On Deck with Student Affairs November 2025 Edition

From the Desk of Vice Chancellor Brandon Frye

Dear Colleagues and Friends of Student Affairs: The Thanksgiving holiday is near, and then in a few weeks final exams and Fall 2025 Commencement. However, before we cue the graduation procession, I want to take a moment to say thanks for all the dedicated and focused work we have put in to aid our students in their success and/or to help them navigate through a challenge or obstacle this semester. It is very important that we take moments during these “fast times,” so please take some time to stop and reflect on what you are thankful for in your lives. A few years ago, in a VCSA message I noted that “many times, the world around us can feel chaotic, fast paced, and unkind.” I believe those words are still true almost 3 years later. However, like I said three years ago, “that same world can also be a beautiful place filled with 1000's of happy moments to be thankful for.” With the sprint to the end of semester finish line it can be difficult to take those intentional pauses for reflection and thanksgiving, but I think we must be intentional and take those breaks. Pauses are necessary for our health and well-being and will help us to best serve our students as they finish the semester. I hope you take time during this season of thanks and the soon to be winter break to practice self-care and focus on what matters most to each of you. As a reminder, there will not be a December edition of On Deck with Student Affairs, but it will return on January 15, 2026.

Purple and Gold

Professional Pirate Mentor Program: A New Chapter in Student Success

Submitted by Courtney Pope, Career Services Assistant Director, Experiential Learning

Though housed in different areas of the Division of Student Affairs, Career Services and Parent and Family Programs discovered a natural overlap in their goals, leading to a unique collaboration that bridges career development and family engagement. This fall, the two offices celebrated the rollout of the Professional Pirate Mentor Program, a brand-new initiative designed to connect students with meaningful professional mentorship. The program officially launched on October 15 with its inaugural Match Day event, welcoming the first cohort of 30 mentors and 46 mentees. The idea emerged from discussions about how parents and families could play a greater role in supporting student success beyond the classroom. In the ECU Parent and Family Portal, more than 3,000 parents of active ECU students indicated interest in mentoring. Recognizing this as an opportunity to expand experiential learning, Carter Fenwick, Director of Parent and Family Programs, and Courtney Pope, Assistant Director for Experiential Learning in Career Services, partnered in designing a structured mentorship program that connects students with experienced professionals who share their academic and career interests. What makes this program unique is its blend of structure and flexibility. Through carefully matched mentoring relationships, students receive support in setting goals, exploring career paths, and developing the professional and interpersonal skills needed after graduation. Participants engage in monthly virtual sessions on topics such as networking and salary negotiation, while also building individualized connections with their mentors at their own pace. Through the Professional Pirate Mentor Program, students gain more than a mentor; they gain a professional ally who is deeply invested in their journey. Mentors serve as champions for student success, offering encouragement and perspective that reach beyond classroom learning and early career experiences to help students build confidence in their next steps. The inaugural mentors include ECU parents, advisory board members, and members of the ECU Alumni Association Board of Directors, representing a wide variety of industries and professional backgrounds. Career Services and Parent and Family Programs extend sincere appreciation to all campus partners and colleagues who contributed to the program’s development and launch. Both offices look forward to expanding cross-campus collaboration to scale the initiative and offer more students access to high-impact mentoring experiences in the years ahead. By creating space for meaningful, sustained mentorship, the Professional Pirate Mentor Program directly supports ECU’s mission to prepare graduates for a lifetime of success through experiential learning and community engagement.

Center for Counseling and Student Development

Supporting Students' Mental Health in November

Submitted by Dr. Valerie Kisler-van Reede, Center for Counseling and Student Development Director

As the semester reaches its busiest point, many students feel heightened stress and anxiety, loneliness, or burnout. November can be particularly challenging—academic deadlines, shorter daylight hours, and upcoming holidays can all intensify mental health struggles. Staff and faculty play a key role in supporting student well-being. Even relatively small actions make a big difference:

• Check-in when a student seems withdrawn, or you note a change in work or school behaviors
• Acknowledge stress in work or class discussions
• Remind students of available campus resources such as counseling services, wellness programs, and academic support services

If a student alludes to or directly mentions thoughts of self-harm, connect the student with crisis assessment and support immediately by calling 252-328-6661 or by bringing the student to the Center for Counseling and Student Development in Room 137 Umstead Hall (M-F, 8am-5pm). Calls after standard business hours connect to the crisis on-call system (select 2 to connect to these services). Offering flexibility and empathy—like brief deadline extensions or words of encouragement—can ease pressure and show students they’re not alone. By fostering a culture of care and openness, we can help students finish the semester feeling supported, connected, and resilient.

