First Monday AN UPDATE FROM THE PROVOST | NOVEMBER 2025

GUEST SPOT:

A Message from Associate Provost for Learner Operations, Dr. Allen O. Guidry

Student Success has been ECU’s commitment for many years, but never before has it been as important to our fiscal health. Aside from helping ensure sustained enrollment headcount and SCH generation, key indicators like retention and persistence have significant effects on key performance metrics like four-year graduation rate, time-to-degree, and even student debt at graduation. Over the last several years our student success teams across Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, IPAR, Advancement, and our colleges have taken on various initiatives to improve our retention and persistence rates. Thanks to coordinated efforts by our student success staff and the response by our faculty to increase usage of important tools like ECU Connect, we have seen steady improvements and taken greater strides toward being a national model of student success.

But… initiatives will only carry us so far. We can only realize the full benefit of the expertise and efforts of all our people at ECU to student success through coordinated and systemic change. That is why in Fall 2024, the divisions of Academic and Student Affairs collaborated to launch our ECU Student Success Ecosystem. Born in response to a charge from Chancellor Rogers, this is an effort to bring together representatives from every corner of our campus to collaboratively address key student success areas and to provide a holistic framework for building a national model of student success. Over the past year, five Student Success Ecosystem teams have been formed and are working on immediate actions to help position us for improvements across the landscape of student success. As Mark Bowler, Allen Guidry, Chris Stansbury, and Ying Zhou oversee as the Student Success Ecosystem “Leads,” here is what each team is working on right now:

Advising Standardization

Champions: Angela Anderson and Allen Guidry

Current actions: Launched an Advising Syllabus to map expectations of both students and advisors as a way to standardize and define the advising experience. Completed an initial set of Standard Operating Procedures to make more consistent the student advising experience across academic programs. Soft launched the new Learner 360 and Advising 360 portals in MAP, COB, and HHP to create a consistent engagement interface for advisors and students. All other professional academic advising centers will launch in January 2026.

Earned Credit Hour Benchmarking

Champions: André Green and Karen Kus

Current actions: Identifying key barriers and issues prohibiting students from meeting key earned credit hour benchmarks (30 earned credit hours after year 1, 60 earned credit hours after year 2, etc.) throughout their time at ECU. Reporting observations that will lead to subsequent action around things like course scheduling, registration, waitlist utilization, incoming dual enrollment credit, etc.

Retention Benchmarking

Champions: Elizabeth Coghill and Lauren Thorn

Current actions: Identified key actions and markers during the academic year that impact student first to second year retention. Developing a model where historic trends can be reported to colleges and departments, benchmark goals can be set, and progress toward those goals can be monitored for targeted action. Key next steps include creation of an ECU Connect dashboard that will simplify reporting and data sharing and exploration, with Faculty Senate input and engagement, of a campus-wide mid-term grade process.

Strategic Scholarships

Champions: Kendra Alexander, Todd Fraley, and Summer Edwards

Current actions: Using data around unused scholarship funds, created an SOP for scholarships to be administered through the ECUAward Portal with CornerStone training for evaluators. This will ultimately allow the campus to optimize financial aid packaging to benefit, and ultimately yield and retain, more students.

Transfer Pathways

Champions: Amy Frank and Stephanie Whaley

Current actions: Developed and working with Faculty Senate to approve the Undergraduate Transfer Articulation and Evaluation SOP to ensure compliance to UNC system policy and to provide a mechanism for attracting transfer students and helping them to timely degree completion. The team continues to identify and seek solutions to barriers in transfer enrollment.

A website is under construction to (a) outline and report on current actions of the teams and (b) provide an opportunity for campus feedback and requests for engagement in the work. There will also be a report to Faculty Senate on November 4 on the progress of the work.

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BY THE NUMBERS

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IPAR DATA BYTE

Did you know that Fall 2025 census day was on September 8, 2025? Data from that census snapshot are now available in the IPAR Business Intelligence App. Visit the App to view the latest data on admissions, enrollment, and student persistence rates.

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AROUND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

LEARNER OPERATIONS

November Pirate360 Update

Many of you are already familiar with ECU’s ongoing work on Pirate360, one of our initiatives to enhance student success with your expertise and collaboration. Pirate360 is a student success CRM platform that drives innovation in academic support, career readiness, and collaboration — empowering our leaner support teams to make a greater impact.

On October 28, 2025, ECU’s Experiential Learning360 interface launched. Training opportunities are being offered initially to project team members. Additional training dates and times for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 will be shared via college Experiential Learning360 Advocates. Tune in for further discussion on how the interface supports the One ECU mission!

Following our Fall soft launch to MAP, COB, and HHP, ECU’s Advising360 interface will officially launch for all campus Professional Advisors and Specialty Advisors on February 3, 2026, with a go-live for all campus student learners on February 10, 2026. Spring Go-Live training sessions for Advising360 will be available starting the week of January 11, 2026, and will continue through the week of February 1, 2026. Registration for these sessions will be offered in Cornerstone.

Watch for more details about our February Go-Live and discover how you and your teams can engage with Pirate360 and its connected interfaces.

STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS SERVICES

ECU CONNECT

Dylan Moore, Dr. Elizabeth Coghill, and Dr. Allen Guidry represented ECU at EAB’s October CONNECTED25 national conference, which focused on best practices for early alert systems. ECU was honored as a finalist for the Technology Pioneer Award and was selected to showcase an artifact of practice. Additionally, Moore and Coghill were invited to present alongside Syracuse University and Holyhoke College in the session titled Faculty-Led Intervention with Starfish and Navigate360, where they highlighted how ECU has increased overall faculty engagement with ECU CONNECT by 309% and shared early alert best practices.

Why the Final ECU CONNECT Survey Matters

• Survey Name: Succeed - Finishing the Semester Strong
• Open Date: November 19, 2025
• Deadline 1 Date: December 3, 2025
• Close Date: December 8, 2025

As we approach the end of the semester, the Final ECU CONNECT Survey gives students a chance to pause, reflect, and reset. This survey isn’t just about collecting data, it’s about helping every Pirate finish the semester strong.

For students who’ve had a great semester, this is a moment to celebrate progress and set goals for even greater success ahead. For those who may have faced challenges, it’s a reminder that there’s still time to finish strong during finals and build a solid foundation for Spring 2026. Every response helps us create a more connected, supportive, and successful Pirate community.

Academic feedback through ECU CONNECT and Resource Referrals like the Pirate Academic Success Center are encouraged throughout November. Faculty are also welcome to raise individual flags at any time by logging into ECU CONNECT and selecting specific students outside of the survey period.

Let’s finish this semester with purpose and start the next one even stronger.

October 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 your commitment to student success!

• Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences: Hanna Kassab, Chaniqua Simpson, Lisa Ellison
• College of Business: Cynthia O’Halloran, Merl Ewais, Scott Dellana
• College of Fine Arts & Communication: Matthew Jones, Navid Bargrizan, Borim Song
• College of Health and Human Performance: Julie Kulas, Ashley Norris, Josh Pandullo
• College of Engineering and Technology: Melinda Doty, Christopher Venters, David Hart
• College of Nursing: Janet Tillman, Lisa Wilcox, Madeline Fernandez
• College of Allied Health Sciences: LaToya Waddell, Emily Brewer, Nikki Hancock
• College of Education: Danielle Dietz, Dawne Coker, Monica Gonzalez

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

PASC (PIRATE ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER)

Staff Honor Tutors and Success Coaches

The Pirate Academic Success Center celebrated National Tutor Appreciation Week from October 6–10. Throughout the week, center staff recognized Tutors and Success Coaches for their exceptional commitment to fostering student achievement and academic excellence.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our Tutors and Success Coaches for their support of their peers through tutoring, academic coaching, study groups, skills-building workshops, and test preparation. Beyond academics, they actively contribute to campus engagement by participating in campus events, delivering class presentations, and collaborating with faculty.

