the public to make their own glass creation. Ranging from floppy bowls to garden balls, get a chance to work hand in hand with one of the instructors as they guide you in making your creation. View available classes here.

Institute for Defense and Business (IDB)

Institute for Defense and Business (IDB) programming offers customized continued education and leadership development opportunities to military, government and industry leaders. For over 25 years, the nonprofit educational organization has delivered executive education courses, online training programs and custom-designed programs to provide enhanced knowledge, skills and tools to better equip leaders for success. IDB and ECU provided training for 167 participants during the June-August summer session and for 200 participants for the month of September!

Materials Symposium ECU SOAD

Continuing and Professional Education teams up annually with the School of Art and Design to host the Materials Topics Symposium. Students host this event that brings in artist and metalsmiths from across the United States.

• Interwoven: Material Topics Symposium, Jan. 16 - 18, 2026 — Interwoven explores the intricate connection that binds us materially, conceptually, and communally. In metalsmithing, we interweave techniques, traditions, and materials. Intricate patterns revealed through piercing, fine wires coiled into filigree, links forged into chains, disparate elements soldered into cohesive forms. These physical acts of joining mirror the invisible threads that link us as artists — through mentorship, collaboration, shared histories and collective growth.

Innovator(s) of the Month for October: Dr. Mark Mannie

The Innovator of the Month was established by the Office of Licensing and Commercialization to recognize faculty that have developed novel innovations that can have a major impact on eastern North Carolina and beyond. Nominees are selected by members of the ECU Patent Committee, which chose Dr. Mark Mannie, professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, for this month’s spotlight.

Dr. Mannie is currently mastering a novel approach to enable controlled expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which represents a major advancement in immunology. Tregs play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance, preventing autoimmunity, and moderating excessive inflammatory responses. Historically, the challenge has been generating sufficient numbers of stable, functional Tregs for research and therapeutic use. This technology overcomes that barrier, providing a reliable platform to expand Tregs while preserving their suppressive activity.

Do you have an idea or innovation that can have an impact? Contact us.

United States Issued Patents:

We proudly congratulate our ECU faculty innovators who have recently been awarded issued patents. Securing an issued patent is a rigorous process that requires demonstrating novelty, usefulness and originality through detailed peer review, legal scrutiny and technical validation. These achievements recognize the creativity, dedication and impact of ECU researchers whose discoveries are advancing science, driving innovation, and opening new opportunities for commercialization.

• Methods and Compositions for Maintaining Opioid Efficacy in the Treatment of Pain — U.S. Patent No. 12,383,551, Issued Aug. 12, 2025 - Dr. Kori Brewer, Department of Emergency Medicine, and Dr. Stefan Clemens, Department of Physiology
• Easel Assembly for Portable Easel — U.S. Patent No. 12,426,712, Issued Sept. 30, 2025 - Dr. Elizabeth Hodge, College of Education

SBTDC at ECU leads strategic support in Greenville-Pitt County Small Business Grant Program

The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) at East Carolina University recently partnered with the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce to support the Lifting Up Small Businesses in Greenville-Pitt County grant program, an initiative made possible through funding from Optimum Business. Through this program, 25 small businesses each received a $5,000 grant to strengthen operations, improve resiliency and lay the groundwork for long-term success and growth.

The initiative was co-led by Trent McGee, president and CEO of the Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce, and Steven Jacobs, general business counselor of the SBTDC at ECU. Together, they guided the design and execution of the program, combining local leadership with small business expertise to ensure meaningful outcomes for the community.

This program demonstrates the SBTDC’s mission-driven focus on equitable economic development and small business resilience. As a direct result of the SBTDC’s involvement:

• 96 applicants received individualized counseling services.
• Over 625 counseling hours were dedicated to the initiative.
• 72 new clients engaged with the Greenville Center, including 17 midsize businesses.

By integrating financial opportunity with expert business advising, the SBTDC at ECU helped transform this grant program into a catalyst for sustainable growth. The collaboration between the chamber and the SBTDC serves as a model for how community partnerships can advance inclusive entrepreneurship and economic empowerment across North Carolina. The SBTDC will continue to work with Optimum and others to identify where there may be opportunities for similar initiatives throughout the state.

FACULTY SENATE

2025 - 2026 Faculty Senate meeting dates are as follows:

• October 7, 2025
• November 4, 2025
• December 2, 2025
• January 27, 2026
• February 24, 2026
• March 31, 2026
• April 21, 2026
• April 28, 2026 (2026/2027 organizational meeting)

For more about ECU Faculty Senate, click HERE.

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COLLEGE UPDATES

ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

During a ceremony at the East Carolina Heart Institute, the newest cohort of East Carolina University ECU Physical Therapy students received a lapel pin marking their acceptance into their profession, as well as a toolkit provided by generous donors that contain the tools they will need to learn their craft and treat patients while in our clinics.

The tool kit includes fundamental assessment and diagnostic tools, including a stethoscope and goniometer, used to measure joint angles.

At the beginning of the month students in Dr. Lynn Murphy’s Occupation and Movement Laboratory class headed outside to focus on getting to know one another, strengthen their relationships, solving problems together and having some occupationally-balanced fun. The 26 students in the course are just beginning their program and will spend the next two years together building their first professional network.

The getting-to-know-each-other activities support course objectives - movement analysis and analysis of occupations, foundational skills in their future profession, which also helps them understand and then remediate dysfunction.

“In our classes, we pull up pictures and videos of these games so students can analyze what is happening, but this is much more useful than pictures of activities that they have had no part in,” Murphy said. “They can tell us what skills were required by the activity (according to our OT terminology), what would be challenging if these skills were either not developed or lost due to illness/injury in our clients, and what the intrinsic health benefits exist in each of these activities. Hopefully in subsequent classes and/or fieldwork, they might recall one of these games or activities to use with clients.”