Sail Safely on Game Day

Submitted by Hillary Liles, Assistant Director/Prevention Coordinator, Center for Counseling and Student Development

At the October 16th Thursday night ECU Football match-up with Tulsa, the Student Affairs Health and Well-Being Unit collaborated with ECU Athletics to enhance alcohol safety and education through their Sail Safely on Game Day initiative. The Sail Safely on Game Day messaging includes directives on following venue guidelines, setting safe limits if drinking alcohol, eating before and during games, and getting home safely using a rideshare or a designated driver. Vouchers for a food item and water were given to 900 students. The vouchers were an effort to support the action item “Eat before and during games”. Staff from the Student Affairs Health and Well-Being Unit, Staff Senate members, ECU Athletics staff members, and the ECU Women's Lacrosse Team volunteered their time to distribute the vouchers. Messaging and graphics were displayed throughout the student entrance gates and student seating areas within Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, and a narrated graphic played multiple times throughout the game on the scoreboard jumbotron. The Student Affairs Health and Well-Being Unit and ECU Athletics plan to have similar events for the upcoming Basketball and Baseball seasons.

Disability Support Services

Submitted by Nancy Ausherman, DSS Associate Director

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The North Carolina Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD) unit office hosted an event to celebrate NDEAM on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Both Mayor PJ Connelly of Greenville, and Mayor Don Hardy of Kinston, attended and read proclamations in support of NDEAM, as well as reviewed a brief history of how the date was established.

The EIPD staff recognized the Employer of the Year for both Greenville and Kinston. ARAMARK was awarded Employer of the Year for Greenville. Kerry Shell and Harmony Hall received the award for ARAMARK and shared their experiences of hiring individuals with disabilities. EIPD also recognized other employers who support people with disabilities and East Carolina University was awarded a Certificate of Recognition. Nancy Ausherman was present to receive the certificate and share comments.

Navigating Transitions of Life

On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, the NC division of Employment and Independence of People with Disabilities (EIPD) and the NC Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDSDHH) and the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) hosted a transition fair for deaf and hard of hearing students in Pitt County Schools. The fair offered resources from various agencies who provide employment and training options for students leaving high school. Nancy Ausherman presented to the group and shared information on what to expect when transitioning from high school to college. ECU’s Disability Support Services also had a booth set up during the event.

Student Transitions

Transfer Student Week

Submitted by Lauren Walters, Program Coordinator - Office of Student Transitions

This year, the Office of Student Transitions hosted Transfer Student Week from October 6th through October 9th to recognize our population of Transfer Students here at East Carolina University. Programs were hosted throughout the week to encourage building community with other students with similar experiences, as well as introducing students to resources that our campus has to offer them. For the current Fall semester, there are 1,903 students newly enrolled as a transfer student.

• 1,022 attend classes on campus and/or online
• 881 attend classes online only

In total, the population of transfer students enrolled in an undergraduate program in the Fall 2025 semester stands at 6,079. Out of the 27,153 students enrolled, transfer students account for around 22% of our total undergraduate population. Kicking off the week, “Meet S’MORE Transfers” allowed transfer students a chance to socialize while enjoying delicious s’mores. Bringing back some nostalgic feelings of simpler times allowed students to break the ice and connect through shared experiences. On Tuesday, we hosted our first ever t-shirt swap, where transfer students were encouraged to bring a t-shirt from their previously attended college or university and swap it out for a brand-new ECU t-shirt to showcase their newfound pirate pride! Students were also given the option to swap a photo for a t-shirt if they could tell us why they chose ECU.