Through their service, the PASC Tutors and Success Coaches develop leadership, communication, and professional skills, and work to acquire new competencies that prepare them for future career success. This semester, the Pirate Academic Success Center has more than 140 Peer Tutors and Success Coaches contributing to ECU’s mission of advancing student success.

SASS SUCCESS LEARNING COMMUNITY

Inspiring the Next Generation: Nursing Professionals Share Their Journeys with Pre-Nursing Students

The Student Academic Success Services (SASS) Success Learning Community recently hosted an engaging Nursing Panel led by our COAD instructor and Nursing Academic Advisor, Matthew Passwater, as part of the COAD 1000 course. The event provided first-year pre-nursing students with valuable insight into the field and a deeper understanding of the academic and professional pathways available in nursing.

The panel featured four panelists, including Misty Brown (ECU College of Nursing), Paige Mintz (ECU College of Nursing), Sarah Tripp (ECU Health), and Dr. Kimberly Delgado (ECU College of Nursing) who shared their personal journeys, professional nursing experiences, and advice for future nurses. Each panelist discussed their educational background, degrees, and credentialing, as well as the important steps they took to reach their current positions in the healthcare field.

Students were highly engaged throughout the session, asking meaningful and thought-provoking questions about nursing school, work-life balance, clinical experiences, and career growth. The discussion allowed students to connect classroom learning with real-world application while gaining encouragement and direction from professionals who have walked the path they are just beginning.

The Success Learning Community extends gratitude to Nursing Academic Advisor, Matthew Passwater and all the panelists for their time, insight, and inspiration.

ACADEMIC ADVISING AND SUPPORT

Pre-Professional Advisors: Briley Brand, Brandon Jones, Terra Jones, and Elizabeth McAllister attended the 28th Annual Pre-Health Advisors Conference co-hosted by the Brody School of Medicine and ECU School of Dental Medicine October 10-11, 2025. Advisors learned about advances in digital dentistry, financing professional education, updates in admission, toured facilities, and talked with students.

ECU School of Dental Medicine alumni, Dr. Evan Arthur and Dr. Chelsea Hartsell Arthur are partnering with Pre-Professional Advising to offer a post-baccalaureate, pre-dental internship to an ECU student planning to take a gap year before attending dental school.

OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL AID

Staff have been busy doing outreach events in support of the 2026-27 FAFSA, which launched ahead of the scheduled October 1 opening. For students starting in Fall 2026, our Priority FAFSA deadline continues to be March 1. We expect to begin receiving submitted 2026-27 FAFSA data by January, initiating communication with students and families if additional information might be needed before we can award them.

The office has begun processing aid profiles for Pirates returning to ECU, incoming Spring 2026 students, and current ECU Undergraduate students advancing in December, from undergraduate to graduate studies in January, on Wednesday, October 29. Spring aid is awarded based on the 2025-26 FAFSA, and packages are manually prepared. As of this writing, we have over 225 students in the initial queue to be awarded.

In early November, the Office of Student Financial Aid will be reaching out to Academic Advisors and faculty with Advising duties to share the regulations regarding maximum timeframe for financial aid for achieving the degree of record. The rule is that students may be funded for no more 150% of the credit hours required to earn the degree of record. For undergraduates, the maximum is 180 hours attempted for a 120-credit hour degree. To that end, we will be sharing with the Advisors the “Advisor Assessment” form for them to share and complete with students as they begin to work out their spring 2026 class schedules. The rest of the Satisfactory Academic Progress is discussed on our website.

Team changes:

While we have active searches underway to fill multiple vacancies in the office, we’d like to welcome: Teresa Morris, Administrative Support Specialist (Processing) and Alison Robbins, Account Technician, to our team. We’d also like to recognize LaToya Cannon’s transition from a Counselor to our Assistant Director of Federal Programs.

OFFICE OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS

Congratulations to Jami Leibowitz on being named President of the International Virtual Exchange Consortium (IVEC) for 2026-27. IVEC, whose mission is to extend ‘authentic opportunities for intercultural and transnational learning to students within the curriculum’ of university classrooms, hosts the world’s largest and most prominent event on virtual exchange and the use of technology in international education. Jami has been a true international leader in the expanding field of technology-enabled, interactive, project-based, engaged global learning for many years.

Have you connected your class with students abroad, or are you interested in trying it? Join us for the COIL Showcase to hear ECU faculty from HCAS, CFAC, COE and HHP share their experiences and practical tips on integrating Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) into their courses. Faculty already engaging in global collaborations in their classrooms are especially encouraged to attend and share their own insights. You'll also learn about internal funding and support available to help you develop your own COIL projects. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 12:00 - 1:30 pm, Brewster B 203. A light lunch will be provided so register now!

Join us November 18 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 class followed by a multi-course dinner. Proceeds benefit international education at ECU. Tickets can be purchased through November 10!

International Education Week (IEW) is a joint initiative of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the Association of International Education Administrators designed to promote programs that prepare US students for a global environment and to attract top international students to study in the US. This year, ECU’s IEW events geared toward faculty and staff include:

• Parade of Flags (11/17)
• Global Gathering (11/17)
• 9th Annual International Award Ceremony (11/17),
• An Evening in Tuscany: Italian Cooking Class and Dinner (11/18)
• COIL Showcase (11/19)
• International Students: Advisor’s Roundtable (11/19)
• International Potluck (11/19)
• Walk-in Passport Fair (11/21)

Check out a full schedule of ECU’s IEW events, including those focusing on student engagement.

Upcoming Global Affairs Events and Activities:

• International Happy Hour: November 11, 5:00 - 6:30PM. Aji - 801 Dickinson Ave.

OFFICE FOR FACULTY EXCELLENCE

This academic year the 7th CourseFIT cohort will begin an intensive online course redesign program that will result in Quality Matters (QM) Certification for a selected course. Each year, the Office for Faculty Excellence and the ITCS Learning Technologies team partner to provide support to faculty who wish to seek excellence in online course design and pursue this nationally recognized QM designation. The 2025-2026 CourseFIT participants include Jihoun An (College of Health and Human Performance), Jessica Fabbricatore (College of Fine Arts and Communication), Allison Fears (College of Education), Guangxiao Hu (College of Arts and Sciences), Yilei Huang (College of Engineering and Technology), BJ Kim (College of Engineering and Technology), Devlyn McCreight (College of Education), Morteza Nazari Heris (College of Engineering and Technology), Olga Smirnova (College of Arts and Sciences), and Jake van der Kolk (College of Arts and Sciences).

Andrew Horne (Learning Technologies) received the UNC System QM Council QM Coordinator of the Year award in September. Andrew has been a dedicated member of the UNC System QM Council for many years and a QM Coordinator since 2019. He is a leader for QM on our campus and in North Carolina, and has been integral in helping ECU faculty obtain QM certification for 87 courses.

ONLINE LEARNING, ACADEMIC OUTREACH AND ACADEMIC INNOVATION

From Friday, October 3 through Sunday, October 5, ECU ‘s Office of Online Learning, Academic Outreach, and Academic Innovation (OLAOAI) hosted a vendor booth at the North Carolina Seafood Festival in Morehead City, NC. Stephanie Whaley, Director of Non-Traditional/Post-Traditional Enrollment, led the recruitment efforts in coordination with the ECU Strategic Enrollment Management Non-traditional/Post-Traditional (NTPT) Committee and the ECU Board of Visitors. Our team connected with 1,068 prospective students during the multi day event. Special thanks to the following volunteers contributing their time to the tremendous success of the event:

• Lynn Lang, ECU Board of Visitors
• Nicholas Wilson, ECU Board of Visitors
• Holly Buck, ECU NTPT Committee
• Jennifer Cabacar, ECU NTPT Committee
• Ethan Gaskins, ECU NTPT Committee

OFFICE FOR RESEARCH, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND ENGAGEMENT

LICENSING AND COMMERCIALIZATION

Innovators of the Month for October: Dr. Stephanie George and Dr. Jason Yao

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 NC and beyond. Nominees are selected by members of the ECU Patent Committee.