In occupational therapy, finding “fun” ways to address difficult challenges for clients is critical and the faculty model this during the first week of the program, in a way that is consistently enjoyed by our students and faculty.

ARTS & SCIENCES

Jonah Dickerson finds purpose in protecting natural resources

Growing up, Jonah Dickerson spent most of his time outside, which helped influence his decision to major in geographic information science and technology and now geography as well. This summer, Dickerson gained valuable experience working with Sound Rivers through the SECU Public Fellows Internship Program. The program’s goal is to foster workplace experiences for ECU undergraduates while helping rural communities address public issues. This experience, and his degrees from Harriot College, will allow Dickerson to make a major difference in the future. Discover what else inspires Dickerson in this ECU student Pirate Profile.

Thriving in times of radical change

Sam Rad, an anthropologist, entrepreneur and futurist focused on human connection in the era of artificial intelligence, visited campus on Sept. 11 for the first of two events in the 19th season of Harriot College’s Voyages of Discovery series. Rad is a lifelong student of humanity and her topic for the day’s events was “Thriving in Times of Radical Change.” Rad shared her message of human reconnection with various audiences. She imparted optimism, humor and reinforced the need to trust in oneself during this new era. Find out more about Rad’s message to her audiences and what is coming up next for Voyages this spring.

Meeting community mental health needs

Harriot College is helping to provide critical mental and behavioral health services to eastern North Carolinians while training the next generation of providers. Dr. Rob A. Carels, Professor of Psychology, is the PI on a $1.3 million Graduate Psychology Education Program grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Colleagues in the Brody School of Medicine supported the successful proposal, and ECU is the only organization in North Carolina to receive funding from the program this grant cycle.

The program continues hands-on training for doctoral students in the Health Psychology program in the Department of Psychology, and provides free, integrated mental and behavioral health care services, including services for substance use disorders in high-need areas. This specifically applies to resources and services in the area of opioid use disorders, including prevention, assessment and treatment. Learn about the grant and our students’ passions and goals in this ECU News article.

Celebrating student scholars, thanking donors

Harriot College recently celebrated students and honored generous donors at the 10th annual scholarship celebration centered around the theme of “Student Success in Bloom.” A record-setting total of more than $450,000 is funding well over 200 scholarships during the 2025-26 academic year. During the event, students shared their appreciation for donors’ generosity, with a few students invited to give formal remarks. Read about the impact of donor gifts and the college’s inspiring scholars honored at this year’s celebration event.

Dr. Christopher Wolfe helps students see anthropology as a way to understand society today

Dr. Christopher Wolfe, assistant professor of anthropology, knew he wanted to teach forensic anthropology to undergraduate and graduate students while conducting research. He doesn’t view anthropology as a historic look into ancient societies alone, rather he sees a bigger picture that students must know to understand society today.

“Humans are amazing, and dynamic and weird, and live these amazing lives, and we introduce our students to small aspects of that. If they can just take something from that and use it in whatever their profession is, that’s my goal,” he said. Explore more about Wolfe and his passion for anthropology in this ECU faculty Pirate Profile.

BRODY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Brody Scholars begin their four-year journey

The latest triad of Brody Scholars (Class of 2029) began their four-year medical school trials this summer bearing a lighter load than many in their year thanks to the profound generosity of the Brody family and Brody Foundation.

Two of the three, Alessio Fratarcangeli, ’25 and Gage Outlaw, ’24 are ECU graduates. The third, Benjamin Woodard, is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Together, they are Brody Scholars Nos. 159 to 161 since the program began in 1983.

Valued at about $118,000 per student, the scholarship covers four years of medical school tuition, living expenses, summer enrichment opportunities and community service projects.

“I am deeply grateful to be given this incredible opportunity,” Woodard said, “and strive each day to honor the legacy of both the Brody family and the Brody Scholars who have come before me.”

Dr. Michael Waldrum, dean of the medical school and CEO of ECU Health, says such financial support eases student debt load, an important factor in students’ later decision which medical specialty to pursue. (Primary care such as pediatrics and OB-GYN is generally not as well-compensated as specialties such as orthopedics or urology).

“Representing Brody through service, leadership and improving the health of this region is something I will forever be thankful for,” said Fratarcangeli, who plans to become a pediatrician.

Created through gifts from the Brody family and the Brody Foundation, the program continues to strengthen health care in North Carolina — more than 70% of Brody Scholars remain in the state to practice, most in eastern North Carolina.

“There is a tremendous need for physicians in Duplin County, and it has always been my dream to treat the people who raised me and shaped me into who I am today,” Outlaw said.

Deans highlight transformational projects at ECU Health Foundation board education session

Deans for all four schools and colleges on the Health Sciences campus, along with the director of Laupus Library, met at East Carolina Heart Institute last month to apprise the ECU Health Foundation board, the philanthropic arm of the campus, of their strategic vision and capital projects.

The foundation welcomed Dean Bob Orlikoff of the College of Allied Health Sciences, School of Dental Medicine Dean Greg Chadwick, College of Nursing Dean Bim Akintade, Laupus Library Director Beth Ketterman, and Brody School of Medicine Dean Mike Waldrum and Executive Dean Jason Higginson.

The biggest ongoing capital project is the $265-million Center for Medical Education, a seven-story, 195-000-square-foot expansion of the Brody School’s facilities just north of ECU Health Medical Center. When it opens in 2027, incoming class sizes will grow from 100 this year to as many as 120 or more.

Simply admitting more students is not optimal, Dean Higginson told the assembled.

“Our mission in the school of medicine is to increase the number of primary care physicians in our state, increase the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina, and then, also, educate the people in our own communities so that they return to those communities and provide primary care,” he said.

Until this year, the medical school was not permitted to admit anyone who is a permanent resident of another state.

“So we worked with the provost and the chancellor, went to the Board of Governors, and they approved us to consider applicants outside North Carolina if they graduated from UNC System schools.”