On Wednesday, Career Services led a workshop introducing students to their services, including resume writing, interview tips, job searching, and professional dress codes. Wrapping up the week, “Plant Your Roots” was an event that was hosted previously by Jocelyne Alfaro-Ruiz, targeting our sophomore student population, and was brought back this year to incorporate our transfer student population. Partnering with several campus resources, such as the Financial Wellness Hub, the Purple Pantry, the Center for Counseling and Student Development, and more, this event was a huge success! Students were able to learn about the services these resources provide for them and end the evening with the task of decorating a pot to re-home their new succulent plant.

Thank you to all our campus partners for help during this week’s programs! If you are searching for an opportunity to make an impact on our transfer student population, click here to join the list of contacts and be connected with the population of transfer students here at ECU! ECU faculty, staff, and administrators that identify as a transfer student will be highlighted on the Student Transitions webpage. The purpose of this directory is to recognize the success of college graduates who were transfer students during their time in higher education, and to inspire current students at ECU going through a similar journey. It will be encouraged that faculty, staff, and students use the directory to reach out and learn more about their experiences both in college and at ECU. If you are willing to share your experiences and serve as a mentor to students here at ECU, either through individual contacts or being included in future transfer student programs, please fill out this brief survey. Saying "yes" to serving as a mentor may include opportunities to: be invited as a guest speaker to an event, speak on a student/staff panel, be a point of contact to reach out with questions about their experience as a transfer student.

Breaking Barriers, Building Belonging: A First-Gen Seminar Model

Submitted by Jocelyne Alfaro-Ruiz, Office of Student Transitions Program Coordinator

Jocelyne Alfaro-Ruiz, Program Coordinator in the Office of Student Transitions presented at the 32nd National Conference on Students in Transition held virtually on October 1-3. Her session, “Breaking Barriers, Building Belonging: A First-Gen Seminar Model,” highlighted ECU’s First-Generation Section of the First-Year Seminar Course, which began in 2013 by Dr. Linda Campion. The presentation explored how this seminar was designed with the needs of first-generation students at its core, taught by first-gen instructors, and designed to address barriers such as limited social and cultural capital while fostering belonging, empowerment, and community. Since its inception, the first-gen specific section has enrolled 680 students and continues to grow each year. Through intentional assignments, reflective discussions, guest speakers, and engagement with campus resources, students are encouraged to explore their strengths, build connections, and celebrate their resilience. Jocelyne also discussed the importance of addressing the holistic needs of first-generation students. Recognizing that many first-gens balance additional responsibilities beyond the classroom and the value of representation when instructors share their first-gen identity and experience. The key takeaway was; intentional interventions centered in belonging, and skill-building can transform the first-year experience for students. With the right framework and support, first-gen students will not just survive but truly thrive in higher education!

Celebrating First-Generation College Week

“I feel empowered everyday, just knowing that I am here showing myself and those after me that we can do this.“ - Angelica Aguilar

November 8 was National First-Generation College Celebration Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and honoring students where neither parent nor guardian has completed a four-year degree. Approximately 37% of our incoming students at ECU identify as first-generation on the First-Year Assessment. Being a first-gen student means navigating the complexities of higher education with limited guidance from family members. Throughout the week of November 3-7, the Office of Student Transitions hosted events open to all students to offer opportunities to connect, share first-gen experiences, and learn about ECU support. The week kicked off with a First-gen Appreciation, followed by the 3rd annual First-Gen’s Unite; Faculty/Staff and Student Social featuring a panel of current first-gen Pirates. Attendees heard from current first-gen students who share what their first-gen experience has been like at ECU. They talked about moments of imposter syndrome but emphasized their determination and resilience to succeed. The panelists emphasized the importance of finding connections on campus, stepping out of your comfort zone, and recognizing that the past does not define you.

“I had to be okay being uncomfortable because that meant I was growing, and I had to learn that it was okay asking for help. People genuinely care about my success.” - Riley Landen

Students learned about resumes, cover letters, translating experiences, and more during an evening of Do’s and Donuts of Resumes and Cover Letters with Career Services. The week finished strong with the National First-Generation College Celebration where students were celebrated and recognized for the determination and perseverance they hold.

