SPRING 2016

Licensed to heal Steve Ballard’s era MO-mentum

Prescription for Prosperity Skilled graduates are one way ECU is leading economic development East The magazine of East Carolina University produced in partnership with the East Carolina Alumni Association

Prescription for prosperity 20 Skilled graduates are one way ECU is leading economic development.

Licensed to heal 28 Tanya Darrow ’07 serves patients and students in rural N.C.

Steve Ballard’s era 32 Chancellor Ballard reflects on his 12 years at the helm of East Carolina.

MO-mentum 38 A new coach and a new staff have injected energy into ECU’s football Pirates.

On the cover: Alex Morsch ’13 is a biomedical engineering graduate who is part of ECU’s effort to boost economic development in the East—in her case, by providing a workforce with expertise in life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Photo by Cliff Hollis

Student Regional Public East Carolina Call to Success Transformation Service Alumni Action

With this issue, East introduces a set of icons to identify stories, photos and features with specific content. They are student success, regional transformation, public service, alumni and call to action. The first three are the commitments in ECU’s strategic plan, the fourth indicates Pirate Battalion Army ROTC Cadet Christopher Rudkowski and other cadets get muddy information with an alumni focus, and the final icon could have various as they navigate ECU’s West Research Campus’ new ROTC obstacle course in early meanings, from giving opportunities to a call to stay connected or take April. The cadets were practicing for the eighth annual Patriot Mud Run there later that action on behalf of your university. We hope these images add to East’s month. The run supported Eagle Rock Camp, a program that supports military families. coverage of ECU and the people and stories related to the university. Photo by Cliff Hollis 1

FROM THE EDITOR FROM OUR READERS

Jessie Smith, Glenesha Berryman and Emmanuel Moreno-Ortiz face is real, skills they will need to be How to receive East Springing forward and Stephens successful in the classroom completely and beyond. Meanwhile, over East, the magazine of Change has bloomed at East Carolina this spring alongside the dogwoods and azaleas. captures the on the medical campus, Dr. East Carolina University, is SPRING 2016 essence of the Paul R.G. Cunningham, with published three times a year. And it’s all in this issue of chock full of big news, inside information and VOLUME 14, NUMBER 3 experience in whom I worked several years East, It is mailed to members of Pirate insights. East is produced by East Carolina University the piece. Even while an employee at ECU, has in partnership with the though I didn’t ensured that the Brody School the East Carolina Alumni attend ECU as an of Medicine adheres to one of its Chancellor Steve Ballard, who has led ECU through an era of accomplishments and East Carolina Alumni Association. Association and the Pirate undergraduate early tenets: to educate medical accolades, completed his final semester this spring. He will step down July 1 after student (though doctors with special attention Club as well as to those ECU’s first-generation college 12 years leading our university. On page 32 check out the highlights of that era and students set a standard for success I did complete a to recruiting, educating and who support ECU through Coming22 in first 23 doctoral program training M.D.s from traditionally how they shaped ECU, from the founding of a dental school and Honors College INTERIM EDITOR donations to the university. Mary Schulken ’79 Having served as a long- at ECU), I was a first-generation, underrepresented populations. to landing a spot in a national athletic conference. time administrator in higher four-year student and identified Bravo to Hardy and Dr. MANAGING EDITOR education, not many articles I with the article immensely. If you would like to receive Cunningham—both unsung In that same story, get some insight into what makes this chancellor tick, including Doug Boyd ’99 read within my field move me to Virginia D. Hardy has made an ECU heroes—for making a East by mail, please make tears. Winter 2016’s East article his views on public leadership and the role integrity plays in higher education. ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER indelible impression on ECU difference every day for East your donation by calling “Coming in First” by Spaine Brent Burch by creating programming Carolina University and the On page 4, share the excitement about the next leader of East Carolina, Chancellor- Stephens did just that for me. 252-ECU-GIVE (328-4483) PHOTOGRAPHERS that pays special attention to people of the East and beyond. or visiting the ECU Giving elect Cecil Staton, announced April 27 by University of North Carolina President Jay Clark, Cliff Hollis The issues and challenges that “first gens” and arms them —T. Greg Prince ’15, first-generation college students with the information and Salisbury, Md. website at ecu.edu/give. Margaret Spellings. Dr. Staton will begin his role July 1 and made it clear in his CONTRIBUTING WRITERS initial remarks he values East Carolina’s focus on students, its commitment to Crystal Baity, Doug Boyd, Jackie Drake, To join the East Carolina service and its impact in the region. Look for a more comprehensive conversation Amy Adams Ellis, Alyssa Gutierrez, Jeannine Manning Hutson, Kathryn Kennedy, MAKE A NOTE OF YOUR NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS Alumni Association and with him in the Fall issue. Jules Norwood, Jessica Nottingham ’06 ’08, Kelly Setzer, Jamie Smith receive East as well as other Speaking of President Spellings, who began her new role March 1, we share on page Complete this form (please print or type) announcements. Also, when listing fellow alumni in benefits and services, visit CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS and mail to: Class Notes Editor, Howard House, your news, please include their class year. piratealumni.com or call 6 her first official visit to ECU and the purple-carpet welcome she received. It was Rob Goldberg, Joshua Lott, Mail Stop 107, East Carolina University, Greenville, a big day for us, and I don’t think it’s boasting to say we wowed her with our spirit, Joe Pellegrino, Doug Smith ’00 ’07 NC 27858-4353. Please use additional paper as Please send address changes or corrections 800-ECU GRAD (328-4723). necessary when sending your news. You also can to: Division of University Advancement, our impact and our innovation. COPY EDITORS Greenville Center, Mail Stop 301, East Carolina Jimmy Rostar ’94, Spaine Stephens email your news to [email protected]. While To join the Pirate Club, visit East happily prints wedding announcements, University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, or email ecupirateclub.com or call Then, on page 38, there’s our new head football coach, Scottie Montgomery, a North ECU REPORT EDITOR it is our policy not to print engagement­ [email protected]. Carolina native. Read about his desire to be a Pirate, his philosophy and his plans. Jeannine Manning Hutson 252-737-4540. ALUMNI NEWS EDITOR In addition, and the East Carolina Alumni Association continue to refine the Jackie Drake East NAME First Middle Last Maiden relationship that has developed during the past year. With the guidance of Heath CLASS NOTES EDITOR Contact Us Bowman, the new president of the association, we’ve integrated alumni-related Joanne Kollar n 252-737-1973 [email protected] content throughout instead of simply providing an alumni section in the CLASS YEAR E MAIL DAY PHONE EVENING PHONE n [email protected] magazine. Since muchEast of our content has an alumni angle or connection in some EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION, n www.ecu.edu/east PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND MARKETING ADDRESS Customer Service way, this seemed a smarter way to highlight our alumni and their relationship to Mary Schulken ’79 the university we love and serve. To start or stop a subscription, or to let us CITY STATE ZIP Look in this issue as well for new visual features spotlighting alumni as well as know about a change of features on students who are making the most of the opportunities provided address, please contact East Carolina University is a constituent institution of YOUR NEWS Advancement Services at for them through philanthropy to the university. We hope you notice that The University of North Carolina. It is a public doctoral/ research intensive university offering baccalaureate, [email protected] these tweaks—as well as our regular content—focus more intentionally on master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees in the or 252-328-GIVE (4483). demonstrating East Carolina’s incredible impact on lives and communities. liberal arts, sciences and professional fields, including medicine. Dedicated to the achievement of excellence, Send letters to the editor to Keep in touch. As always, Go Pirates! responsible stewardship of the public trust and [email protected] or academic freedom, ECU values the contributions of Howard House a diverse community, supports shared governance and guarantees equality of opportunity. Mail Stop 107 East Carolina University ©2016 by East Carolina University Greenville, N.C. 27858-4353 Send class notes to Printed by RR Donnelley [email protected] C.S. 16-1611 29,500 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $14,669 or $.50 each. or use the form at left.