Each year, more than 10 million individuals in the U.S. receive post-acute or long-term home health care. One of the most significant challenges in this setting is the development of pressure injuries. To improve early detection and intervention, Drs. George and Yao, with support from graduate student Brittany Trotter, are developing a novel device designed to measure and predict pressure injuries in at-home patients. Their ultimate goal is for this device to become the gold standard for home health assessment.

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

Innovation Academy – Final Presentations: Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 3–5 p.m. at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium – Club Level

The Innovation Academy helps early-stage innovators transform bold ideas into market-ready products and services. This year, eight talented teams will showcase their innovative solutions, addressing challenges that range from developing new toothpaste additives to improving patient experiences in hospitals and combating gambling addiction. Register online.

Ideas Over Lunch Forum: Tuesday, Nov. 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m., with networking from 11:30 a.m. to noon, at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium – Club Level

As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, ECU’s Office of Licensing & Commercialization will host the inaugural Ideas Over Lunch Forum at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium – Club Level. The event will explore how innovation can shape the future of our campus and region. The forum will feature video messages from Dr. Paul Sanberg, founder of the National Academy of Inventors, and Dr. Steve Susalka, CEO of the Association of University Technology Managers, and a dynamic panel discussion featuring Dr. Stella Vnook, CEO of Likarda, a company pioneering cell-based therapies and encapsulation technologies for regenerative medicine, and Dr. Deanna Meador, CEO of Couture Technologies, an AI-powered clothing company that raised over $1.5 million in under eight hours. Register online (space is limited).

SBIR/STTR Workshop: Wednesday, Nov. 19, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at Eastern AHEC

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants play a vital role in advancing early-stage innovations from concept to commercialization. These competitive federal programs provide critical non-dilutive funding that helps researchers and entrepreneurs validate ideas, develop prototypes, and demonstrate market potential. To support ECU faculty who are partnering with companies pursuing SBIR/STTR funding, as well as those planning to form new ventures, the Office of Licensing & Commercialization will host an SBIR/STTR Grant Writing Workshop featuring ECU alumna Dr. Kelsey McLaughlin from Eva Garland Consulting, a firm that has successfully assisted clients in securing and managing hundreds of grants and contracts, totaling over $2 billion. Register online.

CONTINUING AND 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, please 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.

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.

On Oct. 10 LLP Participants ventured to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to learn about its rich history, ecosystems and wildlife. The trip was guided by the team at ECU’s Coastal Studies Institute.

Featured LLP Offerings:

• Courses offered this fall will cover topics like creative arts, culture & religion, healthy aging and retirement, history, science and government, technology, literature and more. Our next major LLP course will be ECU’s Coastal Studies Institute presentation of Fantastic Fliers.
• Lifelong Learning Holiday Dinner and Greenville Choral Society Concert, Saturday, Dec. 6. We invite you to celebrate the season with us at a holiday-inspired catered dinner. A festive evening of food, music and holiday cheer is the perfect way to connect with others who love the spirit of the season and the magic of holiday choral music. This evening promises laughter, warmth and memories to last all season long.
• The GlasStation Glassblowing Experiences. In collaboration with the ECU GlasStation and the ECU SOAD, CPE 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 on the CPE website. Glassblowing experiences in November and December include glass ornaments and glass garden balls.

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 artists 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.

Finance for Non-finance Roles (College of Business)

Beginning Nov. 14, the Finance for Non-finance Roles course will teach fundamental financial knowledge to those without a background in finance or accounting. This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and essential tools to understand and use key financial reports, including financial statements and budgets.

The outcome of this course will be the foundation of understanding financial reports and terminology as well as awareness of how to use this information in decision-making and evaluation of financial forecasts. Sign up on the CPE website.

21st Century Leadership Program

The 21st Century Leadership micro-credentialing program is a seven-course series focused on developing critical capabilities needed to grow an individual's impact as a leader. It is designed to equip current and aspiring leaders with the understanding, skills and tools to lead strategically. They will learn to build a team or organization that is goal-focused and vision-driven while creating an environment for people to thrive, grow and contribute.

Upon completion of the workshop series, participants will engage in a series of coaching sessions designed to create a leadership development plan specific to their challenges and opportunities. Courses can be taken individually or as a series leading to credentialing as a 21st Century Leader through the ECU College of Business. Workshops begin in January. For more information or to sign up visit the CPE website.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

The Career and Technical Education Administrator has the responsibility of implementing a high quality CTE program that prepares all students to be college and career ready. To succeed, the program administrator must provide effective leadership in the areas of Accountability; Fiscal Management and Compliance; Curriculum and Instruction; Community Involvement and Partnerships; and Human Resources. Understanding the internal and external influences of each aspect allows the CTE Administrator the ability to develop and implement a comprehensive CTE vision and strategic plan that prepares all students for post-secondary education and career success. This course will look specifically at each aspect and how they relate to the local CTE program. Learn more!

Microcredentials Through ECU

ECU’s Office of Continuing & Professional Education is seeking proposals from faculty and staff for microcredentials at ECU.

DATA GOVERNANCE STEERING COMMITTEE

ECU’s Data Literacy and Education Program is now available through Cornerstone.

We are pleased to announce the launch of ECU’s Data Literacy and Education Program, now available through Cornerstone. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a data-informed culture across the university. As higher education becomes increasingly data-driven, it is essential that our community understands how to responsibly use, interpret, and protect institutional data. This program, developed by the Data Governance Steering Committee (DGSC) and the Data Stewardship Committee (DSC), is designed to build that competency.

Now Available: Competency Level 1 – Institutional Data Foundations

This foundational level includes four engaging video modules listed below. Upon completion, learners will gain a deeper understanding of how ECU’s data supports strategic goals, how data is classified and governed, and how it flows through its lifecycle - from collection to preservation.

• Data Governance
• Institutional Data and the Strategic Plan
• Data Classifications
• Data Lifecycle

Who Should Participate?

This training is open to all ECU Faculty and Staff. Whether you are a data steward, supervisor, or simply interested in improving your data fluency, this program is for you. Supervisors are encouraged to assign these modules to their teams to support professional development and informed decision-making. The training is also open to Student Employees so please share this with any you may feel would benefit from the training.

How to Access

Visit Cornerstone and search for “Data Literacy” to begin. Each module includes a short quiz, and completing all modules in a competency level signifies mastery.

This is just the beginning. More competency levels will follow, covering topics such as data regulation, discovery and evaluation, and storytelling. We appreciate your commitment to data excellence at ECU. Together, we can ensure that our data is used ethically, effectively, and in alignment with our mission. Go Pirates!

FACULTY SENATE

2025 - 2026 Faculty Senate meeting dates are as follows:

• 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

ECU Occupational Therapy students visited the School of Dental Medicine this month to assess first-year dental students’ grip and pinch strength, dexterity and sensation to point out strengths and areas for improvement before working with patients, as dental work can be tough on hands.

The opportunity benefitted both groups of students. Those in the OT program got a real-world opportunity to assess ‘patients’ and then provide the dental students with plans for improving hand strength and dexterity, which will help them to be ready for their clinical work.

Interprofessional opportunities like this are a win-win for East Carolina University students, but more importantly for the patients they will all one day serve.

A group of Physical Therapy students helped clean up the Greenville Greenway by picking up trash alongside the trails and the nearby roads. This trash clean-up event was organized by our PT Club to give back and to help keep our community clean.

One of East Carolina University’s missions is to transform health care, promote wellness and reduce health disparities. Our Student Run Clinic embodies that mission, putting Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students into direct contact with members of the local community through pro bono therapy here on campus.

During the 2024-25 fiscal year our Physical Therapy students facilitated 472 patient visits which saved them about $56,550 in specialty healthcare costs. Our Occupational Therapy students provided care during 267 visits, which adds up to about $30,600.

Our students are learning and preparing themselves for careers in health care, and in the process are changing lives and living the Pirate spirit of #Service to those in most need.