The result, he said, is that applications for the Class of 2029 doubled, not at the expense of student quality but in service to it. The cohort has the highest cumulative GPA and MCAT overall scores of any in years. What’s more, fully 23% of the class are ECU alumni (up from 16%).

“If you were educated here in Greenville, and you know what Greenville is and you want to stay, that's the person we want to attract,” he said. “That’s one of the focuses we have going forward, to work with our main campus and find those bright, interesting, dedicated students already here in eastern North Carolina and pull them into the med school.”

Child life specialist inducted into state’s highest civilian order

At the fourth Tate Holbrook Annual Sickle Cell Disease Update hosted by Eastern AHEC last month, longtime child life specialist Jacque Sauls was presented with a proclamation inducting her into the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Sauls founded Rainbow Services, which offers free camps for children living with SCD, cancer and bleeding disorders. She also helped develop the child life specialist profession in eastern North Carolina.

“I’ve always hoped to be able to impact the needs of children in our state,” she said. “And one need is just the need to express themselves.”

Sauls said that a big part of the profession is helping children confront their disease processes. This includes children who will not win their battles with, for instance, cancer. Welcoming that conversation, talking through it and building an understanding and a plan is one of the most profound and sacred duties of a child life specialist.

“Working with children who have not beaten cancer, they have been able to tell me that they’re scared and what they’re scared of,” Sauls said. “Their strength to share that journey with someone else is so important.”

Also honored at the conference was Todd Savitt, a longtime faculty member in the bioethics and interdisciplinary studies department at the Brody School of Medicine. He received the fourth Charles W. Daeschner III, MD Excellence in Sickle Cell Care Award.

Savitt is a medical historian who has written and spoken about the earliest known cases of sickle cell disease, which disproportionately affects Black Americans.

First responders train in simulations at the medical school

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol and several other smaller agencies in our region trained on simulations ranging from mental health crises, vehicle accidents with women in labor, pediatric asthma attacks, lightning strikes and more at the Interprofessional Clinical Simulation Center at the Brody School of Medicine early in September.

The high-fidelity simulations that fulfill certification requirements were a joint project by the highway patrol and educators at the center.

These “keep our officers sharp and ready when they come upon an incident," said First Sgt. Sean Johnson.

“These scenarios we're doing here at the Brody School of Medicine today, most all of them are based off of different incidents our members have come across,” he said. “What training them at these different sim stations does is, when they do come in contact with something like this, it's muscle memory to them. They're ready to go.”

Recognitions

Department of Microbiology and Immunology researchers Drs. Isabelle Lemasson and Nick Polakowski received a grant award this summer from the National Institutes of Health totaling $224,000 for the lab’s work on human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). They study how the virus causes T cells to become infectious and chemotherapy-resistant — and whether that can be reversed when cellular protein expression is restored. “This project was initially funded by the Brody Brothers Endowment grants,” Lemasson said, and the end goal is to eradicate HTLV-1 in an infected individual.

Dr. Suzanne Lea, who teaches epidemiology among other courses, in the Department of Public Health was recognized with an award for distinguished service at this year’s North Carolina Public Health Association (NCPHA) annual conference in Wilmington. The recognition highlights her outstanding leadership as president of the NC Citizens for Public Health (NCCPH), where she has been instrumental in revitalizing recruitment, strengthening membership and driving changes that enhance the organization’s impact.

Corynebacterium are a diverse group of organisms, but all were thought to be non-pathogenic excepting C. diphtheriae complex. Today we know better, writes Dr. John Markantonis, assistant professor and head of microbiology in Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, in a minireview in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology. The bacteria’s biofilm formation leads to medical device-associated infections: endovascular catheters, cerebrospinal fluid shunts, peritoneal dialysis catheters, and prosthetic joints, to name a few vectors. Clinical microbiology laboratories must work to identify and report corynebacterium.

BUSINESS

College of Business celebrates record $1.2 million in scholarships

The East Carolina University College of Business (COB) celebrated a record $1.2 million in scholarships during its Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Sept. 18 in the Main Campus Student Center.

The COB recognized 450 student recipients and thanked over 125 donors for their contributions. The event’s attendees also had the opportunity to hear from current and future business leaders.

Meet the Firms unites students, accounting firms

Thirty public accounting firms, private companies and government agencies and more than 200 College of Business students came together at Meet the Firms on Sept. 9 in Harvey Hall at the Murphy Center. The annual networking event is sponsored by the Department of Accounting.

Student interest soars at joint interest meeting

On Thursday, Sept. 11, more than 170 students attended a joint interest meeting hosted by the Financial Management Association, ECU Investment Club and Blacksail Fund. The standing-room-only crowd made this one of the largest single club meetings in College of Business history.

The event featured strong representation from COB finance faculty. Matt Slate, instructor and director of the Blacksail Fund, shared his journey as a former COB student and reflected on lessons learned from his career trading on Wall Street. The meeting concluded with remarks from Dean Mike Harris, who encouraged students to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities — such as student organizations — that build networks and prepare them for careers after graduation.

Students who could not attend the first meeting are encouraged to contact the clubs to get caught up and ready for the second meeting.

RMI students visit AmWins in Charlotte

21 Risk Management and Insurance student members of Gamma Iota Sigma, the professional risk Management and Insurance Fraternity, and two RMI Professors, Dr. David Pooser and Instructor Kurt Fickling visited the Home Office of AmWins Surplus Lines Brokerage in Charlotte, NC on September 10, 2025. AmWins is the largest Excess and Surplus Lines Broker in the United States writing over $45 Billion in annual premium.

The students had a presentation by HR on resume writing, a Senior Management presentation on the history of AmWins, a presentation by ECU RMI Graduate Houston Pittman, Vice president and Charlotte Office Manager, on the operation of his division and how his team operates as a Managing General Agent for several Insurance Companies. The students then shadowed several underwriters on their day-to-day operations. The students had a tremendous learning experience and a day in the life of those working in the insurance industry.