2 3 © military affairs. He is also USG’s package,” said Steve Jones, chair He also holds an honorary “I think he’s a great choice,” liaison with the Georgia Research of the ECU Board of Trustees. “It’s doctorate from Mercer University she said. Alliance and supports USG’s an exciting time.” and received the inaugural PHOTOGRAPHY BY Staton and his wife, Catherine, economic development initiatives Richard B. Furman Award from John Stiller, chair of the Faculty have two children: Cecil P. Staton CLIFF HOLLIS AND JAY CLARK and efforts to match the resources Furman University. He serves ECU REPORT Senate and a member of the III, a financial planner in Atlanta, of USG institutions with Georgia’s on the board of directors of the chancellor search committee, and William Davidson Staton, a evolving workforce needs. Georgia Chamber of Commerce said Staton “emerged as a strong student at DePaul University in

Jay Clark Jay and the board of visitors of the Since July 2015, Staton has also candidate as we went forward.” Chicago. University of Georgia. served as interim president of He added: “We have a A native of Greenville, South Valdosta State, a regional USG Staton, himself a first-generation tremendously strong leadership Carolina, Staton has a bachelor’s institution with 11,300 students. college student, said ECU has team here, tremendously degree in religion from Furman In that role, he has focused on “world-class faculty,” a “student- successful and efficient shared University in Greenville, South retention, improving student focused” staff and “engaged governance. I’m going to do Carolina, master of theology and success and better marketing students.” my best to work with the new master of divinity degrees from and branding to reverse recent chancellor.” “I’m very impressed with the Southeastern Baptist Theological enrollment declines and students who are there, their Seminary in Wake Forest and associated budget shortfalls. He Active in professional and civic backgrounds and how East a doctorate in Old Testament, has also worked to expand VSU’s organizations, Staton has been Carolina prepares them,” Staton Hebrew and ancient Near Eastern distance-learning offerings and recognized numerous times for said. “I believe, too, (ECU is) in studies from the University of competency-based education his service and leadership. His the business of changing lives. Oxford in England. plan. As a result of these efforts, awards and honors include the As we change lives, we change the university’s operating budget Georgia Independent College During the search, the 15-member families, we change communities has been aligned with enrollment; Association’s 2014 Miller-Deal committee evaluated 70 and maybe the world.” applications for fall 2016 are up Award for significant public candidates, interviewed 11, 60 percent over the previous service in higher education; Eliza Monroe, a senior urban brought five to campus for year; and a capital campaign Legislator of the Year awards and regional planning major and further talks and submitted three has raised more than $46 million from the Georgia Hospital member of the search committee, names to Spellings, Jones said. during the past 18 months. Association, Georgia Technology was impressed with how Staton —Doug Boyd Association and Georgia Rural has worked to increase retention Staton also served as associate Health Care Association; and the at universities and with his varied provost at Mercer University in Georgia Ambulance Association background. Macon, Georgia, a multi-campus Star of Life Award. institution with professional programs including medicine, law, business, education, pharmacy, engineering and Jay Clark Jay nursing. In addition to teaching in the College of Liberal Arts and serving as an administrator, he led Mercer’s University Press and secured more than $4.5 million to help endow the academic publishing program. Staton began his academic career at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia, where he was an assistant professor of religion from 1989-91. Staton’s private-sector experience includes founding and leading three communications companies: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, a publisher of books and curriculum products; Stroud Cecil P. Staton elected chancellor of ECU and Hall Publishers, a publisher of books on politics and current Cecil P. Staton, interim president year that he was stepping down Staton said he’s looking forward university’s work,” Staton said events; and Georgia Eagle of Valdosta State University in and will return to the faculty. to being part of ECU’s mission the day of his election. “That’s Media, a holding company for Valdosta, Georgia, has been to serve students, the region and exciting to me, and I’m very “Dr. Cecil Staton brings to broadcasting, newspaper and named the 11th chancellor of the state. happy to be here.” ECU a rare blend of leadership media properties. East Carolina University by the experience in higher education, “I am very excited about this Since 2014, Staton has served University of North Carolina In 2004, Staton was elected the private sector and elected opportunity because of the as vice chancellor for extended Board of Governors. as a Georgia state senator public office, as well as a practical wonderful assets at East Carolina education for the University representing the state’s 18th Staton, 58, was elected April 27 understanding of how to bring University and the ability I think System of Georgia. In that role, District. He served five terms Staton shakes hands with during a special called meeting of diverse constituencies and we have to use those assets to he is responsible for strategic before retiring in 2014. officials from other system the board. He will assume his new organizations together to get meet the challenges public higher initiatives related to international universities after his election. duties July 1, succeeding Steve things done,” said UNC President education is facing today and education, continuing and “His skill set of the public sector, Ballard, who has led ECU since Margaret Spellings. to really be innovative and show professional education, legislative and academia—I 2004. Ballard announced last excellence in every area of the entrepreneurial education and feel like we really got the total

4 5 Mia Andriana Leone, left, and Janae Brown talk with UNC

Cliff Hollis President Margaret Spellings in Cliff Hollis Mendenhall.

