On Deck with Student Affairs April 2024 Edition

From the Desk of Vice Chancellor Brandon Frye

Colleagues and Stakeholders:

We are in the final weeks of the Spring 2024 semester! Our divisional focus this time of year is to help our students “finish strong” as some complete their first-year at East Carolina University (ECU) and living on-campus in a residential community; as some finalize preparing for interviews to secure important summer internships; as some finish out their terms as student organization leaders; most importantly-as some complete their required coursework to earn their respective degree at East Carolina University.

What guides our work throughout the year, but especially so during the final weeks of a semester is our value of being student-centered. Keeping our focus centered on our students is essential, and as research indicates, doing so enhances student retention, persistence, and success. By our team members going that extra step, double checking a policy, taking 10 extra minutes to explain a process, making an appropriate referral, or just by simply smiling and offering to help—can make all the difference in the world to a student, especially when they might be navigating end of the semester challenges.

Our Pirates remember these student-centered acts of kindness and actions that make them feel they matter and belong. Students carry these positive memories over into life as alumni, and in turn many of them make an intentional choice to give back to ECU through their time, talent, and treasure. We recently witnessed this during our annual Pirate Nation Gives campaign, where alumni gave back to support ECU and student-centered success efforts. During this 24-hour giving period, Student Affairs received 526 gifts from 387 donors with a giving total of $159,176.

Additionally, I witnessed how our alumni are committed to being student-centered. In early April 2024, Keith Tingley, Sr. Associate Director of Student Affairs Development, and I made a stewardship and development trip to the Washington, DC, area for over 36 hours to connect with Pirate alumni and parents (see cover photo). During the visit, we held six personal meetings with eight alumni. We partnered with the ECU Alumni Association to host an alumni event at Proper 21 K Street, owned by Rob Zahn (’05). Approximately 65 alumni, guests, and parents attended. During my interactions, I learned of many student-centered experiences that led these alumni and stakeholders to continue and/or begin supporting student success as alumni through their time, talent, and treasure. I want to thank Kyle Smithwick (’12), Dr. Akeen Hamilton (’10 ’12), Dan Spuller (’06 ’07), Chris Barron (’97), Heather Chappell (’15), Dr. Joseph Dawson (’07 ’08 ’14), Lt. Cmdr. Ariel Campbell (’07 ’10), and Tremayne Smith (’11), for taking the time for an individual visit. Each alumnus shared their “Pirate Story” and how this got them where they are today.

When we place our students at the center of our work, we often make a positive impact on our students and their success, which can lead to awesome alumni that value their Pirate Experience and choose to give back and support our students.

Thanks to all of those in Pirate Nation that place our students front and center.

With Pirate Pride

Yam Jam

In March, the Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement hosted the third annual Yam Jam event on campus at the Mendenhall Brickyard. Yam Jam is intended to help raise awareness of food insecurity and more than 200 faculty, staff, and student volunteers sorted 40,000 pounds of sweet potatoes into family-sized portions to be distributed by the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. The event was in conjunction with the Pack the Pantry Campaign, where volunteers were encouraged to bring items to donate to the Williams-Ross Purple Pantry. Volunteers received a free Yam Jam t-shirt, and had the opportunity to tie-dye their shirts after they finished their volunteer shift. D.J. Justin Waters from CRW provided music from the volunteer location throughout the day.

Sponsors included the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and ECU’s Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, College of Business, Campus Recreation and Wellness, ECU Sustainability, and the Student Engagement Office.

“Yam Jam is one of the most fun events CLCE plans each year and we are so grateful for our wonderful campus and community partners that help make it happen! It really is wonderful to see faculty, staff, and students volunteer together each year for this event. Yam Jam represents the best of Pirate Nation as we continue to strive for regional transformation and upholding our mission of Servire.” - Alex Dennis, Senior Assistant Director in the CLCE

Student Affairs Conference Presentations

NCACE (North Carolina Association of Colleges and Employers)

The NCACE Leadership Institute was a 2-day intensive experience in March designed to provide NCACE (North Carolina Association of Colleges and Employers) members with the key strategies and techniques to effectively run an organization and to provide professional development for those who find themselves in a leadership role or have leadership aspirations. In this dynamic and collaborative experience, participants were offered the opportunity to learn common approaches, tools, and methods used by professionals across North Carolina for developing staff and enhancing organizations.

Career Services involvement in the Leadership Institute is listed below:

• Suzanne Vinson - NCACE Leadership Institute Planning Committee
• Tom Halasz - Panel Speaker
• Crystal Howard - True Colors Personality Assessment Facilitator
• Marilynn Brimmage - Participant
• Rachel Person - Participant
• Lina Rios - Participant

ECU at NASPA 2024

Mark Rasdorf, Helen Mulhern Halasz, and Dennis McCunney, accompanied by undergraduates Iyaira Williams and Jonathan Coleman, attended the NASPA annual conference in Seattle in March 2024. Over 6,500 higher education and student affairs leaders were in attendance at this annual gathering of the largest professional association for Student Affairs Educators. ECU staff members led four different presentations at both the international symposium pre-conference and main conference. In total, more than 150 people attended these ECU-led sessions at the conference.