ECU instructor brings virtual reality leadership lessons to global week at ESAN University

In August, East Carolina University College of Business instructor Tracy Ginn traveled to Peru to teach at ESAN University’s Global Week, an international program that brings together faculty and students from around the world to explore the latest trends in business and management.

REGIONAL TRANSFORMATION

COB Research Spotlight: Dr. David Pooser

Every driver is required to have insurance, but how satisfied are they with their insurance carrier? This is a question that Dr. David Pooser seeks to answer about the nearly $400 billion automobile insurance industry.

Bureau of Business Research to assist with health care survey

This fall, the Wilson Chamber of Commerce is partnering with ECU’s Bureau of Business Research (BBR) to launch the inaugural Business Healthcare Landscape Survey across communities in Wilson.

Newell to assist with N.C. high school marketing curriculum development

A cold email has evolved as a way for East Carolina University College of Business (COB) teaching instructor Dana Newell to make a difference in the lives of North Carolina high school students. Newell was one of several selected as a business and industry expert on social media by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (DPI) Career and Technical Education (CTE) for a new social media marketing curriculum.

FACULTY AND STAFF EXCELLENCE

Newell to Deliver "Driving Operational Excellence with Real-Time Digital Marketing Intelligence" Seminar at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center

Real-time digital signals—across review sites, social profiles, sales conversations, and internal feedback—offer unmatched visibility into customer and employee sentiment. When marketing leads the charge in capturing and activating these insights, operational excellence becomes measurable and revenue-driving.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Gather insights from employer reviews, social media, sales calls, and internal feedback for a comprehensive sentiment analysis
• Lead cross-functional teams to activate customer and employee insights for measurable business impact
• Integrate sentiment data with operational metrics to enhance customer and employee experiences

Dr. Michael Rodriguez Named Top 3 Finalist for Teaching Innovation at Marketing Management Association Conference

Dr. Michael Rodriguez, Assistant Professor of Marketing at East Carolina University, was recognized as a Top 3 Finalist for the Teaching Innovation Award at the prestigious Marketing Management Association (MMA) Fall Educators’ Conference, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. This annual competition celebrates outstanding innovation in marketing education, spotlighting faculty who are reshaping the future of the field.

Reifschneider recognized in Times Square

Department of Management Information Systems instructor Eric Reifschneider appeared on a digital billboard in Times Square.

The billboard, commissioned by publishing company McGraw Hill on July 24, expressed gratitude for educators who have shaped the lives of students. Reifschneider was nominated by his students to appear on the billboard, and his name was displayed on the screen at one of the world’s busiest intersections for 30 minutes.

DENTAL MEDICINE

Dr. Thomas E. Morgan has been named associate dean for extramural clinical practices, effective Oct. 1. In this position, he will provide leadership for the overall success of our CSLCs, focusing on student and resident education and improving oral health in North Carolina. He will oversee all clinical and business processes at the CSLCs to ensure the highest quality patient care and educational experiences.

Morgan earned his DDS in 1988 from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, after earning a BS in political science in 1984 at UNC. Following graduation from dental school he joined his father in the private practice of general dentistry in Jacksonville where he and his wife, Kimberly practiced until joining our school. He served as president of the North Carolina Dental Society in 2021-22 and is active on multiple NCDS committees and task forces. He has also served as president of North Carolina Services for Dentistry, the NCDS Fifth District Dental Society, the North Carolina Academy of General Dentistry and the Onslow County Dental Society. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Old North State Dental Society, and a Fellow in the American College of Dentists.

Dr. Daniel K. Boden has accepted the position of associate dean of clinical affairs and will assume his new duties beginning on Oct. 1. In this role, he will provide strategic leadership, oversight and management for the school’s clinics and administrative support for the clinical staff. Dr. Boden has been active in community service and serves as the school’s Hyde County Clinic Coordinator.

Boden has served as a clinical assistant professor in the ECU School of Dental Medicine since 2024. Before coming to ECU, he was a clinical assistant professor and clinical care coordinator for Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine in Glendale, Arizona, where he served from 2011–2024. Boden earned his DMD in 1996 from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He completed a General Practice Residency in 1997 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Boden received the 2021 Midwestern University Faculty Member of the Year Award and is a member of professional organizations including the ADA, NCDS, ADEA, Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society and was inducted as a Fellow into the International College of Dentists.

Systems Support Manager Brooks Person has been invited to present about the school’s implementation of the Jamf management system at the JAMF National User Conference, the largest Apple administrative conference in the world. He will present in Denver later this month about Jamf, a key tool for streamlining support, enforcing security and enhancing the user experience. The session will explore how the dental school leverages Jamf to manage Apple devices, integrates with tools, automates workflows and improves IT efficiency, as well as how the school develops and applies policies for faculty, staff and students and the impact these have on their day-to-day experience.

A group of dental students visited Pollocksville Elementary School in Jones County last week, teaching younger students about healthy oral health care habits and techniques. The county is also participating in the dental school’s School-Based Oral Health Prevention Program, with ECU hygienists providing screenings, routine care and referrals to schoolchildren across the county. Dental students also visit schools in the community service learning center communities across the state as part of their outreach and immersion in those rural areas.

The school’s Office of Admissions recently hosted participants in the Pitt County Health Sciences Academy, which includes students from every high school in the county who are interested in health sciences careers. The students learned about the school from faculty and staff and listened to a panel of current students describe their journeys. They also had the opportunity to try a hands-on activity in the Ross Hall simulation lab.

Congratulations to faculty members Dr. Roopsi Kaur and Dr. Daniel Boden, who were inducted as Fellows in the International College of Dentists last month in San Diego. They also were joined by alumna Dr. LaJoi Wiggins ’17 (left).