ARTS & SCIENCES

Faculty excellence honored through named professorships

Harriot College has appointed three faculty members to prestigious professorships that represent a breadth of knowledge and excellence in teaching and research within the arts and sciences. We are excited to announce the following distinguished professorships: Dr. Marame Gueye, a professor in the Department of English, as the Thomas W. Rivers Distinguished Professor for Global Understanding/International Studies; Dr. Javier Lorenzo as the McMahan Distinguished Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures; and Dr. Lester Zeager as the Harold C. Troxler Distinguished Professor in the Department of Economics. Each of the professorships will be held through the 2026 academic year. Discover why each faculty member is so deserving of the professorships.

French students study West African sacred objects at ECU

Dr. Renée Altergott, assistant professor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, recently led ECU students in her advanced French course, “Archives of the French Empire,” through an immersive experience they are sure to treasure. Students had the unique opportunity to study West African sacred objects from Senegal, the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of the Congo here on ECU’s campus, thanks to the Department of History and the Wellington B. Gray Gallery, where the artifacts are housed. “As educators, we see firsthand how impactful it is to have students engage with the peoples, cultures and histories related to the languages they are learning in class,” said Altergott. “In this case, for example, our advanced students got the opportunity to examine the artistry of African cultures up close simply by visiting the Gray Gallery. Thanks to the richness of its special collections and expert staff, our students were able to make meaningful connections to the French-speaking world by viewing West African cultural artifacts such as masks, statues and musical instruments that we are fortunate to have here on campus.”

Biologist’s genuine love of research to benefit others

Dr. Fidisoa “Fidy” Rasambainarivo, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, has been recognized for his research excellence as a recipient of the prestigious international Maxwell-Hanrahan Foundation Award. In a selfless act of generosity, he is donating much of the award money to support students and research at ECU. Originally from Madagascar, Rasambainarivo said the breadth of research at the university and within biology is one of the aspects that influenced his decision to come work for ECU in 2023. His research focuses on interactions between humans, domestic animals and wildlife in their natural environment, and how diseases are spread within these interfaces. Find out more about one of Harriot College’s champion researchers.

Harriot College announces Whichard Distinguished Professor in the Humanities

Harriot College will welcome Dr. Amy Wright of Saint Louis University as the David Julian and Virginia Suther Whichard Distinguished Professor in the Humanities this January 2026. Wright’s most recent teaching and research expertise examines Mexican and broader Hispanic cultural history through sound and serial storytelling — from corridos and radionovelas to telenovelas, comics, film/TV and podcasts. “I feel deeply honored and grateful. This distinguished professorship is both an affirmation of my work with Latin American/Spanish-speaking media and my passion to serve broader communities. I’m excited to join ECU to spotlight the value of languages, literatures and cultures — and to amplify the voices and artistic traditions of Spanish-speaking communities on campus and across the region,” she said. Wright will hold the professorship through May 2028 in Harriot College’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures in partnership with the Department of English. Read more about Wright’s goals for the Whichard Professorship.

Economics students benefit from annual symposium

The Department of Economics hosted its annual alumni and student symposium on October 23 in ECU’s Life Sciences and Biotechnology building. This year’s event highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of economics, with a specific focus on the field of environmental economics. To underscore this aspect, the symposium was co-hosted by the Departments of Biology, History, and Earth, Environment and Planning’s program in Environmental Studies. The featured guest speaker was Spencer Banzhaf. Banzhaf is an internationally known environmental economist, a professor at North Carolina State University and the author of “Pricing the Priceless: A History of Environmental Economics.” The event drew a capacity crown and was open to ECU students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

Cultural anthropologist selected for Faculty Innovator Program Ideas Lab

Dr. Cynthia Grace-McCaskey, associate professor in the Department of Anthropology, is one of 17 faculty members selected to participate in the Faculty Innovator Program Ideas Lab hosted by the National Science Foundation (NSF) National Center for Atmospheric Research. The Ideas Lab is a collaborative workshop for faculty to develop research proposals, often in partnership with other researchers, to address complex challenges or create innovative projects. The national recognition celebrates Grace-McCaskey’s innovative approach to research, teaching and collaboration and is the first step toward joining the 2026-28 Faculty Innovator cohort. “I’m very much looking forward to participating in this program and feel very honored to have been selected,” said Grace-McCaskey, who will attend the workshops later this month in Boulder, Colorado. Learn more about the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research.

BRODY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Innovation, research and service. That’s what impact the Brody School of Medicine is having across eastern North Carolina and beyond. Recently, the school celebrated a $1 million investment in its new Center for Medical Education, marked a major discovery in hypertension research, and welcomed back second-year students who had spread out to deliver hands-on care in clinics and hospitals throughout the state. Together, these stories highlight Brody’s mission to train the next generation of highly skilled North Carolina physicians and advance medical education and research.

Unfinished Center for Medical Education gets $1 million vote of support

The Golden LEAF Foundation has awarded East Carolina University and the medical school $1 million to support technology investments in its forthcoming Center for Medical Education. The center is a 195,000-square-foot, seven-story facility under construction and scheduled to open in 2027 that will nearly double the footprint of the existing medical school facility.

The funding will equip the center’s high-tech learning studio with 360-degree screens and software for a WhiteBox immersive simulation room, enabling hands-on clinical training through simulation technology.

Dr. Michael Waldrum, dean of the medical school and CEO of ECU Health, said the Golden LEAF award will help the medical school continue to build on its reputation for producing physicians who are prepared to provide health care in rural North Carolina.

“Healthy rural communities need access to excellent physicians, and no one does that better than ECU,” he said. “Golden LEAF is underlining an important aim — that this collective project be not just an expansion of physical space but an educational leap in addressing the needs of our students, our region and rural North Carolina.”

The expansion of learning space will enable an increase in class cohorts in the coming years. Incoming medical school classes will grow to 120 students over time, and the number of residents and fellows who can be trained at ECU will increase by 89 associates.

“We are proud to have a 100% residency match rate for our students. Brody students have a reputation for giving excellent, hands-on care to patients on Day 1 of residency. That’s not just great student recruitment. It’s a testament to the education that we offer here,” said Dr. Jason Higginson, Brody’s executive dean.

Researcher’s lab identifies ‘new therapeutic target’ for treating high blood pressure

Researchers at the medical school have identified a promising new therapeutic target for treating hypertension. The team, led by Dr. Srinivas Sriramula, focused on the kinin B1 receptor (B1R) in the brain. Their study, published in the journal Circulation Research, shows that B1R interacts with the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R)—a well-known target of current blood-pressure drugs—and that blocking B1R reduces high blood pressure and inflammation in animal models.

Hypertension remains one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke, and lifestyle changes or existing medications don’t work for all patients—particularly those with “neurogenic” hypertension driven by over-active sympathetic nervous system signaling.

But the ECU researchers observed that B1R is over-expressed in human hypertensive patients as well as in animal models, and that by inhibiting B1R, they can reduce blood-pressure levels and dampen inflammation in patients with sympathetic nervous system over-activity. Targeting the brain’s B1R signaling network would be a novel effective therapy for patients whose hypertension is resistant to standard drugs.

Publishing in Circulation Research is a remarkable “win” for the research team and authors, representing more than three years of work across multiple labs.

“It’s an amazing achievement,” said fellow Brody researcher Dr. Karen Litwa, “a testament to Dr. Sriramula’s strengths as a researcher, a mentor and collaborator. Graduate student Drew Theobald beautifully demonstrated how the brain changes in hypertension.”

“These research collaborations at the Brody School of Medicine are fueling discoveries that will impact patients in eastern North Carolina and beyond.”

Brody School alumni make perfect mentors for precepting second-year students

Medical students in their second year fanned out across the state last month to complete preceptorships with working physicians, many of whom are Brody School alumni. A preceptorship is an arrangement with a practicing physician, a “preceptor,” who guides students through hands-on training in a working clinical practice.