ECU Staff & Student Presentations:

“Making Institutional Changes for Campus Inclusion: Using the INSPIRES Campus Climate Index”

• Laura Dahl, Research Director, The Ohio State University-Main Campus
• Renee Bowling, PhD Candidate, The Ohio State University-Main Campus
• Dennis McCunney, Intercultural Affairs, East Carolina University
• Jossie Munoz, Lab Director, The Ohio State University-Main Campus

“Exploring the Intersection of LGBTQ Identities and Faith Traditions”

• Dennis McCunney, Intercultural Affairs, ECU
• Mark Rasdorf, Peel LGBTQ Center, ECU

“Student and Alumni Reflections on Global Fair Trade Learning Experiences”

• Dennis McCunney, Intercultural Affairs, ECU
• Iyaira Williams, Undergraduate Student, ECU

“Six Tools for Training and Development Success Stories”

• Helen Mulhern Halasz, Assessment, Research, and Planning, ECU
• Brian Regan, Residential Life, Boston College

Helen Mulhern Halasz was also involved at the Annual Conference with her on-going work on the NASPA Student Affairs Educator Certification Advisory Group. The Advisory Group has developed training materials, presented webinars and conference programs for NASPA members to learn more about certification options. Certification is a partnership initiative offering a core and six speciality certifications coordinated by the Higher Education Consortium for Student Affairs Educator Certification. The first cohort of Certificants, which includes Helen, was recognized at a reception in Seattle.

Student Reflections on the Conference:

“As I reflect back on the NASPA conference, I can truly say it has been life changing. I say this because prior to the conference, I was almost certain that I did not want anything to do with higher education as a career. Now, being able to see the different areas that are offered within the field, I am convinced that this is where I belong in my evolving career. I am very appreciative of the opportunity – and especially to Dr. Erik Kneubuehl – to help me network with the higher education community. There is a true sense of family and deep passion for others to succeed within it.” - Jonathan Coleman

"Going to the annual NASPA conference for the 2nd year as an undergraduate student has been an amazing opportunity! Being able to collaborate on a presentation with Dr. Dennis McCunney about an international trip that changed my life for the better was an idea that I never thought would happen. Being so young in my professional journey and having the supportive leadership that prepared me, encouraged me, and supported me through this process is something that I am extremely grateful for; as I know that this is a somewhat atypical experience for an undergraduate student. From the International Symposium, to the sessions, to exploring the city of Seattle; I had such a positive experience. All had inspiring words of wisdom, were eager to share their stories, and were so excited for me to be an emerging professional in the student affairs profession. I also met some Pirate Alums! I have immense gratitude for ECU and CLCE for fostering my growth as a leader and empowering me as both a person and professional where I was able to participate in this wonderful experience. I am thrilled to enter this profession where I can soon positively influence the students I work with, the way that those at ECU have positively influenced me!" - Iyaira Williams

ACUI (Association of College Unions International National Conference)

The educational session “Welcoming Design for Everyone: Five Tips for Designing Campus Spaces That Foster Inclusion” was co-presented by Dean Smith, Gabriel Lemus, Mark Rasdorf, and Jeff Stebar of Perkins and Will at the Association of College Unions International National Conference in Denver, Colorado on March 25th with over 100 people in attendance. ACUI is focused on the work of those within the college unions and student activities field and strives to provide an inclusive, welcoming community for all.

Description:

Today’s college union must be welcoming to everyone. The 21st Century student union should be designed as the campus’ common ground, and free of unintended barriers—both physical and emotional. Based on decades of lessons learned by student life practitioners and design professionals, this session will present concepts, ideas, and solutions that create inclusive environments where the entire campus community feels welcome. Five specific strategies for creating spaces that blend the privacy requirements of affinity-based “cultural homes” with the openness of the public realm were discussed in detail.

CLCE

Alex Dennis and Dennis McCunney served as presenters for the "Practicing Democracy" virtual workshop series through the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). On April 8, they presented on the topic of "Organizing Community Dialogues," addressing how you can build an inclusive culture on campus that values diverse opinions, organizing community deliberative dialogues, and creating conversations to build healthy relationships.

Women's Leader Panel

In March, the ECU Staff Senate Diversity Committee, the Women and Gender Office hosted a roundtable discussion with women leaders at ECU about advancing opportunities through care and belonging. Included in this discussion from Student Affairs was Dr. Lanika Wright, associate vice chancellor of Health and Well-Being.