million in grant funding. “You’re doing an experiment, and across the bench (someone says), ‘Oh, why don’t you do that?’” said Maria Torres, a fourth-year doctoral student in bioenergetics and exercise science. “That happens all the time.” Drs. Carlos Anciano and Mark Bowling, lung specialists at the Brody School of Medicine, talked about image-guided interventions they use to diagnose lung cancer and remove malignancies. Nearly 500 North Carolinians die of lung cancer every month, Bowling said. Using high-definition video of an actual procedure, Anciano showed how they remove lesions using UNC president visits ECU as part of listening tour tiny laparoscopic instruments. During a March 30 visit to able to find a job,” he said. more baccalaureate nursing He then showed a follow-up Greenville, UNC President graduates—587 alone in the most procedure on the same patient. As psychology student Zack Margaret Spellings learned recent academic year— Evans, a senior, showed Spellings “Now you’re just showing off,” about ECU’s work to promote than any other UNC-system “augmented reality” technology Spellings quipped. innovation and economic school. Ninety-eight percent he’s developing that literally development, improve access to of students pass their licensure She also visited the School puts people in other places, she health sciences education and exam on their first try, and slightly of Dental Medicine, where said, “That’s cool. What a great health care, and more. more than half remain in eastern she participated in a remote learning experience. Go ECU.” North Carolina to practice. presentation from community Dr. Sean Bush, an ECU emergency physician and international snake expert, shows At the ECU Innovation Design Earlier, Spellings toured the service learning centers in a cottonmouth and copperhead to Angie Glasgow, center, and Denali Broadky Lab on Jarvis Street, Spellings On the fourth floor of the East Health Sciences Campus. She Elizabeth City and Spruce Pine. during Venom Week V, held March 9-12 at ECU. More than 250 experts in snake saw the new MakerBot 3D Carolina Heart Institute, scientists noted the concerns she has heard and spider venom attended the conference, including presenters from ECU, Duke printing lab and heard faculty and doctoral students spoke with Spellings, who assumed her role across the state regarding the University, the University of Colorado and the University of New Mexico. innovators talk about their Spellings about their research and as leader of the state’s university university system: affordability, work to reduce sports injuries the collaborative nature of the system in March, visited ECU as accountability and access. Watch a video from Venom Week at https://youtu.be/Ew5Y1gx-0vw. and improve adolescent health, labs there, where the East Carolina part of a listening tour of the 17 explore the coast and help the ECU leaders addressed those Diabetes and Obesity Institute is system campuses. military care for traumatically issues head-on. For example, working with approximately $6 —Doug Boyd injured and brain-injured troops. Dr. Elizabeth Baxley, senior associate dean at the Brody One word kept coming up. Biotechnology “This bond will be a great help as Today, it exceeds 28,000, with In late December, workers School of Medicine, told Spellings Spellings reacts after being shown augmented reality technology we train tomorrow’s workforce thousands of students taking removed the lettering and “If I had a nickel for every time ECU medical graduates leave by Jim Menke and student Zach Evans. building to become and build economic capacity in biology-related courses and labs, signage designating the building I’ve heard ‘partnership’ since I school with nearly $50,000 less reality with bond the East,” said ECU Provost Ron Ballard has said. Aycock Residence Hall. Since got through the door, I’d be rich,” debt than the national average. Mitchelson. —Doug Boyd then, the building has been Spellings said. “That’s what it’s all Because of that, they can choose funding Jay Clark Jay referred to by its campus building In addition to the money ECU about.” primary care fields that pay less With the March 15 passage of inventory number, 71. will receive, the 16 other UNC and are in higher demand than the Connect NC Bond Act, ECU Among those partnerships institutions, the state’s community Board approves During its September meeting, more lucrative specialty fields. officials will begin planning is one with the life sciences colleges, state parks—nine Legacy Hall the board voted to transition for a new Life Sciences and sector in eastern North Provost Ron Mitchelson showed of which are in eastern North the name from Aycock once 60 Biotechnology Building. ECU trustees voted unanimously Carolina—particularly workforce statistics indicating significant Carolina—and the N.C. Zoo, the percent of the cost to create to rename Building 71, formerly development. numbers of ECU students come Funded by $90 million that National Guard and local water Heritage Hall had been raised, from across North Carolina—not Aycock Residence Hall, as Legacy Andrew Moghaddam, a 2014 ECU will come from the bond, the and sewer projects will also which had occurred by December. just from counties surrounding Hall during their Feb. 19 meeting. chemistry graduate and analytical new building will measure receive funding from the bond. The hall will be a permanent place Greenville. And many of them are chemist at Mayne Pharma in 150,000 square feet and house Officials have said the bond will At the request of students to recognize people of historical receiving need-based scholarships Greenville, told Spellings ECU’s the biology and biomedical/ not require a tax increase. and others, the board began significance to the university, and learning through distance bioprocess engineering discussions in 2014 about including Aycock. work with life sciences companies In talking about the bond in education. ECU leads the UNC departments, as well as the renaming Aycock residence helped him get a job after the weeks before its passage, The eventual Heritage Hall is system in the number of credit Pharmaceutical Manufacturing hall, which honored former graduation. Chancellor Steve Ballard pointed intended to occupy a physical hours earned through distance and Development Center of Gov. Charles B. Aycock, whose out the enrollment growth at space in a new Student Services “The relationships they’ve built education, Mitchelson said. Excellence. tenure at the turn of the century ECU since the Howell Science Center as well as virtual space. up with these pharmaceutical has been associated with white Sylvia Brown, dean of the College Voters approved the bond by Complex opened in 1969. —Jamie Smith companies was huge in me being supremacy campaigns. of Nursing, noted ECU produces about a 2-to-1 margin. Enrollment then totaled 9,000.