One such student was Brody Scholar Rebecca Cloninger, whose preceptor was OB-GYN Dr. Natalie Broadway (2019) at Catawba Valley Medical Center. “I got the chance to see more than 40 women in my preceptorship, all of whom had a strong relationship with their OB-GYN. Their providers were kind, compassionate, and deeply caring about the patients.”

The preceptorship week was the students’ first curricular clinical care experience in medical school with “real” patients and real conditions.

Another student, Tim Patron, worked beside Dr. David Gilbert (2010) at AccessMedicine, a family medicine practice in Williamston.

“Years ago, I was working in affordable housing development, focused on building communities that could help people thrive. I learned quickly that safe housing is just one part — many of the families we served were managing chronic illnesses made worse by limited access to care. That realization is what drew me here to the Brody School of Medicine.”

Patron said his aim as a physician is to build systems and develop relationships “that restore dignity and health to underserved communities,” and that eastern North Carolina is a fine place to train because it’s rural, and “too many patients travel hours to see a doctor or go without care altogether.”

Fellow student Angie Gibson can echo that. Gibson drove all the way to Ocracoke in the south Outer Banks — what may be the most rural clinic in the state — to work under Dr. Jeremy Sexton (2011).

“In a classic small-town fashion, I saw patients everywhere I went in Ocracoke. Whether I went to a restaurant, the thrift store, or the bookshop, I saw people I had met in clinic. Most of them recognized me and stopped to talk with me.

“And we completed a home visit for an elderly patient — that was something I never thought I would ever be able to do!”

RECOGNITIONS

Department of Pediatrics resident Dr. Maria Alejandra Canas-Galvas shared the findings of a study at the American Academy of Pediatrics’ National Conference & Exhibition in Denver that analyzed TikTok videos with dubious health claims. Analyzing videos with “natural” healing and “holistic” health hashtags, Dr. Canas-Galvas found a majority of medical and parenting videos shared on TikTok by non-medical professionals contained misinformation.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (Ozempic) and SGLT2 inhibitors (Jardiance) are approved for type 2 diabetes, but which works better to prevent catastrophic cardiovascular and kidney events? That’s what Dr. Shiv Patil (PI) in the Department of Family Medicine and his co-investigator Dr. Beatriz Ramirez (Endocrinology) want to know. They were approved for a research grant from Brigham and Women's Hospital to lead the ECU site for the PCORI-funded PRECIDENTD study, a collaboration with the East Carolina Diabetes & Obesity Institute.

Recently, the medical school, ECU Health, and the ECU Health Foundation celebrated 40 years of cardiovascular innovation, honoring pioneers who advanced heart and vascular care in eastern North Carolina. Two heart surgeons who have ushered in medical advancements and procedures that grew the institute’s national reputation have recently been named to distinguished professorships at East Carolina University, Dr. L. Wiley Nifong and Dr. Benjamin C. Degner. Their endowed professorships will support cutting-edge education, research, and global collaborations that strengthen ECU’s leadership in cardiovascular care and innovation.

BUSINESS

STUDENT SUCCESS

Aman Challenge showcases ECU student entrepreneurs

The entrepreneurial spirit filled the air on the East Carolina University Mall on Oct. 7 as 85 student teams representing 47 majors participated in the first round of the ninth annual Aman Pirate Challenge.

The Aman Pirate Challenge is ECU’s premier pitch competition and the largest of its kind in the UNC System. It’s open to any ECU student to participate. This year, it will award $250,000 in cash and in-kind services when the challenge winner is announced in April. Over $1 million in prizes have been awarded since its inception in 2018.

Networking competition allows students to make connections

It may seem like neuroscience and sales have nothing in common. Sophomore Diya Thaker dispelled those notions as she won the second annual Twilley Networking Challenge and a $3,000 prize with her elevator pitch on Sept. 30 in the Main Campus Student Center. Thaker bested nearly 60 East Carolina University students in the competition.

Supply chain summit provides industry exposure

At ECU’s first-ever Supply Chain Management Summit, nearly 250 students got a front-row seat as industry leaders shared real-world insights into logistics, procurement, analytics, and the evolving role of supply chains in global business. From startups to Fortune 500s, speakers emphasized that while supply chains are often hidden, their impact is felt everywhere—especially when they break down.

Cunanan Center helps COB students gain real-world insights

Twenty-four East Carolina University College of Business students recently traveled to Raleigh for a two-day professional development experience hosted by the Cunanan Center for Professional Success.

The trip provided opportunities for students to network with alumni, explore career paths and gain real-world insight into the business and technology industries. Students visited Brightly Software (Siemens), First Citizens Bank, UBS Financial Services, Lenovo, Aloft Raleigh-Durham Brier Creek and Sentinel Risk Advisors, where alumni shared lessons on leadership, perseverance and success.

ECU student named top Spencer scholar in the nation

East Carolina University senior Kooper Ashmore, a risk management and insurance major in the College of Business, has been recognized as the top Spencer scholar in the nation by the Spencer Educational Foundation, standing out among more than 600 applicants nationwide.

Students attend Council for Supply Chain Management Professionals international conference

Students from East Carolina University’s College of Business had a front-row seat to the global logistics landscape by attending a major international gathering of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. The experience provided them access to cutting-edge insights, networking with industry leaders, and exposure to real-world supply-chain challenges and solutions.

This kind of professional development helps prepare supply-chain majors for fast-moving careers where adaptability, data-savvy thinking, and strategic relationships matter.

RMI students polish professional skills at fall etiquette dinner sponsored by AmWins

At the recent fall etiquette dinner sponsored by AmWins, students in the Gamma Iota Sigma chapter of the Edward Williams College of Business’s Risk Management & Insurance (RMI) program gathered for an evening of polish, networking and confidence-building. Held at Julep Contemporary Kitchen inside the Greenville Hilton, the event featured professional head-shots, mingling with AmWins reps, and a guided multi-course dinner led by etiquette instructor Dr. Kathryn Carroll. This thoughtful experience gave students practical tools—from dinner-table decorum to meaningful conversations—to help them shine in internships, interviews and beyond.

REGIONAL TRANSFORMATION AND AWARDS

Advance Your Career with COB Professional Workshops

The College of Business’s Office of Expert Services is offering three upcoming workshops designed to build leadership and business skills for professionals at every level.

• On Nov. 14, Professor Mandi Peterson leads Finance for Non-Finance Roles, a one-day, $375 course (lunch included) for anyone seeking to better understand financial reports, budgets, and statements.
• On Dec. 5, join Dr. Michael Rodriguez for Introduction to Sales Leadership, a one-day workshop that helps sales professionals transition into leadership roles and manage high-performing teams.
• The 21st Century Leadership Micro-Credential Program rounds out the series with seven dynamic courses focused on strategic leadership, communication, and coaching—offered individually or as a full credential.

Twilley Academy of Sales Announces Strategic Partnership with Celonis

The Twilley Academy of Sales at East Carolina University has launched a strategic partnership with Celonis — a global leader in process mining and process intelligence. Through this collaboration, students in the Academy will gain access to internships, mentorships and full-time job opportunities, while also partnering in applied research and real-world, tech-enabled selling.

This alliance reinforces ECU’s commitment to equipping future sales professionals with cutting-edge tools and industry-driven experience so they’re prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Twilley Academy of Sales Leadership Joins the University Sales Center Alliance as an Associate Member

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.

Three members of the ECU College of Business family were recently recognized by the ECU Foundation for their leadership and service.

• Matt Slate, financial instructor in the College of Business and ECU alumnus (’96), received the Samuel J. Wornom, III Commitment Award for his ongoing dedication to the university and its mission.
• Taylor Chappell, who earned both her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting (2019) and Master of Science in Accounting (2020) from the College of Business, was honored with the Advocacy Award for her efforts in championing ECU’s values and initiatives.
• John May, a 1993 College of Business graduate, received the Advancement Award for his exceptional contributions in promoting and supporting the growth of ECU.