EDUCATION

The college welcomed 120 North Carolina Teaching Fellows to campus this academic year. This group is comprised of first-year students, current education majors who received the award for the first time this year, Partnership Teach transfer students and residency students. We welcomed 15 new James and Connie Maynard Scholars and 15 Education Community of Scholars students are all recipients of four-year scholarships. We also welcomed 13 additional students to our living-learning community. Pictured are all our Education Community of Scholars students currently at ECU.

A team of East Carolina University College of Education researchers is one of 10 teams accepted to the 2025-2027 PrepareCS cohort and awarded a $10,000 grant to support project development. Dr. Kristen Gregory, Dr. Ruby Yeh, Dr. Ken Luterbach, Dr. Crisianee Berry and Beth Madigan from Pitt County Schools comprise the ECU/Greenville team. The PrepareCS grant will give them funding to support teacher educators, pre-service teachers and PK-12 educators learning how to integrate computer science content and skills into their courses.

Our first-year education majors have already been giving back to the community. During their first weeks on campus, they have completed service hours at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, Greenville’s Community Garden and the Greenville Community Shelter.

The Master of Library Science program celebrated the grand opening of the ECU Community Archives Lab (ECAL), the university’s first dedicated space for advancing community-based archival work across eastern North Carolina. Funded by a $1.1 million Mellon Foundation grant, the ECAL reflects the MLS Program’s commitment to inclusive, participatory archival practices that empower students and community partners to preserve and interpret the region’s rich cultural heritage. Located in Ragsdale Hall, Room 128, the Lab will serve as a collaborative environment where students gain hands-on experience in community-centered archival work, supporting both the core MLS curriculum and the new Archives and Cultural Heritage Informatics concentration.

Many of our juniors traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to participate in a two-day immersive experience at the Ron Clark Academy. These two days are filled with workshops and experiences that allow our students to experience the climate and culture of the school.

The GRAD Partnership in the Rural Education Institute is helping the college live the mission of Servire by supporting rural learners, amplifying educator voices and making student success systems work for the people they’re meant to serve.

The college celebrated our students and donors during the annual Scholarship & Donor Recognition Ceremony. We are extremely proud of the 129 students who received more than $1.2 million in scholarships this year and thankful to the donors who made this possible. Senior elementary education major Olivia Umphlett gave the keynote address. She is a member of the Education Living-Learning Community, a Pat and Lynn Scholar, a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and a Centennial Fellow in the ECU Honors College.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Carraway named to Ethical Hacker Hall of Fame

David Carraway, an information and cybersecurity teaching instructor in the Department of Technology Systems, was named to the 2025 Certified Ethical Hacker Hall of Fame. The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants makes the selection based on a rigorous evaluation process that assesses criteria such as leadership in ethical hacking, contributions to the cybersecurity community, innovation in threat mitigation and measurable career progression since ethical hacker certification. Read more HERE.

Hoggard celebrates 25 years

The Department of Computer Science honored Bobby Hoggard, senior teaching instructor, on 25 years of service with the department. Hoggard instructs students on algorithmic problem-solving as well as web applications and computer game development. Congratulations.

Student presents military project

An interdisciplinary project between the departments of construction management and computer science resulted in a student presentation at the Army Engineering Summit in Madison, Wisconsin. Logan Miller, a senior computer science major, presented work focused on the development of models to predict building component failure and repair costs in Army facilities. Dr. Yilei Huang in the Department of Construction Management and Xiaoli Mao in the Department of Computer Science mentored Miller. Dr. Carol Massarra in the Department of Construction Management led the project, which was funded by the Civil-Military Innovation Institute.

Students celebrated

The College of Engineering and Technology hosted its annual Student Organization and Appreciation Day. Students came for the free pizza lunch but stayed to gather information from more than a dozen student organizations that participated in the event and recruited students for the upcoming academic year.

Engineering welcomes back students

The Department of Engineering welcomed students back for the fall semester with a social outside the Science and Technology Building. The students enjoyed a pizza dinner, interacted with faculty in a casual setting, competed in games and won door prizes as part of the festivities.

FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION

Aman Pirate Challenge – CFAC Round 1

The College of Fine Arts and Communication is excited to collaborate with the College of Business and join the Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge with our own Round 1! CFAC’s round will take place with our student teams tomorrow, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m. in the Isley Innovation Hub.

We are eager to hear our students’ entrepreneurial pitches! Four judges will offer them valuable feedback during the CFAC round: alum and managing partner of Craft Public House Brian Cordileone ’03; alum and owner of Creative Vision Collective Lisa Cordileone ’04; alum and associate director of G&S Integrated Marketing Communications Group Whitney Fincannon ’09; and local The Scullery owner Matthew Scully ’04.

All CFAC participants will also present in the full, ECU Round 1, set for noon tomorrow. Our first-place team will automatically advance to ECU Round 2, expected in Spring 2026.

Best of luck to all participating pitch teams during this important student opportunity!

Alum success through Clayworks

We visited recently with alum Adrienne Dellinger ’94, the executive director of the nonprofit Clayworks in Charlotte, where Dellinger started as a volunteer right after graduation. Clayworks is a community of artists who participate in ceramics education and the advancement of art, artists, and the community. They offer classes to all, rent studio space to 27 local artists, and participate in extensive community outreach.

With more to come on our website, we want to share a snippet of our conversation:

CFAC: How does clay as a medium, along with community engagement, enrich people’s lives?

Dellinger: In such a highly technical society, clay is important because it connects us back to the earth. At Clayworks, our philosophy isn’t about the end product — it’s about the journey. Creativity and the act of making are what matter most. Pots are like people: None are perfect. Clay is tactile, grounding, and creates a personal connection through the process of becoming.

CFAC: What did you like most about your time at ECU?

Dellinger: The community. The friendships and connections we made were truly special. Many of us are still in touch today. I also loved the walkability of ECU — I could go weeks without driving because everything was within reach, from the studio to the grocery store. And the collaborative environment across different mediums — ceramics, painting, sculpture, metals — was amazing. Having all of that housed in Jenkins Fine Arts Center was really unique.