6 7 Golden LEAF receives applications Dental leader hosted from around 1,600 students a

Cliff Hollis year and gives scholarships to The ECU School of Dental Medicine 215. Scholarships are $3,000 a earned some national recognition year for up to four years. Feb. 29-March 1 as the American Dental Association president Some scholarship recipients are spent two days on campus. Taj Nasser part of the Golden LEAF Scholars Leadership Program. Participants Dr. Carol Summerhays is the attend leadership conferences 152nd president of the ADA and and complete paid summer represents more than 158,000 internships with funds from members nationwide. Her mission Golden LEAF. on this trip, however, was to connect with the future of the field. The most common majors among Golden LEAF Scholars “It has been a huge priority to get are in health care and education, out to dental schools around the according to Gerlach. “If students country, because this is the future are interested in these areas, of dental medicine,” she said. that’s often why they go to ECU,” During town hall meetings held he said. Feb. 29 in Ross Hall, she shared Cliff Hollis Taylor Bradley is a senior advice on leadership opportunities ECU leads among Golden LEAF Scholars education major from and fielded questions about Washington who’s conducting efforts to reduce student debt Growing up in the eastern I have spent most of my life, so I her student teaching at and secure higher reimbursement North Carolina town of Wilson, envision staying here,” he said. Wintergreen Primary School this rates for Medicaid-funded care. semester. She has received the Taj Nasser wanted to attend a Students, residents and faculty Nasser exemplifies the kind of Golden LEAF Scholarship for four college with the same sense of members from ECU community student Golden LEAF wants to years and was also a member community as his hometown: ECU. service learning centers around the help. of the leadership program. She This commitment to community state also joined the question-and- “We’re trying to reach young chose ECU because she grew up is also part of what earned answer sessions by teleconference. people who have deep roots in a Pirate; her parents are alumni. Nasser four years’ worth of eastern North Carolina and who Summerhays visited the ECU undergraduate scholarships from “It made sense to attend a school are likely to return here and help dental clinic in Ahoskie and said the Golden LEAF Foundation, a that was close to home as well them go to college,” said Golden she was impressed by the facility nonprofit organization dedicated as one that began as a teaching LEAF President Dan Gerlach. and what it represents. to strengthening the economies college,” said Bailey, who hopes of rural or tobacco-dependent The scholarship program has to work in eastern North Carolina. “The model that ECU has with communities such as Wilson. LEAF existed since 1999 but underwent “Projects through this scholarship their clinics is a really fine stands for Long-term Economic a change about six years ago. have opened my eyes to the example of bringing care to Advancement Foundation. Instead of giving a certain support that is given when communities in need,” she said. ECU recognized for international education number of scholarships to various living and working within a rural Each spring, Golden LEAF Community service learning schools to distribute, Golden community.” ECU is among seven colleges group,” said Jami Leibowitz, awards scholarships to high centers are in eight rural and LEAF now gives scholarships and universities nationwide ECU’s interim global academic school seniors and community Thanks to the Golden LEAF underserved areas across North directly to students through recently named as winners of initiatives director. “Receiving college transfer students heading Scholarship, Bradley will graduate Carolina. Fourth-year students a grant to the NCSEAA. Then the prestigious 2016 Senator this award is also a testament to to any of North Carolina’s public debt-free from ECU in May. and dental residents train at the Paul Simon Award for Campus ECU’s willingness to invest in and students choose which school centers under faculty supervision or private four-year colleges “This scholarship has been the Internationalization. allow to flourish innovative ideas they will attend. while providing dental care to or universities. Recipients are main support through my time that support its mission.” local residents. The Simon Awards are granted selected based on multiple “More Golden LEAF Scholars at ECU,” she said. “It has helped through NAFSA: Association The GAI program partners with factors including GPA, financial have chosen ECU than any me learn leadership skills, gain Two dental students who are of International Educators and 62 institutions in 33 countries to need, length of residence in other school in the state by internship experience and members of the American recognize outstanding and provide an interactive, student- qualifying rural counties and a wide margin,” Gerlach said. allowed the opportunity to make Student Dental Association innovative achievements in driven global experience for an expressed commitment to “This is because our mission connections within my field while lured Summerhays to ECU after campus internationalization. approximately 300 ECU students returning to a rural county that is aligns so closely with ECU’s connecting with other scholars meeting her last year. each semester. economically distressed. mission of serving the public and from across the state.” ECU was recognized as a transforming the region.” “We were both struck by her Administered through the Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Since the program began Top: Raqurra Ishman, foreground, one of the students in a foreign Without the Golden LEAF warmth and sincere interest in North Carolina State Education Of the total 832 Golden LEAF Award recipient, which in 2004, more than 17,000 language class, talks to students at the Henan Polytechnic University Scholarship, some students students,” said Jennifer Pan, a Assistance Authority, more Scholars across the state, 123 are honors a specific international students have participated in Jiaozuo, Republic of China. Students spoke via video or conducted would not be able to afford third-year dental student. program or initiative that in GAI activities worldwide. Golden LEAF Scholarships are at ECU, according to Gerlach. college at all. one-on-one chats over a computer connection. She said she hoped Summerhays contributes to comprehensive GAI’s largest section is Global awarded to students at ECU than The school with the next highest “Golden LEAF is my saving sensed “our mission and internationalization on campus. Understanding, a course where Above: Video image of class in China with ECU class in the corner at any other school. number of Golden LEAF Scholars grace,” said freshman Robynique dedication to service” during the Other universities recognized in students work with three distinct has 89. Nasser, who has a bachelor’s Willis-Brown of Greenville, an visit. “That’s what’s unique about this category include UNC-Chapel partner institutions for three to students from other countries. is extremely important in our degree in chemistry from ECU “In general, ECU educates intended social work major. “I am us,” Pan added. Hill and Texas Tech University. four weeks. Students lead real- globalized world.” in 2014, is now a second-year approximately 10 percent of the an independent student paying time discussions about college “This is not a class, it is an The visit was not ECU dental “Over the years, I have looked medical student at ECU’s Brody undergraduate population in my tuition out of pocket. Without life, family and cultural traditions, experience,” said Meg Matthews, Simon, the late U.S. senator medicine’s only connection to the to the previous Simon Award School of Medicine. After the state, but around 15 percent, the support of the Golden LEAF meaning of life and religion, a sophomore majoring in public from Illinois, was a supporter ADA. Dr. Greg Chadwick, dean of winners as a source of inspiration residency training, he wants to or one in seven of our Golden Scholarship, I wouldn’t have been and stereotypes and prejudices. health. “GAI put a focus on trying of international education and the school, was president of the and ideas, so it is a huge honor practice in the East. LEAF Scholars, choose ECU,” able to afford school this year.” Sixty percent of the class time is to better interactions between foreign language learning. national organization 15 years ago. to now be among that elite Gerlach said. —Jackie Drake spent in video connections with people with differences, which —Jamie Smith “Eastern North Carolina is where —Kathryn Kennedy