Their recognition reflects the lasting impact of College of Business alumni and faculty who continue to strengthen Pirate Nation through leadership, advocacy, and service.

DENTAL MEDICINE

Chadwick completes FDI term

Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine, recently completed his two-year term as president of the FDI World Dental Federation.

Through the experience, Chadwick shared the mission and vision of the dental school as it aligns with international efforts to promote oral health as a vital part of overall health — and bridged global ideas with parallel patient topics in eastern North Carolina and the state.

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, FDI leads the world to optimal dental health through policy, education and advocacy. FDI’s membership includes nearly 200 national member associations and specialist groups in more than 130 countries, making it the premier representative body for more than one million dentists worldwide.

“It was really special to carry ECU’s flag around the world,” Chadwick said after arriving back on campus following the September FDI World Dental Congress in Shanghai. “It was wonderful for ECU to have a seat at the table and be represented in the international conversations around oral health.”

Dental students receive occupational therapy tips

First-year dental students were visited in Ross Hall by occupational therapy students, who assessed them through activities measuring dexterity, grip and pinch strength and sensation. The OT students then provided the dental students personalized plans for improving hand strength ahead of their clinical experiences.

These interprofessional opportunities give students in ECU's health sciences disciplines unique experiences that will help them better care for their future patients.

Service League supports patient care

The Service League of Greenville presented a gift of $10,000 in support of the Laughinghouse Patient Care Fund, which provides Pitt County residents with financial assistance for oral health care at the dental school. The Service League consistently supports the school, helping make dental care available to those who need it, including veterans.

School hosts advisors’ conference

On October 10 and 11, the school hosted nearly 30 advisors and higher-ed professionals in Ross Hall from colleges and universities across North Carolina for the 28th Annual Pre-Health Advisors' Conference.

The School of Dental Medicine teamed up with the Brody School of Medicine to host the event in Ross Hall; the seminar's sessions include a demonstration in digital dentistry, information on advising and admissions, a student panel and additional insights from ECU dental and medical school leaders in admissions, student affairs and advising.

Alumni return for ‘Ask Me Anything’ event

Thanks to our alumni — Drs. Rudy Oxendine '21/PED '23, Kyle Given '15, Velvet Martin '19 and Kaitlyn Spencer '18. They returned to Ross Hall to share insights with our students as part of the American Student Dental Association’s “Ask Me Anything” event, in cooperation with the NC Dental Society. Events like these allow our alumni to share details about their journeys through dental school and their careers, while students learn more about potential paths.

16th District meeting

ECU had great representation at the 16th District meeting for the American Dental Association! Drs. LaJoi Wiggins '17, Amanda Greene Stroud '15, Credle Harris '15 and Victoria Hardy McGowen '22.

EDUCATION

The College of Education was able to increase the James and Connie Maynard Scholars program award from a $26,000 four-year scholarship to $40,000 thanks to the generosity of a new multi-million dollar commitment from the Maynard family. The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees, and also enables study abroad and study away experiences for Maynard Scholars. After graduation, recipients are expected to teach in a public, charter or government school in central or eastern North Carolina for four years.

For the second consecutive year, the ECU Community School has exceeded growth in the annual school performance data released by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. The school also saw growth in its math school performance grade, receiving a B with a score of 84, which is only one point away from an A. The school also exceeded growth in reading and met 100% of its participation goals in reading and math.

The ECU New Teacher Support Program (NTSP) coaches recently hosted a regional conference that brought together nearly 80 beginning teachers for a full day of professional development. Teachers traveled from Pitt, Tyrrell, Martin, Hyde, Craven and Beaufort counties to participate.

Over fall break, four undergraduate special education majors — Amanda Griffin, Shannon Smith, Kayla Ruffin and Anna Everette — traveled with Dr. Kristin Burnette to Carroll County Public Schools in Maryland. This district is widely recognized for its districtwide commitment to building and sustaining inclusive education for students with extensive support needs. The students were able to observe inclusive practices in action. As part of the experience, they attended a district-level planning meeting and visited with four schools and met with the district inclusion coaches after each visit to debrief.

The Center for STEM Education hosted an Open House event where individuals were able to explore the latest STEM resources and programs available through the STEM Center. Some of the highlights of the event were the STEM Lending Library Showcase, discussions about Science Olympiad and the AP Summer Institute, professional development opportunities, Summer Ventures program, Julia Robinson Family Math Night Kit, hands-on tech, and more!

Dr. Crystal Chambers is part of the inaugural cohort of ASHE Fellows, a group of 50 scholars being recognized for their integrity, advancement of knowledge, mentoring and service. She will officially be inducted as a fellow during the November ASHE 50th Annual Conference.

Over fall break, the college took 49 education students to New York City for an enrichment experience.

Dr. Xi Lin was invited to give a presentation to the local community titled “Applying DIgitial Literacy and AI to Your Job Search” by Koinonia Community Solutions.

Dr. Kawanna Bright received the 2025 Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) Excellence in Teaching Award.

The Rural Schools Collaborative highlighted the work that the science education program has done over the past several years. Over the past three years, ECU’s Rural Education Institute has offered scholarships enabling rural science teachers from Onslow and Pender counties in eastern North Carolina to participate in immersive study-abroad experiences in Belize and Mallorca, Spain. Fueled by a donation from the Smith family, the initiative expands on ECU’s Science Education Specialist Certification program. Teachers engage in hands-on field work, environmental study, and cross–cultural reflection — transforming not only their teaching practices but also their personal perspectives. After the trips, they complete advocacy projects, bringing renewed confidence and global awareness back into their rural classrooms.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Programs receive accreditation

Programs in the Department of Technology Systems received accreditation from the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering. Those accredited include undergraduate programs in design; distribution and logistics; industrial engineering technology; industrial technology; and information and cybersecurity technology; and graduate programs in information and cybersecurity technology; and technology management.

College honors excellence

The Robert E. and Betty S. Hill Recognition of Excellence Awards Ceremony honored scholarship recipients and donors on Oct. 17. Students received 79 scholarships totaling $147,000 for the 2025-26 academic year. Read more HERE.

Center receives EPA grant

The Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering received validation of its work to prevent pollution through a new $652,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. The center received grants totaling $1.2 million in 2023 and 2024 to help manufacturing facilities reduce or eliminate waste and pollutants from their processes. The result is improved profitability for the businesses and less pollution in the environment. Read more HERE.

PharmaFest brings career pathways to students

The Eastern Region Pharma Center, with support from the N.C. Biotechnology Center and the Golden LEAF Foundation, hosted PharmaFest in the Main Campus Student Center. Students from a variety of programs met with representatives from regional companies to discuss career pathways into the pharmaceutical industry. Read more HERE.

Expo features latest in construction technology

Construction management students learned about the latest technology in the industry during the CONTECH Expo in the Main Campus Student Center. Ten companies demonstrated how technology is making the construction industry more efficient and safer. Students tried out harnesses, robots, computer software and even a heavy equipment simulator. Read more HERE.

Tech conference includes students, faculty, alumni

Students, alumni and faculty from the Department of Technology Systems not only attended but also volunteered to work at the 2025 Triangle ISSA InfoSeCon Conference in Raleigh. Sponsored by the Information Systems Security Association, InfoSeCon is one of the largest computer information and cybersecurity conferences in the Southeast. Read more HERE.

Signing shows commitment to student success

ECU and Lenoir Community College officially cemented their commitment to student success with a bilateral agreement signing in the Science and Technology Building. The agreement guarantees LCC graduates who meet certain requirements admission into the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology program. Read more HERE.

Road to Recovery

A year after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of western North Carolina, the recovery efforts continue. Willow Kruse, a 2010 construction management graduate, is playing a prominent role in that recovery as she spearheads road repairs as a project manager for RS&H. Read more HERE.