ECU SGA Hosts Association of Student Governments

Established in 1971, The University of North Carolina Association of Student Governments (UNC ASG) is a student-led organization committed to advocacy work on behalf of students within the UNC System. UNC ASG held the 53rd leadership elections on the campus of East Carolina University on March 22 -23.

ECU Student Government Association Director, Cameron Brown, was elected as the President for the 53rd Session of the University of North Carolina Association of Student Governments. In this role, he will serve as a member of the UNC Board of Governors. Mr. Brown will be a Spring 2024 graduate in Community and Regional Planning with a minor in Construction Management and holding a GIS certificate. Post graduation, he will be pursuing a master's in public administration at UNC Chapel Hill.

Pirate Nation Gives 2024

Pirate Nation Gives 2024 is in the books and Student Affairs had its strongest year ever. With 387 total donors and 526 gifts during the 24-hour period, the SA division led the university and raised $159,176 including several matching gifts that were unlocked throughout the day.

The Club Sports Challenge was a new divisional initiative which garnered over 300 donors for club sports teams. This was an innovative and creative way to engage these clubs, fans, parents and supporters. Club Sports teams also secured the university first gift challenge just after midnight and the last gift challenge just before midnight earning additional bonus money.

In addition to the Club Sports Challenge, Student Affairs also had three big divisional challenges tied to our priorities which proved successful:

VCSA Mental Health and Well-Being Endowment

• Donor Goal was set at 25 – We totaled 29 donors giving to the fund raising $1,925.

AKA Theta Alpha Scholarship

• Donor Goal was set at 16 – We hit that donor total on the number and raised $6,674.

Hunger Initiatives Support Fund

• Donor Goal was set at 15 – We exceeded the mark by having 17 donors giving to the fund raising $13,325.

New Hires, Promotions, and Retirements

New Hires

Linda Bell – Campus Living

Linda Bell joined Campus Living in April as the new Administrative Support Associate for Housing Operations. She completed her bachelor’s in Nutrition Science from East Carolina University in 2017 and has maintained a presence on campus by participating in campus ministry. Linda grew up in Newton Grove, North Carolina, and is of Guatemalan descent. Outside of work, she loves traveling, photography, music and spending time with her family and dogs, Harper and Cisco.

Patsy Hudson – ECU Transit

As the Assistant Director for ECU Transit, Patsy Hudson will oversee the daily operations of student transit, including dispatch, safety and compliance, fixed route, and demand response operations. Patsy comes to ECU from Pitt County Schools Transportation Department with over twenty years of experience safely transporting students and managing operations. She enjoys spending time with her children and four grandchildren in her free time.

Kristen Riggs – Campus Living

Kristen Riggs joined the Campus Living family Spring 2024. She is a native of Greenville, NC and has spent 14 years in healthcare as a Respiratory Therapist. After leaving healthcare, Kristen enjoyed roles in leadership and management. Kristen has over 20 years of experience providing quality customer service, as she is passionate about helping and supporting others. Kristen is very grateful to be part of the East Carolina University community and to assist Pirate Nation.

Ellison Taylor – Student Health Services

Ellison Taylor joined Student Health Services as a Professional Nurse where she will serve the student body by providing quality, whole-body care and by meeting the needs of her patients.

She worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at ECU Health Medical Center before this role and graduated from ECU as an Honors College member.

Ellison is from Stantonsburg, NC and a proud Pirate. In her spare time, she enjoys attending ECU sporting events, playing with her dog, and going to the beach.

Daniel Laymon - Student Affairs Technology Services

Daniel Laymon joined Student Affairs Technology Services (SATS) in April 2024. He will be the primary lead for all IT support for Campus Living and Dining and serve a secondary role for Transit’s IT support. Daniel will work collaboratively with Student Affairs’ departments, SATS, ITCS, vendors and university resource partners to manage Campus Living, Dining and Transit’s major technology systems, workstation support, and associated technical infrastructure.

Daniel has worked for ECU at the School of Dental Medicine for 9 years as a Tech Support Technician supporting the EHR software, axiUm. He covered a wide range of Information Technology services in his time at SoDM from tech support to data analysis. Daniel graduated from ECU with a B.S. in Business Administration – Management and is currently attending ECU as a graduate student pursuing an MBA.

Daniel is married to his amazing wife Katherine of almost 10 years, who works as a Nurse Educator at ECU Health, and two beautiful daughters Palmer (5) and Maisie (2). They live in Winterville now, both Kat and Daniel are originally from the Raleigh/Wendell area. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, taking day trips to the beach, fishing, and following sports. Go Pirates!

Promotions

• Greg Corack – Campus Recreation & Wellness Director – March 16
• John Bradley – Technology Client Support Manager – April 1
• LaShae Wilson – Director of Student Health Services – April 1
• Gretchen Brockmann – Director of Housing Operations for Campus Living – April 8

Retirements

• Darlene Langley – Campus Living Student Services Specialist – February 29