8 9 Alumni Scholarship recipients share family and community services Grad programs ranked with a concentration in family

a love for each other, East Carolina Cliff Hollis studies. “I want to do something ECU’s online graduate programs Now married, Ryan Wilson ’11 scholarship program. that impacts hunger in the United in business, criminal justice, and Samantha Cahill Wilson States,” said Pittman, a senior education and nursing are listed University Archives University “We know it’s less stress on the ’10, once had only one thing students,” Ryan said. “It takes the from High Point. in U.S. News & World Report’s in common: they were Alumni pressure off to pay for college, and 2016 Best Online Programs. Scholarship recipients at ECU. Sometimes students will get it rewards them. It reminds them involved because they need The College of Education’s Now, they’re encouraging other they’re doing something right.” service hours for an organization. programs tied for 14th out of alumni to support the association “It makes me smile to think But once they’re in, they realize 252 schools. A total of 366 in events such as the Pirate of current students getting they want a more active role, students were enrolled in the Alumni Road Race and Fun Run this scholarship,” Sam said. “I said Jade Umberger, the nutrition following ECU online education held each spring. They ran in the remember that exact feeling. outreach advisor for ECU programs during the 2014-2015 2013 road race before they got We know firsthand how much Campus Kitchens who is in the year: adult education, business married and participated in the it means to students. Even if it’s middle of a yearlong service education, elementary education, 2016 event as well. just by running, we’re happy to project with AmeriCorps VISTA. instructional technology, science education, reading education, They’re glad to know they’re do our part.” “It means a lot to me,” said special education and middle helping students by running —Jackie Drake Pittman, who started volunteering grades education. in the race and supporting the with Campus Kitchens in 2014. ECU’s College of Nursing John and Gladys Howell Lekisha Pittman “It’s great to give back to the community, and it’s shaped my programs were ranked 23rd future career goals.” out of 147 schools. Last fall, 316 students were enrolled in the As one of 16 shift leaders, Howell remembered for his dedication to ECU college’s six online graduate Pittman has completed Serv-Safe ECU Chancellor Emeritus John administrators. He was options: adult-gerontology Contributed photo Contributed certification, National Restaurant clinical nurse specialist, neonatal Howell, who served the university composed, he was humorous and Association food and beverage clinical nurse specialist, neonatal for three decades as a professor he knew what higher education safety training that students can nurse practitioner, nursing and administrator, died Jan. 3. was about.” take into their professional lives education, nursing leadership and He was 93. after graduation, Umberger said. In 1982, Howell was tapped as nurse midwifery. Colleagues remembered him interim chancellor following the “We’re trying to educate our The online master of business for his knowledge, leadership tenure of Thomas Brewer. students about hunger in North administration program tied at and service. Carolina,” Umberger said. “There “He was considered a good 72nd out of 221 schools in the are 1 in 4 kids in North Carolina “His influence began long before choice because he knew the country. Of the 709 total students going hungry,” she said. In west he was chancellor,” said Henry campus, got along well with enrolled in the ECU MBA program Greenville, where she primarily Ferrell, a former history professor faculty and had the strong last fall, nearly 80 percent works, there is limited access and university historian at ECU. support of Bill Friday, president selected online classes. Howell was instrumental in of the state university system,” to fresh foods and vegetables, creating the Faculty Senate and said John Tucker, professor of creating a food desert. ECU’s online graduate criminal justice program placed the was one of the primary researchers history and university historian. Campus Kitchens addresses food waste, hunger To address the gap, Campus highest in North Carolina and tied who helped compile information “He is known for his steady, Kitchens started a nutrition for 30th out of 51 schools. that led to the founding of the stabilizing influence on campus A student-led project at ECU is pounds of food, provided more outreach program last summer Brody School of Medicine. and in relation to the community.” marking six years of addressing than 1,900 meals and served that provides four nutrition U.S. News also ranked traditional hunger locally. 1,226 clients. Howell served in the U.S. Army Howell’s mission was not to lessons each month to children ECU graduate programs Air Corps for three years during create change, Tucker added, but ECU has the only Campus While the dining hall donates from the Little Willie Center and in medicine, nursing and World War II, after which he to guide to maturity the advances Samantha and Kitchens program in the UNC meat it would otherwise have Operation Sunshine. rehabilitation counseling. received a bachelor’s degree in begun during the tenure of Ryan Wilson system and the largest of four discarded due to impending “It allows students to serve with The Brody School of Medicine journalism and a master’s degree Chancellor Leo Jenkins, especially programs in the state. expiration dates, most of the people, not to people, to make it is ranked 32nd overall among in political science from the the medical school. He served vegetables and fruit come from “We’re still sustainable, and that’s a positive relationship,” Umberger primary care schools and 88th for University of Alabama. He taught as chancellor until he retired in the annual ECU Homecoming the beauty of this project,” said said. “I think both community and research. at Randolph Macon Women’s 1987. In 1991, the Howell Science canned food drive. More than Victoria Barfield, a graduate campus benefit.” College before attending Duke Complex was named in honor of 1,100 pounds of food were The College of Nursing is ranked student in nutrition science and University, where he earned a John and Gladys Howell. She is a collected in the fall and will At Thanksgiving, Campus 88th out of 259 graduate advisor for ECU Campus Kitchens doctorate in political science. retired member of the university’s be used throughout the year, Kitchens planned a Turkey nursing programs listed, while Hot Meals. sociology faculty. Barfield said. Palooza which resulted in enough the concentration in nurse He was hired at ECU in 1957 Support the Alumni Scholarship Teams of students prepare donations to support all the anesthesia is ranked 29th out of after teaching at Memphis State “Chancellor Howell served ECU Student coordinators, such as nutritious meals consisting of a families at Operation Sunshine 112 programs and nurse midwifery University and became a full with distinction,” said Chancellor program by participating in the 2016 shift leader Lekisha Pittman, are protein, vegetable, starch and and several more at the Lucille is ranked 15th out of 39 programs professor in 1961. He helped found Steve Ballard. “Nancy and I will the heart of the program. One ECU Alumni Scholarship Classic golf dessert at Todd Dining Hall W. Gorham Intergenerational across the country. the ECU Department of Political always remember the grace and of the biggest things she has and deliver them on a rotating Community Center. Twenty-five Science and was its first chair. warmth with which he and Gladys learned through volunteering The doctor of nursing practice tournament Sept. 9 or by donating schedule to four community families received a box complete He later served as dean of the welcomed us to the Greenville is that “hunger has no specific degree program is ranked 80th partners: Operation Sunshine, with turkey and all the sides. College of Arts and Sciences, dean community.” at PirateAlumni.com/Donate. And be face,” she said. “You may have out of 149 programs surveyed. the Little Willie Center, JOY ECU’s Volunteer Service-Learning of the graduate school and vice food today, but you may not have In addition, the rehabilitation The Howells raised two sons in Soup Kitchen and the Ronald Center and Aramark opened chancellor for academic affairs. sure to look for information on next food tomorrow.” counseling program in the Greenville, both of whom now McDonald House. ECU’s Campus Kitchen in 2010. “He had a strong ability to live in the Triangle area. For the Volunteering with Campus College of Allied Health Sciences year’s Pirate Alumni Road Race and In the 2014-2015 academic year, It’s one of 45 at schools across organize and structure things,” last few years, Howell had been a Kitchens also has influenced her is ranked 18th among such the team at ECU had more than the country. said Ferrell. “He was one of resident of Golden Living Center. career choice. She intended to programs by U.S. News. Fun Run April 22, 2017. 200 volunteers, saved 2,500 —Crystal Baity this university’s outstanding —Jules Norwood major in nursing, but switched to —Crystal Baity