Research and Creative Awards

Two groups of faculty collaborators received CFAC Research and Creative Activity Awards (RCAA) for the 2025-2026 academic year. The awards offer up to $10,000 and are designed to encourage and enhance research, and creative and scholarly activities by faculty in the college.

• School of Communication: Faculty members Drew Ashby-King, Erika Johnson, and Rachel Son (LEFT) plan to study the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in entertainment — specifically a TV show — and how that affects the audience’s understanding and perception of AI. (News story coming soon.)
• School of Music: Faculty members Navid Bargrizan and Quintin Mallette, with audio services coordinator Alex Davis (RIGHT), are recording, producing, and marketing an album called “Echoes and Rhythms: Bridging Soundscapes.” The tracks start with electronic/electroacoustic music composted by Bargrizan, with improvised percussion by Mallette added to them. Read more about their project and see a video from one of the recording days.

GRADUATE SCHOOL

In September, the Graduate School welcomed Susan Ekert as Assistant Director for Graduate Retention and Success. In this role, she will collaborate with graduate program directors, associate deans, and student affairs personnel to ensure that ECU meets or exceeds our strategic goals regarding graduate student persistence and degree completion by monitoring student progress, facilitating workshops, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Susan first joined Pirate Nation in 2014 and completed her M.A. in Communication at ECU in 2019.

On August 27, the Graduate School came together for a dynamic and productive retreat focused on alignment, collaboration, and team building. The day centered around four key goals: reviewing the Graduate School’s strategic priorities, deepening our understanding of ECU’s current financial and enrollment landscape, strengthening internal connections within our team, and of course having some fun along the way. The retreat provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on our progress, align our efforts for the year ahead, and reinforce our shared commitment to graduate education at ECU.

The Graduate School will be hosting the 2025 Graduate and Professional School Fair on the Main Campus Student Center Lawn from 12:00 - 3:00PM on October 29. Please encourage your high performing undergraduates to attend! Register HERE to attend!

Join us for the next Grad PIRATE Talks session where we’ll dive into an essential, yet often overlooked, part of the research journey: failure. This discussion will focus on how setbacks in research can become powerful learning experiences, and how to move forward with resilience and purpose. Whether you’re early in your grad school journey or deep in your dissertation, this session will offer insight, encouragement, and strategies to help you embrace failure as part of the process.

Mark your calendars and don’t miss it!

• Grad PIRATE Talks – Failing Forward in Research: October 22 at 1:00PM, Mendenhall Building, Conference Room G21A (Newly Remodeled!)
• Also streaming via Microsoft Teams

All faculty are encouraged to support their graduate students in participating in the annual 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition! This competition has our graduate students presenting their research in 3 minutes or less using one static slide. The Grand Champion will move onto the regional competition with the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools in February 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Students can register to participate until October 22 and all information is available on the 3MT website. The event is on Monday, November 3 starting at 1:00 PM with a championship round between 3:00 – 5:00 depending upon the number of participants. Faculty are also encouraged to have their classes attend as an assignment to ensure our graduate student participants have an eager audience.

As the new academic year begins, the Graduate & Professional Student Senate invites you to connect, unwind, and engage with fellow students across disciplines. Through a series of social events and informal gatherings, they’re creating space for real conversations about grad life, professional goals, challenges, wins, and everything in between. Register today to attend any or all of their upcoming events via the Pirate Experience or via the links below.

• GPSS Membership Mixer – Virtual Event: October 8, 6:30 - 8:00PM (Registration Link)
• GPSS Membership Mixer – On Campus Event: October 22, 11:00AM – 1:00PM (drop-in), Main Campus Student Center Ballroom (RSVP Link)

HEALTH & HUMAN PERFORMANCE

The annual HHP scholarship social event was held Sept. 18, when the college announced it awarded an increased number of 129 scholarships to students this year. This event brought donors and students together to share conversations and insight, and for students in attendance to thank their scholarship donor representative for the generosity and investment in student success.

MS kinesiology student Morgan Moseley, in the sport and exercise psychology concentration, earned an award from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology that will fund her registration for the upcoming AASP annual meeting in Montreal in October.

Brian Cavanaugh served on a panel for COAD 1000 students. Cavanaugh (health education and promotion instructor) shared impactful messages on behavior change, building positive habits and strategies for success.

Dean Bromfield and the College of Health and Human Performance invite you to view the September issue of Impact in Motion, HHP’s digital newsletter.

Dr. Cari Autry traveled to Breda, Netherlands, to present a paper based on the thesis in recreational therapy, Immersive Virtual Reality Tai Chi to Promote Physical and Mental Well-Being in Older Adults, also representing Dr. Jaehyun Kim, Marcos Ardon Lobos (MS ’24), and Dr. Matthew Fish at the 2025 World Leisure Organization Congress. Delegates from more than 40 countries were represented at the congress focusing on the theme of "Leisure for a Better Society." Additionally, Autry moderated and presented other sessions, including virtual reality from her sailing lab research.

A campus-wide interprofessional education committee with faculty from Brody School of Medicine, College of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Performance, College of Nursing and School of Dental Medicine, led by Dr. Christine Lysaght from the Department of Physical Therapy, completed the second annual interprofessional education event, Keepers of the House, in collaboration with ECU housekeepers and ECU Health. Dr. Bhibha Das, from the Department of Kinesiology, facilitated the Keepers of the House event and actively engaged with students, ECU Health EVS staff and ECU housekeeping staff to expand participants' understanding of the healthcare team. Students from HHP, including kinesiology and social work, joined medical, allied health, nursing and dental students to learn about the important role housekeepers/environmental service workers play in the healthcare system. They also shared information about each other's roles and responsibilities. More than 500 students completed the post-evaluation survey, including 93% reporting the Keepers of the House event was impactful and 91% strongly agreed interprofessional education (learning with, from and about other healthcare professional students) is important to their future career. One student said: "I had a blast. This one was special. I loved seeing people who hardly ever get recognition receive that recognition.”

