From the Desk of Vice Chancellor Brandon Frye
Colleagues and Friends of Student Affairs:
I am having trouble believing that the Spring 2025 semester is over and the 2024/2025 academic year is complete. It was a busy year for Student Affairs and packed with many memorable wins that advanced student success. Our division noted a number of those points of pride at our annual awards ceremony that occurred on May 13, 2025. I want to congratulate all the team members who won divisional awards this year and thank you for all that you do to advance student success.
Emerging Professional Award
- Jocelyn Alfaro-Ruiz – Student Transitions
- Maddie Adams – Disability Support Services
Outstanding Support Team Member
- Val Rutledge – Student Engagement
- Emily Gold – Campus Living
Values Award – Belonging
- Chelsie Hargrove – Women and Gender Center
- Logan Drumm – Dean of Students Office
Values Award – Respect
- Lisa Compton – Campus Living
- Mark Rasdorf – Dr. Peel LGBTQ Center
Values Award – Integrity
- Ryan Webb – Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Chase Wheaton – Campus Living
Values Award – Student Centered
- Gillian Smith – Student Engagement
- Erik Kneubuehl – Student Life
Values Award – Excellence
- Sarah Cooley – Student Services Operations
- Rose Bogue – Center for Student Success
- Justin Pritchard – Central Reservations Office
Student Affairs Program of the Year
- ARRRGH U OK? Day
Another highlight of our award ceremony was the keynote address from author and leadership expert Stephen M.R. Covey of FranklinCovey. Mr. Covey, author of Trust and Inspire, discussed the importance of moving away from outdated leadership paradigms like “command and control” and utilizing a leadership approach focused on trust, respect, adaptivity, collaboration, and inspiration. Mr. Covey also conducted some training with our leadership team to help us put Trust and Inspire into action.
His message was timely, and I feel that it was welcomed by our team. I believe that developing and maintaining trust, not just within our team and with colleagues, but also with our students and stakeholders is essential as we work to restore public confidence in higher education.
We are on the right path and making progress in this endeavor. Later this summer, we will share our “year in review”/annual report that highlights some of our collective efforts to advance student success, help students graduate on time—with the least amount of debt possible, and help develop skilled career ready Pirates prepared to live productive lives that advance our region and beyond.
At the heart of our work is our people and our campus partners. I am thankful for this team and for our faculty colleagues that work daily to help our students have transformational experiences and reach their potential.
Purple and Gold
Spring Award Winners
University Awards for Service
East Carolina University honored the exceptional service and leadership of 180 faculty, staff and students during the University Awards for Service ceremony on April 17 in the Main Campus Student Center ballroom.
The following included individuals recognized within the Division of Student Affairs:
Centennial Awards for Excellence
The awards recognize staff, faculty, administrators and teams who are nominated by their colleagues for “going the extra mile every day to make a difference” on campus in the areas of leadership, service and spirit.
Leadership
- S.H.O.E.S. Project – Campus Living Team
Service
- Ellen Goldberg, Student Health Services
Spirit
- Dr. Valerie Kisler-Van Reede, Counseling Center
Staff Emeritus Recognition
The ECU Staff Senate recognizes retired staff members who have made significant contributions to the university through a long and distinguished record of service, dedication, leadership and innovation. Those receiving staff emeritus status this year are as follows:
- Dr. Lynn Roeder, Student Affairs
Click here to learn more about the University Awards for Service.
Staff Senate 2025 Outstanding Staff Awards
These awards are presented annually to recognize staff members from each division who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty and work tirelessly to fulfill our institution's mission and serve the needs of our campus community. The Staff Senate Recognition and Awards Committee selects each year’s honorees from a list of staff nominated by faculty, staff, and students.
Please join us in congratulating Dana Lopez and Tommy Walston from the Division of Student Affairs:
Dana Lopez - Associate Director of Facilities & Operations, Campus Recreation & Wellness
"Dana's exceptional leadership and tireless dedication are the driving forces behind the successful completion of multiple major projects. Her ability to manage complex tasks with precision, navigate challenges, and ensure smooth operations makes her an invaluable asset to the team and a true example of excellence in action."
Tommy Walston - Grounds Supervisor, North Recreational Complex, Facilities Services
"Thanks to Tommy’s expert care and persistent effort behind the scenes, our fields and facilities shine year-round. His dedication makes it possible for our students to pursue their passion for sports — we simply wouldn’t be as successful without him!"
Career Services Wraps Up Successful Spring Job Fair Season
Submitted by Suzanne Vinson, Assistant Director of Career Development
Over the past two months, Career Services successfully concluded the spring job fair season with two outstanding events that connected students with valuable employment opportunities. On March 26th, in partnership with the College of Education, we proudly hosted the Education Job Fair at the Greenville Convention Center. The event drew an impressive 105 employers from across the region and welcomed 212 students seeking positions in the field of education.
We wrapped up the season on a high note with the Summer Job Fair, held on April 10th in the Main Campus Student Center Ballrooms. This event featured 47 employers offering a wide range of full-time and part-time opportunities. It also marked a new milestone, attracting a record-breaking 308 student attendees—the highest turnout to date for this fair. Both events exemplified our commitment to creating meaningful connections between students and employers, helping to launch and advance careers across diverse industries.
Closing out and reflecting on the 2024/2025 career fair season, it was a highly successful year of empowering students by providing impactful opportunities that bridge their academic experiences with their career goals and fostering connections that support a smooth transition from campus to career!