10 11 BENEFITS AT A GLANCE Art school to open ‘glass station’ in Farmville Alumni adds recent grad membership level • Every issue of East magazine Recent graduates will be able and opportunities to network and The ECU School of Art and a destination for anyone to join the East Carolina Alumni connect with other Pirates, said • At least a 25 percent savings on registration for most alumni Design plans to open a hand- interested in learning about Association for $25 starting Crawford. events, including Buccaneer Buffet tailgates and networking events Contributed photo Contributed blown glass art studio in a glass blowing. The studio will July 1, while other membership “We’re always trying to find ways • VIP (Very Important Pirate) experiences at select alumni events building that formerly housed feature public viewing areas and dues will rise. a service station in downtown offer workshops to the general to engage young alumni, and this • The monthly e-newsletter ECUpdate Farmville. public, including underserved Annual individual memberships (recent graduate) rate will make populations who may never have will increase to $40 from $35 on it easier for them to join and stay • Weekly MemberGrams with discounts at local and national retailers Hand-blown glass is a new been exposed to this type of art. July 1, and the annual couple’s connected to the university,” • Exclusive access to the online alumni directory curriculum area for ECU and the membership will increase to $60 Crawford said. • Free registration for the Pirate Career Casts series first of its kind in the UNC system. “Our hope is to make Farmville a from $50. Students will travel from Main go-to creative center in eastern Benefits include discounts Col. Tom Shubert ’74, center, with cadets Campus in Greenville for classes, North Carolina,” Buddo said. This is the first rate increase since on registration for Buccaneer in the ECU Air Force ROTC program which are expected to begin this “We are thankful to Farmville for the membership program began Buffet tailgate and Bring the fall, said Chris Buddo, dean of building a vision around art.” in 2006. Whole Crew family outings, the ECU College of Fine Arts and East magazine and more (see Doug Smith The school will recruit two “The economic landscape has Communication. glance box). Membership Military alumni chapter planned changed so much since then; it artists to serve as adjunct support allows the association really was time for an increase,” Because of the type of equipment faculty members and purchase to host networking and social The East Carolina Alumni help current students?” said Neal Crawford ’85, past and space needed, no more than equipment needed for glass events for alumni and their Association is partnering with chair of the association board Shubert helped the Civil Air Patrol six to eight students will be able production. ECU also will be families, provide scholarships to ROTC and Student Veteran of directors. “Joining the alumni organize incentive flights for Air to participate at a time. “We partnering with Pitt Community students, give awards to honor Services to form a chapter for association remains one of the Force cadets at the Pitt-Greenville expect that demand will outpace College and Pitt County Schools the accomplishments of alumni military alumni. more cost-effective and impactful Airport in November. Many of the our ability to meet it,” Buddo to make the facility available for volunteers and leaders, and offer ways to support ECU. We help The chapter will serve a variety of pilots were ECU alumni. Shubert said. “We expect this will become instruction and other learning services and communications for make it possible for alumni and populations, including veterans hopes the group will foster more a growth area for us.” opportunities. 165,000 alumni worldwide. supporters to have a lifelong who came to ECU after serving, experiences like this. Hand-blown glass could become Todd Edwards, a member of The and graduates who entered relationship with East Carolina.” Membership is open to anyone “I think military alumni would like a new concentration in the art Farmville Group, wanted to create who wants to support ECU, the military after college, either Not only is membership a great to be more involved,” Shubert said. school. Initial interest is expected an incubator for young artists including former students, through ROTC or independently. way to support ECU, it also “I think they’d enjoy meeting other to come from ceramics and that would help retain talent in spouses, parents, faculty, staff provides many benefits such as The first step is to gather data alumni, but I think they really want sculpture students, Buddo said. the area and have local economic and community members. impact. His construction member-only communications and build a master list of military to engage with cadets and help The project is a result of a —Jackie Drake company is contractor for the alumni. While any existing them along their careers.” grassroots effort by The Farmville military alumni outreach has been trust on the project. Military alumni can provide Group, a volunteer economic fragmented, this effort would valuable insight and guidance development association “We want school kids to be update information across the to students. interested in growing the local inspired and to come here and be entire central alumni database. economy through the arts. The engaged,” said Edwards. “This is “A big thing when you leave the “We’ve got to figure out a Allen and Stowe families donated a template and road map for all military is that you’ve lost your good way to make sure we’re the building to the DeVisconti small towns. This will go beyond social network, and going to getting to everyone,” said Nicole Trust, which is leasing it to ECU. just this facility,” Cliff Hollis college and getting a degree can Jablonski, assistant director of seem like an unattainable goal,” Community leaders contacted ECU will pay approximately Student Veteran Services. “We’re Jablonski said. “It can be helpful ECU in 2014 to talk about $14,000 a year, plus utilities, to ECU medical students so close to so many military and motivating for students to opening a studio or art gallery lease the building that officials participated in a bases, there’s a big population see alumni who were once in their space as a way “to use art to are calling the “glass station” as disaster day drill we can pull from. We just have to situation who have now gotten breathe economic life into a nod to the building’s former life with the Winterville find them.” jobs or started businesses.” downtown,” Buddo said. as a gas station on West Wilson Fire-Rescue-EMS Accurate numbers for military Street. Built in 1946, the building department. The One of the goals for the In response, ECU proposed alumni at ECU are hard to come will provide about 2,400 square Emergency Medicine chapter is to host a military a glass art facility that would by. Prospective students applying feet of studio space. Interest Group at event as part of homecoming, not only serve as a classroom to ECU have an option to self- —Crystal Baity Brody coordinated as well as other events where for students but also become identify as military, which doesn’t the event to give alumni could mingle with always happen and wasn’t always students a better students and network. an option in the past. understanding of