FINE ARTS & COMMUNICATION

Art in the NC State Legislature

The College of Fine Arts and Communication is excited to share our collaboration with the North Carolina General Assembly to display CFAC student and alumni art in Raleigh. We thank Rep. Matthew Winslow (District 7 – Franklin/Vance Counties) for starting the conversation with the ECU Chancellor’s Office, then connecting with Dean Linda Kean to display student art in his office. Rep. Winslow is a 2000 ECU alum in urban and regional planning.

We delivered the art this summer, and earlier this semester visited Rep. Winslow with two of our now-alumni artists, as well as a third School of Art and Design alum, Afyana Daniel ’24. The artists and their pieces are:

• Kas Eastwood ’25 – “Alligator Shoes”
• Jesi Franklin ’25 – “Land-Ho”
• Bianca Gutierrez ’25 – “Florida Scrub Jay”

During our visit, staff and students also met with local legislators Rep. Gloristine Brown (District 8 – Pitt County), Rep. Timothy Reeder (District 9 – Pitt County), and Sen. Kandie Smith (District 5 – Edgecombe/Pitt Counties). We enjoyed robust conversation about art, our students’ goals, state legislative processes, and the potential to bring more art to the General Assembly. Our group even was present for, and recognized during, the short floor session scheduled that day (starting at 20:50).

We appreciate this opportunity to connect with state elected officials, and look forward to rotating the art on display, a great exhibition opportunity for our students.

Guest musician visit

The School of Music welcomed internationally celebrated performer and prize-winning cellist Gary Hoffman on campus in October.

Hoffman and pianist Chloé Jiyeong Mun performed a free and public concert, and Hoffman offered a free and public masterclass. You can catch the concert on replay on the School of Music YouTube channel.

Hoffman is visiting faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and serves as master in residence for cello at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Brussels. He was the first North American to win the Rostropovich International Cello Competition in 1986, and has appeared as a soloist and with national symphony orchestras; performs in major recitals, chamber music series and festivals; and leads masterclasses around the world.

Hosting guest artists is one of the ways we create exceptional experiences for our students, so they may have a multitude of ways to enhance their ECU education.

New CFAC blog

The College of Fine Arts and Communication has started a blog on our website, “Day in the Life,” a space where we can tell even more of the great stories showing the ways we contribute to student success, public service, and regional transformation. Find it under the “Connect” tab on our home page.

Several stories are posted already. You can learn about October’s School of Theatre and Dance performance of “Melancholy Play;” see our full conversation with 1994 ceramics alum Adrienne Dellinger; and learn more about and hear from participants in the “True Colors” exhibition that just closed for this year (but the confetti and joy remain).

We hope you follow along with us to read more stories from CFAC.

GRADUATE SCHOOL

As part of the Graduate School’s ongoing efforts to promote ECU’s exceptional graduate and professional programs, we invite you to stop by the Graduate and Professional School Fair—now rescheduled to Tuesday, November 11, from 12:00–3:00 p.m. on the Main Campus Student Center Lawn.

The fair provides a great opportunity to connect with representatives from ECU and visiting institutions, explore a variety of graduate and professional options, and learn more about advancing your education and career.

Grad PIRATE Talks Fall 2025 Session Recap

The Graduate School hosted their Fall 2025 Grad PIRATE Talks session on October 22 at 2:00 p.m. in the newly renovated Mendenhall Building. This engaging event featured a panel of ten graduate students from a variety of disciplines who came together to discuss the theme, “Failing Forward: A Research Based Conversation.”

Panelists shared stories about the unexpected obstacles they’ve faced in their research journeys and offered insights on resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving in graduate study. The session provided an open and supportive space for students to learn from one another’s experiences and explore strategies for turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.

Grad PIRATE Talks continues to serve as a platform for graduate students to connect, collaborate, and inspire each other through shared academic and personal experiences.

Congratulations to Anyah Born on 10 years with the Graduate School and ECU! This month marks Anyah’s 10-year anniversary with the Graduate School, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have her as part of our team.

As one of our dedicated application processors, Anyah plays a vital role in supporting our applicants and keeping our processes running smoothly, but she does so much more than that. Her knowledge, attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond make her an incredible asset to our office and the students we serve.

Thank you, Anyah, for your decade of hard work, commitment, and positivity. We’re so lucky to have you on our team!

HEALTH & HUMAN PERFORMANCE

Recent graduate Kenley Eads and faculty members Dr. Emily Yeager, Dr. Tiffy Blanchflower and Rebecca Burnworth were among the research team, representing HHP, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business, that made a final presentation to the town of Roseboro on the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies project, funded the North Carolina Department of Commerce. This interdisciplinary team partnered with the town of Roseboro to help boost outdoor tourism and marketing strategies — focused on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail that runs through its downtown.

Dr. Kevin White and LaTonya Gaskins connected with individuals and shared their insight about the field of social work at the Teaming with Teens Conference, held at the Greenville Convention Center. This event was hosted by the Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina, bringing hundreds of young people, caregivers, child welfare professionals, volunteers and vendors together for sessions and discussions, united in commitment to support transition-age youth in foster care.

Dr. Ruby Yeh led an experiential learning project, computing in action: exploring coding through play, at the Teaching Resources Center in Joyner Library and in collaboration with the Nancy Darden Child Development Center.

The college hosted Breaks with Bromfield throughout October, giving students the opportunity between classes to chat and connect with HHP leadership in the Belk, Rivers and Minges buildings.

Dr. Amanda Muhammad and the Professionally Purple Closet partnered with the College of Nursing and College of Allied Health Sciences at Countdown to Commencement to equip graduates with research-informed guidance on professional dress and interview presence.

Dean Dr. Nicole Bromfield was selected to be a peer reviewer for the national Fulbright Scholar award selection process. Prospective peer reviewers were identified based on recommendations from Institute of International Education board members, IIE staff, current and past peer reviewers, Fulbright Commissions and U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Sections. Bromfield is a past Fulbright awardee herself, serving as a Fulbright Research and Teaching Scholar for 20 months (a Fulbright award and an award renewal) at the University of Namibia during 2022 and 2023.

The Department of Kinesiology hosted the Pitt County Health Sciences Academy for guests to explore and learn more about the innovation and productivity happening in HHP and kinesiology labs.

Interior design and merchandising students in David Romeral Gomez’s class visited the ECU Cupola for an activity to advance their knowledge and practice in shading, perspective and depth.

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

Dr. Jennifer Barkin was announced as HHP’s new associate dean for research. Barkin was promoted from assistant to full professor of community medicine and OBGYN within 10 years at Mercer University, while serving in various administrative and research-focused roles. She also has been transformative as director of South Georgia Healthy Start, a federally funded initiative that serves 10 contiguous rural counties. “Dr. Barkin brings an incredible record of scholarship, leadership and innovation in maternal health, as well as a deep commitment to advancing research that improves lives and strengthens communities.”

Ace Blalock, a PhD student in bioenergetics and exercise science, was joined by Dr. Joe Stock (KINE) and Dr. Carmen Cuthbertson (HEP) to share their work, resources and tips to community members when they presented “Navigating Physical Activity and Exercise with Aortic Disease” at the East Carolina Heart Institute.

Camp WholeHeart, a fall weekend experience for children ages 7–17 years living with complex heart conditions, celebrated 20 years. Camp is led by its founder, Dr. Priti Desai with the Department of Human Development and Family Science. The 20th annual camp and reunion was held Oct. 17-19 at Camp Don Lee Center in Arapahoe. This camp provides fun, interactive, theme-based activities designed to help campers better understand their heart condition through educational and recreational experiences. Beyond building resilience, Camp WholeHeart fosters self-esteem, skill development, nutrition and fitness awareness, and social connections with peers who share similar journeys. Campers say they feel accepted at camp in ways they sometimes don’t at school, finding relief and understanding through shared experiences. WCTI provided news coverage from visiting camp. During the 20-year celebration on Oct. 19, an endowment was announced for pediatric cardiology with specification that funding be provided for Camp WholeHeart.

Students and faculty lead Dr. Lindsey Oakes have begun discussions to form a Special Olympics club. Their aim is for Greenville Special Olympics athletes with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and ECU students without IDD to compete together as a Unified Sports soccer team.