The strength and resilience of our first-gen community is truly inspiring! Their determination to succeed despite the challenges they face is a testament to their character and the supportive environment we strive to celebrate at ECU. These students are paving a new way for themselves, their families, and future first-gen students!

SA Professional Development Spotlight

Submitted by Taryn White, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Executive Assistant

The Student Affairs SHRA (Administrative) Employee Forum started in May 2024 and aims to improve communication, establish standards, provide training, and give employees access to essential information and resources necessary for their professional development. The forum is open to all SHRA employees within the division, but there have also been opportunities for us to collaborate with EPS divisional employees and other partners across the campus community. The forum meetings are typically 1 hour and include information sessions and updates, discussion panels and review of new systems in a training setting. As a steering committee, we have received positive feedback regarding the topics of discussion, information, knowledge, and networking opportunities provided by the forum meetings.

Forum events and discussion topics:

• October 2024 - Student Employment and Updates with Dr. Keisha Brown, Human Resources Consultant, Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity
• February 2025 - Chrome River Best Practices with Dawn Boyd-Cribari, Tracy Smith and Dini Taylor (Travel and Procard Offices)
• June 2025 - Discussion Panel (Transitioning from peer to a leadership role) with Kristal Ransome, Director of Business Services, Student Health Services; Cherie Speller, Director, Student Media/Pirate Media 1 and Stacy Stanford, Associate Dean of Students, Dean of Students Office
• October 2025 - PIRATEtime Question & Answer with Christine Howells, Payroll Technology Support Analyst and Pam Martin, PIRATEtime Analyst (Payroll-Financial Services)

Student Affairs New Hires

Sarah Hughes Pippins

Sarah Hughes Pippins joined the Student Health Services department in October as an Admin Support Specialist. Sarah moved to Greenville at age 7 when her dad became a faculty member in the College of Business. She is married to her husband, Marcus, and is a proud mom to four boys ages 20, 15, and twin seven-year-olds. They love to take the boys on weekend adventures and travel together, including the beach to the mountains and everything in between. They particularly enjoy relaxing on our family cattle farm in Claremont, North Carolina.

Addie Mullen Best

Addie Mullen Best is the Advertising and Marketing Associate with Student Media/Pirate Media 1. She generates revenue across all student media platforms through advertising sales, promotions, and sponsorships. She develops and implements sales strategies and activities and ensures effective customer service. Addie worked as an advertising assistant for The East Carolinian when she was a student here. With a degree in Communications, she has worked as a newspaper classified sales associate and as an advertising manager for a group of weekly newspapers. She also has worked as a marketing manager for a local physician’s practice and works with Pitt County Schools. Addie grew up in Hyde County and has a son, Jordan, and Shih Tzu, Malik. She enjoys cooking, kayaking, and an occasional adventure. Contact her a mullenbesta25@ecu.edu to place your advertising and/or sponsorship order.

Rose Tribby-Clouse

Rose Tribby-Clouse has joined Student Engagement as an Assistant Director for Programming in the Student Activities and Organizations office. In her role, Rose will be the primary advisor to the Student Activities Board, working to support those student leaders who plan and host over 75 events annually. She will also be leading efforts on major campus events including Pirate Palooza, Halloween Havoc, and Barefoot on the Mall. Rose is originally from Loudoun County, Virginia, but has lived in West Virginia, Florida, and South Carolina, most recently joining us from central Virginia. She is a first-generation student and holds a Bachelor's in English Creative Writing (2014) and a Master's in College Student Development and Administration (2017) from Shepherd University. Additionally, she has a post-master’s certification in Hospitality and Tourism from Florida Atlantic University. Rose has worked previously at Shepherd University, Shenandoah University, Bridgewater College, and most recently James Madison University. She and her husband Charlie are looking forward to making Greenville their home along with their teenage daughter and three cats.

New Title

• Suzanne McDonald - Senior Assistant Director of Well-Being - Campus Recreation and Wellness