“This group could help alumni Clark Jay what happens before There are roughly 1,500 make connections with potential patients get to the graduates of the ROTC program employers,” Jablonski said. “A lot hospital. An EastCare at ECU, around 1,200 from the Air of companies are interested with helicopter was on site, Force detachment and more than working with military alumni. It’s and after students 300 from the Army detachment. a win-win for everyone.” worked with several “There’s a huge untapped wrecked cars to To find out more or get involved potential there,” says Tom simulate a patient with the military alumni chapter, Shubert, who graduated from the extraction, the patient contact Lindsay Raymond- Air Force ROTC program at ECU mannequins were Weston, assistant director for in 1974. He retired as a colonel transported back alumni programs, at 252-328- after 30 years of service and now to Brody, where a 1958 or raymondwestonl15@ecu. DT Nguyen uses a powertool works with the Civil Air Patrol, a simulated emergency edu or visit PirateAlumni.com/ to cut parts of a car. civilian auxiliary of the Air Force. department was set MilitaryAlumni. “What are these alumni doing up for students to —Jackie Drake now and what can they do to continue “treatment.”

12 13 Nido Qubein, High Point volunteer for the Charlotte area. University president, presents

Jay Clark Jay “Keeping connected with fellow the Leo M. Lambert Engaged Pirates is very important because Leader Award to ECU Chancellor we are what keeps each other

Steve Ballard. photo Contributed strong in a sea of unfamiliar faces,” said Los Angeles volunteer faculty, staff and students, and Wayne Sampson ’08. he started the Engaged Outreach Scholars Academy to support Building a network galvanizes faculty and students who work the resources of the Pirate with community partners on Nation, said Michael Dudley ’10, mutually beneficial research a volunteer in Charleston, South projects. To date, hundreds of Carolina. “This allows each of us faculty, staff and students have to give back to our alma mater, participated in these programs. enhancing what ECU has to offer and producing quality alumni On average, 45 percent of North who can, in turn, add their own Carolina students are active in resources to the network of civic and community engagement, Pirates,” he said. well above the national average of 39 percent, according to People need not worry that the Leslie Garvin, executive director alumni association just wants of the compact. to ask for money, said Dunn of Volunteers organize alumni events and chapters across U.S. Virginia. “That’s not the point at “This is a movement,” Garvin Ballard accepts award for ECU’s community engagement From the nation’s capital to the 2014. More recently, she and travels across the country.” all,” she said. “We would like you said. “We are committed to Pacific, alumni volunteers are her co-volunteer Drew Leisure to give back to ECU, sure, but Chancellor Steve Ballard received community means everything to success, service to the state and transforming North Carolina one Last fall, Coleman coordinated hosting events and organizing ’12 have started to organize personally I would much rather the Leo M. Lambert Engaged what kind of university we are.” regional transformation in eastern institution at a time. We couldn’t an alumni event at Southern chapters to connect fellow monthly happy hour events as a see you help out a fellow ECU Leader Award from the North North Carolina. be more excited about the Methodist University in Dallas Ballard arrived at ECU in 2004, Pirates. way for alumni to socialize and grad who may be new to the Carolina Campus Compact at its future of service learning, and where more than 200 Pirates “and East Carolina has never For example, ECU’s support expand their networks without area or just help us cheer on the 16th annual conference held Feb. we couldn’t do all this without “When I first moved to Northern gathered for some barbecue flown been the same since,” said of the Lucille W. Gorham the pressure of a traditional Pirates like we’re back in Dowdy- 10 at High Point University. leadership.” Virginia right after graduating, I in from eastern North Carolina. Nido Qubein, HPU president Intergenerational Community networking event. Ficklen.” knew one other local Pirate. Now, “It was such a huge showing of The award recognizes North and chair of the N.C. Campus Center, a campus-community N.C. Campus Compact is I know more than 50, and there “We held our first event in school spirit. Even Shane Carden The alumni association is working Carolina chancellors or Compact Executive Board. partnership started in 2007 to a collaborative network of are over 2,000 in this area,” said February and had a terrific stopped by,” she said. to strengthen chapters in presidents who are committed ECU has become an economic support children and families in colleges and universities with Courtney Dunn ’13, a volunteer response, so we look forward Washington, D.C., southeastern to meaningful engagement in engine in the region and has west Greenville, was nationally a shared commitment to Pirates are known for their spirit who helps organize events to what this program has the Virginia, Charlotte, Raleigh and their communities, highlighting been nationally recognized for recognized in 2012 with the educating engaged citizens and in Greenville and across the for the DC Metro Chapter in potential to grow into,” Dunn said. Greenville-Pitt County. If you live the role leaders play in setting its community engagement C. Peter Magrath University/ strengthening communities. country. Washington, D.C. in these cities and would like to priorities at their institutions. efforts, Qubein said as he Community Engagement Award. Presidents and chancellors from It’s easy to be friends with “Even my co-workers know get involved with other Pirate introduced Ballard. ECU also partners with the more than 48 public, private Dunn, who holds a degree anyone from ECU, says Nicole “This is really a recognition of that graduates of ECU always alumni in your area, contact Wounded Warrior Project to assist and community colleges and in history, is now an event Blood Coleman ’06, a volunteer ECU and the commitment of The UNC system’s longest- support their university and Lindsay Raymond-Weston, soldiers returning to civilian life. universities have joined since the coordinator for the Mercatus in the Dallas area. “It brings hundreds of people to make a serving chancellor, Ballard was have true Pirate pride,” said assistant director for alumni compact was founded in 2002 at Center at George Mason me a great sense of pride, difference in the community,” recognized for his efforts to The chancellor has also Karla Jones ’00, who works at programs, at 252-328-1958 or Elon University. ECU joined as a University. She helped organize especially being so far from Ballard said after the ceremony. make ECU known as a leadership established academies to provide Central Piedmont Community [email protected]. charter member the same year. a wreath-laying ceremony at home. It’s so exciting to see how “Engagement with the university, focusing on student intensive leadership training for College and serves as a —Jackie Drake —Jackie Drake Arlington Cemetery in December the spirit of the Pirate Nation

100 YEARS AGO 75 YEARS AGO 50 YEARS AGO 25 YEARS AGO School physician named state medical society president Flight training offered at East Carolina Recommendation made for life sciences institute Pirates capture third straight conference championship