IPE committee members: Jennifer McDougal, Kate Willson, Ann Mannie, Ray Hylock, Heather Panczycowski, Rhiannon Phillips, Brandon Jones, Leigh Cellucci, Jordan Griffin, Dave Eldridge, Brigham Willis, Kelley Reinsmith-Jones, Kellie Jones, Taneet Ghuman.

Camp WholeHeart, founded and led by Dr. Priti Desai with the Department of Human Development and Family Science, will celebrate 20 years later this month. This weekend camp, held annually in Arapahoe at Camp Don Lee, was created to provide a positive life experience for children and teenagers, ages 7 to 17, living with complex heart defects.

Lt. Col. Billy Dye, who became the ECU Air Force ROTC Detachment 600 commander in 2022 and remains in the role, was named as a new member to the ECU Alumni Association’s board of directors. Dye ’04 was commissioned as an ECU distinguished graduate through Air Force ROTC.

Drs. Jake Jensen, Andy Brimhall and Kayla Fitzke presented research, with a grad student and ECU alumni, at the 2025 Intervention Research in Systemic Family Therapy Conference held in Columbus, Ohio. Also, Dr. Angela Lamson won the Adrian Blow Outstanding Innovation in Research Award, which honors a prolific researcher who has demonstrated innovation in their research contributions to the field of systemic family therapy.

A team led by senior author and principal investigator Dr. Lori Ann Eldridge (health education and promotion), and including undergraduate students and two-time ECU recreational therapy alum Lauren Harrell, worked alongside the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition and Community Impact NC to place public health vending machines in five rural North Carolina counties. Their published article expands on the methods, interviews and details of a community-based approach to expanding access to public health and harm reduction supplies.

Rose Haddock, Julie Kulas, Molly Tripp and Kelli Russell reached more than 100 participants when hosting a poverty simulation in collaboration with Brody Medical students. The health education and promotion faculty members helped to foster empathy, raise awareness of various challenges and deepen understanding of the realities many families living at or near the poverty borderline face.

HONORS

The Honors College is proud to welcome Michelle Bone to our staff as the Student Success Coordinator. In this role, Michelle will support Honors College students through their journey through academic advising; guidance on internships, fellowships and other opportunities; managing the Signature Honors Project process and the nomination process for internal and external awards; and providing connections for students outside of the college. Michelle has nearly two decades of dedicated service to East Carolina University. Prior to joining the Honors College, she was the User Assessment & Engagement Coordinator at Laupus Health Sciences Library, where she led data-driven initiatives to improve student experiences and strengthen campus partnerships.

We hosted our first Family Weekend Social at the Mamie Jenkins building where we welcomed 180 students and family members to the Honors College.

The Honors College is grateful for our amazing team of six faculty who lead our first-year colloquia course, HNRS 2000, that is centered around the ideals of leadership and service. These faculty members are:

• Cristina Estrada-Underwood, Foreign Languages & Literatures, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
• Lauren Howard, Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement, Student Engagement
• Karen Kus, Center for Student Success, College of Business
• Mark Sanders, Public Services, Joyner Library
• Brittany Thompson, School of Communication, College of Fine Arts and Communication
• Gerald Weckesser, School of Art & Design, College of Fine Arts and Communication

The Honors College hosted an event to celebrate the college’s 15th anniversary and thank all the donors who have made the college’s success possible. As part of this celebration, we honored Mrs. Kay Chalk who served as the college’s first Advancement Council chair, led the Brinkley-Lane Scholars committee and mentored countless students. The seminar room in the Mamie Jenkins building now proudly bears her name, a tribute to her years of care, leadership and dedication for the growth of the college.

The college held our annual engagement fair for Honors College students with faculty from across campus and student organizations tabling to talk to our students.

Current Honors and pre-dental student Lensey Cabral has raised money in her hometown of Sampson County to buy and deliver dental supplies to different schools to help slow the rate of poor oral hygiene in rural areas. You can read more about Lensey’s organization, Smiles Across Sampson, in The Sampson Independent.

INTEGRATED COASTAL PROGRAMS

Thirteen students from UNC-Chapel Hill recently arrived at the ECU Outer Banks Campus to participate in the Outer Banks Field Site (OBXFS), a semester-long program hosted by the Coastal Studies Institute. The students will take classes and participate in a Capstone research project focused on the Nags Head Woods Preserve. 2025 marks the 25th year of the program on the Outer Banks which began as the Albemarle Ecological Field Site. Plans to celebrate this milestone are in the works. Alumnus, mentors, and other program contributors wishing to assist with planning or attend the celebration should contact OBXFS Director, Dr. Lindsay Dubbs (dubbs@email.unc.edu or dubbsl@ecu.edu).

Additionally from OBXFS, All the Light We Cannot See, a video created by Megan Mendenhall of UNC Chapel Hill Research Communications about the 2023 Outer Banks Field Site Capstone project, will air on season 8 of Science NC during episode 9 on 10/30/25. For more details, visit https://www.pbsnc.org/watch/sci-nc/.

In late September, members of the Oceanography and Marine Hydrokinetic Energy Lab at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) spent a day offshore repairing NOAA Buoy JPRN7. JPRN7 is usually deployed at an 11-meter test site near Jennette’s Pier but had been blown further down the beach during recent storms. Onboard CSI vessel RV Miss Caroline, a dive team secured line from Miss Caroline’s winch and A-frame to the buoy’s anchor, lifting it on to the back deck and returning it to the 11-meter test site. JPRN7 provides valuable weather and ocean observations for future renewable ocean energy device testing at AMEC’s Jennette’s Pier Wave Energy Test Center. The lab, lead by Dr. Mike Muglia (Coastal Studies), was joined by Bob Heitsenrether and Shaena Rausch of NOAA’s Ocean Systems Test and Evaluation Program (OSTEP) and ICP Dean & CSI Director Dr. Reide Corbett.