The Department of Health Education and Promotion hosted its annual Day of Play event at the Belk Building. This day included yoga with the Preconception Educating Pirates Squad, outdoor games, arts and crafts, food, coloring and other activities for students, staff and faculty to enjoy.

HONORS

Pirate alumna & performing artist Kristalyn Gill ‘17 lit up the stage of Radio City Music Hall in NYC this fall where she performed alongside Hugh Jackman in his live concert series, “Hugh Jackman: From New York, With Love.” Kristalyn was a member of the Honors College and Brinkley-Lane Scholars program and received dual degrees in dance performance and interpersonal/organizational communication from the College of Fine Arts and Communication

Over fall break, the Honors College took upperclassmen student leaders in the college on an experiential learning trip to Atlanta where they volunteered with Trees Atlanta, toured Mercedes-Benz Stadium, visited the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and Centennial Park, and also had the chance to meet with ECU Atlanta alumni at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Headquarters. This is the first trip geared specifically for students in the Honors College leadership groups, including Honors College Student Council, Honors Ambassadors and CREWS Mentors.

Also over fall break, the sophomore Brinkley-Lane Scholars traveled to Washington, DC where they met with Vince Smith and had a tour of the Pentagon, met with ECU & Honors alumnus Jason Smith who gave them a tour of the Capitol, and visited CareFirst thanks to Tremayne Smith and Aaron-John Malicdem.

Brinkley-Lane Scholar Sophie Davis presented her work at the Biomedical Engineering Society’s annual meeting in San Diego, California. Her work was part of the NSF REU in nanotechnology and biomedicine at The University of Georgia, where she spent this summer.

Kooper Ashmore attended the Spencer Funding Their Future Gala where he shared his experience as a Spencer Scholar. This scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing degrees in risk management and insurance.

ECU Honors alumna Taylor Chappell recently received the Advocacy Award during the ECU Foundation Board fall meeting. She was also recently on campus as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Business Leadership Conference hosted by the College of Business.

Honors student athlete Abrielle Schweitzer recently finished first in the Dill Family Foundation Invitational. This is her first career individual win and is the first individual victory since 2019’s Nuria Tillo-Prats.

INTEGRATED COASTAL PROGRAMS

Dr. Sid Narayan (Coastal Studies) is the lead author on a recent publication in Cell Reports Sustainability. The study, “The spatially variable effects of mangroves on flood depths and losses from storm surges in Florida," demonstrates through modeling the economic benefits of mangrove forests in South Florida. Their research estimates that mangroves help reduce storm surge losses by $67 million annually in Collier County, Florida. Additionally, mangroves reduced losses in Florida from Hurricane Irma by $725 million and Hurricane Ian by $4 billion.

The Summer/Fall 2025 edition of CoastLines, the newsletter for ECU’s Integrated Coastal Programs, is here. Inside, you’ll find stories of resilience, discovery, and collaboration from ECU's Outer Banks Campus and beyond. Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting our mission to better understand and protect our coast.

JOYNER LIBRARY

The K-12 artwork by Pitt County Schools students showcase is on display in the Teaching Resources Center, located on the second floor of the library. The selected art was produced by children from local schools and they were celebrated during a reception earlier this semester.

The Teaching Resources Center hosted an open house celebration Oct. 7. Attendance included representatives from the College of Education, including students and dean Dr. André Green, the Department of Human Development and Family Science in the College of Health and Human Performance, Pitt County Schools educators, ECU Advancement, and former and current ECU librarians and TRC employees. Staff members Erin Gray, Charlene Loope, Vatoyia Gardner and Latanya Moore performed a ribbon-cutting.

Special Collections staff members Patrick Cash and Daniel Ferkin participated in #AskAnArchivist Day on Oct. 16 as part of American Archives Month. They answered questions on video, including about a former ECU mascot, Brandy the poodle, and the Moseley Map.

Student engagement in October included a cozy book swap event held on the first floor of the library. Dozens of people attended to share about ideas and what books they are reading.

The 18th annual School of Art and Design Graduate Student Art Exhibition is fully installed in Joyner Library, on the second floor in the Janice Hardison Faulkner Gallery, and will remain on display into December. The exhibit features more than 30 artworks, ranging from different styles in textile designs, ceramics, oil, oxidized copper, photography, metals and weaving. Participating artists: Liam Aley, Mavis Bullard, Katelyn Davis, Paul Edwards, Denton Fae, Heather Fraccalvieri, Sam Gorritz, Morgan Hesse, Austin Irby, Rachael Lowman, Tansy O’Bryant, Stacy Rodgers, Narges Sedaghat, Autumn Standbridge, Ava Starnes, Savannah Willis.

A library student award ceremony honored JT Bivens, Hannah Thomas and Rachel Fryar for the W. Keats Sparrow Writing Award, recognizing excellence in research and writing by students in English 1100 and 2201 composition classes, and Sam Sewall, Jennifer Beatty and Deanna Pate for the Rhem/Schwarzmann Prize. It recognizes outstanding research papers written by sophomores, juniors and seniors, who used library collections as a resource.

Subscribe to Campus Reads digital book club to read books and short stories one small section at a time. Content is led by publishing and open access support librarian, Allison Kaefring, and reading options are updated regularly.

The 2025-26 ECU Alumni Board of Directors held a meeting that included lunch in the library and a tour of the building. Board members went up to the fourth floor to explore archives and listen to insight from Daniel Ferkin and Zachary Dale, representing University History and Records.

LAUPUS HEALTH SCIENCES LIBRARY

Join ECU Libraries for Love Data Week, February 9-13, 2026. Love Data Week is an international event intended to engage researchers in dialogues around issues and methods in data creation, analysis and visualization.

As federal and foundation funders increase their focus on rigor and reproducibility, conversations about data are more important than ever. For the 2026 event, the keynote speaker is Dr. Lorraine Dean, associate professor in epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her talk is entitled, “Innovative Data for Assessing Social Determinants of Health for You to Love.” More details will be shared closer to the event. All sessions will be available to watch through Teams.

Congratulations to Corey Harmon, associate library professor and head, Access Services, for his election to Chair of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Medical Library Association. Corey’s term will run through 2027.

NURSING

At the College of Nursing, one of the highlights of the year is our Scholarship Donor Reception, where the generous benefactors who have financially supported our students with scholarships come to Greenville where we are able to thank them in person.

During the event students spoke about the impact the scholarships have had on their education, from the fundamental level of helping to pay for tuition and books, to life-enriching study abroad experiences that help broaden worldviews, which will ultimately improve health care here in North Carolina.

Thank you to all or our donors, but especially those who were able to be on hand to make the evening that much more special. And an additional thank you to the ECU Health Foundation for making this event a success.

Drs. Shannon Powell, Jeanne Martin, Brittany Baker, Kelli Jones, Mark Hand, and John Smoot were in Orlando to receive the College of Nursing’s 17th straight recognition as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence.

In addition to representing the College for the award, Powell, Martin, Jones and Smoot gave a podium presentation together, showcasing the seamless integration of faculty and staff to benefit our students.

This award recognizes the incredible commitment on the part of our faculty and staff who have fostered Pirate Nursing’s enduring culture of excellence.

At the 50th American Association for Men In Nursing conference in Orlando, East Carolina University’s College of Nursing was recognized as “One of the Best Schools for Men in Nursing” for the third year in a row.

“This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment for all students,” said Dr. Bim Akintade, dean of the College of Nursing.

A special thank you to Dr. Mark Hand for his dedicated leadership and advocacy and to our Pirate Nurse faculty and staff for creating a community where every student can thrive.

We also want to thank all our students – especially Ethan Curtis, Trevor Brisson, Isaiah Lampkin, Daniel Lee, Grayson Faulk, Connor Hutchison and Landon Sweet, who attended the conference - for dedicating themselves to be the next generation of nursing leaders.

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