We can't believe it is already time, but we are starting to prepare for the Fall 2025 career fair season and ready for the opportunities that it will bring for both the students and employers! See our upcoming career fair dates below:
If you would like to check out the Career Services social media accounts that feature job fair/event content, please follow us on Instagram (@ecucareerservices) or on Facebook (ECU Career Services). If you are interested in learning more about what Career Services has to offer and want to collaborate, please contact Suzanne Vinson at vinsons21@ecu.edu.
Barefoot on the Mall
Submitted by Hank Bowen, Senior Associate Director, Student Engagement
The end of the academic year at ECU brings Barefoot on the Mall, an annual festival that has been a campus tradition since 1979. This year's Barefoot, themed Barechella as a play on Coachella, was held on April 29 to coincide with the last day of classes. Barefoot on the Mall, sponsored by the Student Activities Board (SAB), features inflatables and rides, giveaways, and novelties, and gives students a chance to unwind with their friends before exams begin. This year featured The Soul Psychedelique and The Vegabonds providing live music, with local favorite DJ Spiff entertaining the crowds in between.
Thanks to a partnership with Campus Dining, SAB was able to bring back free food which was a huge hit with students. An estimated crowd of 7,000 people attend Barefoot throughout the four-hour event with many returning year after year. Mark your calendars for next year's Barefoot on the Mall to be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026!
Office of Student Transitions Wraps Up Spring Semester with First-Gen Events
Submitted by Jocelyne Alfaro-Ruiz, Program Coordinator, Office of Student Transitions
First-Gen Grocery Bingo
The Williams-Ross Purple Pantry and the Office of Student Transitions hosted “First-Gen Grocery Bingo” on April 7, an event designed to support and connect first-generation college students. The evening was filled with community building, resource awareness, and friendly competition, all aimed at supporting our first-gen Pirates.
The evening kicked off with an icebreaker activity – 'human bingo' – designed to foster connections and camaraderie among the students. This set a lively tone, encouraging students to mingle and discover shared experiences.
Beyond the social aspect, a key goal was to introduce students to the Purple Pantry, a free on-campus resource to all enrolled students dedicated to combating food insecurity. Throughout rounds of bingo, trivia questions highlighted the pantry's mission, values, and the range of support it offers. Participants learned how to access this valuable resource, ensuring they are aware of the assistance available to them throughout their college journey.
First-Generation students are those where neither parent nor guardian has completed a four-year degree. Each year approximately 35% 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 who have not experienced it before.
One of the evening’s biggest highlights was the opportunity for students to ‘shop’ for free groceries and toiletries, mirroring the experience at the Purple Pantry. This not only provided practical support, but also helped familiarize students with the pantry in a comfortable and empowering way.
A student attendee stated: “I loved the event! It was very lively and fun! I learned a lot about the resources of the Purple Pantry.”
First-Gen Graduation Celebration
“We must realize that we belong in every single room we enter. Not because we were “handed” a seat, but because we built the chair ourselves. We as first-generation college students have earned our place. We bring more than just knowledge, we bring unique perspectives, experiences, and determination to the table.” -Ty’Shea Wiggins
The Spring 2025 First-Gen Graduation Celebrations welcomed Tori Bain and Ty’Shea Wiggins, both Spring 2025 first-gen graduates, as the keynote speakers. Graduates and their loved ones were captivated by the speakers’ heartfelt reflections as they shared personal aspects of their journeys. They spoke candidly about moments when doubt and fear crept in—the tears, the uncertainty, and the times they questioned whether they truly belonged in a space so unfamiliar, without a guidebook to follow. Yet, it was their determination and resilience to break generational barriers and pave a new path that kept them moving forward. Doing this not only for themselves, but also for their parents, grandparents, siblings, and future first-gen students gave them strength and purpose. Both speakers left their peers with empowering words—encouraging them to continue dreaming loudly and proudly as they step into the next chapter of their lives.
“You’re not just graduating. You’re making history. You are proof of what is possible when someone dares to dream bigger than their circumstances. And this—this is only the beginning.” - Tori Bain
The biannual celebration recognizes and celebrates the achievement of graduating first generation students. What makes this moment even more remarkable is the recognition that neither parent nor guardian completed a four-year degree. At the celebration graduates are presented with a first generation stole by a loved one of their choosing. These students have shown incredible determination and resilience as they pave their own path to success. In addition to all their efforts, the support and encouragement from their loved ones have played a crucial role in their journey. The sacrifices made by their parents, guardians, partners, and family members have been instrumental in helping them reach this significant milestone. The celebrations are not only a recognition of academic achievement but a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to be the first. These students are trailblazers, rewriting what is possible for themselves and the generations that follow.
Congratulations First-Gen Pirates Class of 2025!
Upcoming Opportunity
Qualtrics Workshop
If you’ve been using Qualtrics or would like to begin, there are many options in the software that can be used to tell your story in compelling ways. Join Ashleigh Taylor for a workshop on May 20 from 10-11am or on May 29th from 2-3pm. You may register for either workshop by contacting Ashleigh at (hillas@ecu.edu).
New Hire and Promotion
New Hire
Meredith Davis - Student Health Services
Meredith Davis joined the Student Health Services team in May. She currently lives in Grifton, NC with her husband and beagle. She attended East Carolina University and graduated with her BSN. Prior to accepting this position, Meredith worked as a nurse in the emergency department for 3 years.
Her hobbies include spending time with family, taking her dog for a walk, hanging out with friends, binge watching tv series, painting, and playing with her niece.
Promotion
Matthew Lutz – Assistant Director – Campus Living – May 16
Years of Service
Credits:
Created with images by Creative Services, University Photographers, ECU Video, SA Communications and with an image by Phanithi - "Background and wallpaper by purple fabric and stripe textile."