The fall semester is well underway for the Integrated Coastal Sciences Ph.D. program. The program welcomed seven new students in Fall 2025, and so far has hosted four labs including Summer Adventures (8/29), the Challenge at the Coast Experience (9/5), Economics Research (9/11), and Imposter Syndrome (9/26). The program has plans to host three additional labs in October.

Reide Corbett, Dean & Executive Director of ECU Integrated Coastal Programs and the Coastal Studies Institute, co-authored a new paper with colleagues from UNC Wilmington. The study examined how saltwater intrusion and river dredging are driving the formation of “ghost forests” of bald cypress along the Cape Fear River. By analyzing tree rings and sediments, the team found repeated growth declines in trees exposed to higher salinity, with the most severe and ongoing decline beginning in the 1980s. These findings show how human activity and sea-level rise are reshaping coastal ecosystems and threatening the vital services they provide. Find the study here. Devereux, K., M. Rother, A.D. Hawkes, P. Bresnahan, D.R. Corbett, R. Shew, 2025. Tree-Ring and Sediment Analyses Reveal Processes of Bald Cypress Ghost Forest Formation From Dredging in the Cape Fear River, North Carolina, USA. Ecol. Evol., 15(9).

The Coastal Studies Institute partnered with Dare County and N.C. Department of Environmental Quality to host a public meeting focused on threatened oceanfront homes on the Outer Banks. Since May 2020, the Outer Banks has witnessed 12 privately owned homes collapse into the ocean along the shores of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. This public meeting was designed to provide homeowners an update on the issues threatening oceanfront structures; what federal, state, and local agencies are doing to help; and the financial options available to owners of homes at risk. Reide Corbett moderated the meeting and provided the background science on NC’s changing coast. You can watch a recording of the meeting here!

JOYNER LIBRARY

Faculty member Sue Luddeke brought students from her art appreciation class to the Janice Hardison Faulkner Gallery to view “Visualizing the Unknowable: Jeff VanderMeer and Scott Eagle” during one of its final days on display in the gallery. The next exhibit to be featured in the Faulkner Gallery is the 18th Annual School of Art & Design Graduate Student Art Exhibit.

Game Night in Joyner Library has a new name and new activities to enjoy. This first floor takeover event is family-friendly and scheduled for Oct. 23 from 5-8 p.m. There will be a silent disco, in addition to past traditions such as video games, pumpkin painting, trivia and free pizza.

Alston Cobourn, head of University History and Records, curated an exhibit that represented four different continents, six countries and six states, titled, “The Hands Project: What Stories Do Your Hands Tell?” It was displayed during summer months and into September at the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center Sankofa Art Gallery. This photo exhibition was a community project of prints of digital photographs, either captured by Cobourn or submitted to her, showcasing various people’s hands. Ages represented were 5 months to 89 years.

University Advancement is leading a campaign to strengthen ECU Libraries. For Joyner Library, that means providing increased opportunities for students to the resources they need to thrive today and well into the future, while continuing to connect Pirate Nation to centuries of exploration, science, artifacts, regional collections and storytelling.

Dozens of participants enjoyed the 2025 Friends of Joyner Library Genealogy Workshop Series, led by Jennifer Daugherty, head of North Carolina Collection and former past president of the North Carolina Genealogical Society. The two September sessions focused on the initial steps of beginning family history research, and then expanding research such as finding immigration records, how to use DNA for genealogy and unexpected places to look for information.

The Friends of Joyner Library fall 2025 newsletter features photos from recent renovations completed in the library, a president report from Johnnee Rice, exhibits info, Jan Lewis’ director column and profiles to better know some library staff members.

LAUPUS HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY

On October 17 at 1 p.m., Laupus will be hosting Dr. Jeffrey Baker from Duke University as part of the Medical History Interest Group lecture series. His presentation is on “The Measles Resurgence: A Case Study in the History of Vaccine Hesitancy.” We welcome visitors to the 4th floor Evelyn Fike Laupus Gallery to participate in person, or you may also attend the event virtually at this link.

ECU’s Country Doctor Museum is partnering with Cancer Services of Eastern NC to host a Breast Cancer Screening Day at the museum on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 9 a.m–4 p.m. Call 877-318-1349 to schedule an appointment, call the Country Doctor Museum for assistance or make an appointment online.

NURSING

Last month we hosted the inaugural joint Siegfried Lowin and Evelyn Perry Lecture, honoring our College’s long-standing commitment to research and scholarship.

We were proud to have Dr. Robin Bartlett, professor and associate dean for research in the Capstone College of Nursing at The University of Alabama, deliver an inspiring lecture titled “Research in the Rural South.” Her presentation was a powerful reminder of the opportunities and resources available in our region as we continue to strengthen our identity as an R1 institution.

At the CON we have made research and scholarship a strategic priority. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Courtney Caiola, Evelyn Perry distinguished professor; Dr. Heather Wright, associate dean for research; Dr. Chandra Speight , Chair of the Research and Scholarship Committee; and all committee members for their leadership. Kudos as well to our faculty and staff who worked collaboratively to make this inaugural lecture a success.

Thanks to Dr. Deborah Allen and everyone present from ECU Health as we continue to strengthen our academic practice partnership.

Three College of Nursing faculty members were honored at the North Carolina Nurses Association Annual Convention in Winston-Salem.

Dr. Michelle Skipper was recognized as the Joanne S. Stevens Political/Legislative Nurse of the Year; Dr. Thompson Forbes, III, was re-elected as Secretary/Treasurer; and Dr. Nancy Dias was re-elected to the Board of Directors in an At-Large role.

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