Dr. Charles O’Hagan Laughinghouse, a local As war rages in A consultant’s report The Colonial Athletic Association doctor and ECTTS school physician, is named Europe, East Carolina, recommends the development plays its 1991 baseball president of the Medical Society of North along with the of an Institute of Life Sciences tournament at ECU’s Harrington Carolina. A staunch advocate of public health Civil Aeronautics and Community Health at Field, and the Pirates make and preventive medicine, Laughinghouse, in Administration, ECU. The report says such an the most of their home-field a speech during “Better Babies Week,” urges begins offering institute would provide the advantage. Defeating James Greenville residents to clean up a mosquito- flight training at the base for the development of a Madison twice, George Mason infested ditch near the grade school and high local airport. Twenty medical school. It also offers once and Richmond twice, the Courtesy University Archives University Courtesy Archives University Courtesy Archives University Courtesy school to reduce the spread of malaria. “Is it students, including advice on the expansion Gary Overton-coached team possible that you have eyes that see not and two women, enroll. of undergraduate science wins its third-straight CAA ears that hear not the things that have been The next year, more programs and the planning championship and goes on to Courtesy ECU Athletics Media Relations ECU Athletics Courtesy told you by the United States Public Health students join. Among for a new building to house the NCAA baseball tournament. Service, by the state public health service, those are John the expanded programs. The Third basemen John Gast and by your local public health service, and Johnston and Matt concept behind the Institute (number 28 at left) is named to by the physicians of your town? If it was Phillips (pictured). of Life Sciences and Community Health leads to the development of the School the All-CAA team and named making your chickens and horses and cows Both would be killed of Allied Health Sciences and Health Professions the following year. The school CAA Co-Player-of-the-Year. sick, you’d stop it,” he tells the crowd. in World War II. would call the Belk Building (pictured) home from 1972–2006. Shouquan Huo Ph.D. program Graduates are prepared to These programs also address a University. He has established serve as tenure-track faculty need to prepare younger nurses himself as a leader in several fields. advances research in members and deans of nursing, for the future of the field. In Cliff Hollis Since joining ECU, Shaikh has coordinate research and quality most disciplines, the average age nursing received continuous extramural improvement at major hospitals, someone obtains a doctorate funding from the National Many people have a mental and analyze and set policy by is late 20s or early 30s. But the Institutes of Health as well as image of what modern nursing working for organizations such average age nurses obtain a from industry groups including looks like—one that’s based as the N.C. Board of Nursing doctorate is mid-to-late-40s. pharmaceutical and dietary on countless trips to physician and the Robert Wood Johnson College of Nursing administrators supplement companies. offices, clinics and hospitals. Foundation. are doing their part to help. In 2012, he received the “It’s the idea of a compassionate Amy Jnah, a neonatal nurse In addition to varied paths for Early Career Award from the individual, dressed in a white coat practitioner at two hospitals and receiving a doctorate, they International Society for the or scrubs, delivering care at the director of the neonatal nurse established a competitive program Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids. bedside in a hospital,” said Elaine practitioner program at ECU, where incoming ECU Honors His first—and perhaps most Scott, a nursing professor at ECU. decided she wanted to obtain College freshmen can apply for often-cited—published work her Ph.D. while in the middle early assurance of acceptance in But Scott, director of ECU’s demonstrated the underlying of earning her DNP. The new the BSN-to-Ph.D. program. Ph.D. program in nursing, mechanisms by which dietary program is allowing her to pursue wants to expand the collective “We have this myth that nurses omega-3 fatty acids target her research interests, which perception of this storied health have to practice nursing and that the molecular organization of center on mentoring, self-efficacy care profession. She wants it to you have to get out there and be lymphocyte lipid membranes and self-confidence in inpatient, include the concept of nurses as a ‘real’ nurse before you can go to modulate inflammatory acute care nurse practitioners. scholars. back and get additional degrees,” responses. “I have such a passion for re- said Scott. “We will give students “Nursing is a science and an art— Shaikh has published 37 research search, for research methodology who choose to pursue a BSN- most often the public thinks of the and review articles as co-author and for interventional research,” to-Ph.D. ways to develop clinical caring art of nursing and remains and senior author. unaware of the science that said Jnah. “I know the Ph.D. is acumen and work part time, supports the interventions nurses going to help me develop in those but we don’t want them to stop Viren’s focus is on the use in their practice,” Scott said. areas so that I can take the continuing their education while development of sustainable “Ph.D.-prepared nurses conduct knowledge that I get from this they are gaining that clinical community-based tourism. research to create nursing science program and carry it on with competency. Professors recognized for their research, creative work Applying her experience as me into the community and a travel agent, she works to that promotes healthy outcomes “These young scholars are the make a difference.” Four ECU faculty members were He has taught undergraduate phosphorescent materials and support economic development and establishes evidence-based future of nursing, the students recognized for their research, and graduate students for organometallic anticancer and protect and promote natural practices in nursing. These nursing All three students in the program, who can help us drop that engagement and creative the past 19 years at ECU. He’s agents. Organometallic and cultural resources in towns research findings also shape including Jnah, were able to average of the nurse getting their accomplishments during ECU’s also helped raise funds for art chemistry is the study of along the Roanoke River. health policy and influence quality transfer at least 18 hours from Ph.D. to below 40.” and safety initiatives.” 10th annual Research and Creative scholarships at ECU; there is an chemical compounds containing their DNP program into their Ph.D. —Alyssa Gutierrez Achievement Week in April. endowed scholarship in his name. at least one bond between Viren and her students crafted As the College of Nursing coursework. All are expected to He was named the Carol Grotnes a carbon atom of an organic marketing plans and supported Bob Ebendorf, a professor approaches 60 graduates from graduate within five semesters. Belk Distinguished Professor of compound and a metal. grants to secure funding for a emeritus of metal design wheelchair-accessible kayak its 12-year-old doctoral program, Though the program is the Art in 1999. in the School of Art and Huo has designed, synthesized launch and boat ramp in administrators have added three newest addition to the College of Design, received the Lifetime Examples of his work are in 29 and characterized a number Windsor. The latest project is the new academic options intended to Nursing, it’s not the first bridge Achievement Award for museums around the world, of phosphorescent platinum construction of two treehouses facilitate nurses’ transition to the program instituted to help nurses Excellence in Research and including the Smithsonian, the complexes. A significant finding and a “treeZebo,” or observation role of scientific thought leader. earn a Ph.D. Administrators Creative Activity. Metropolitan Museum of Art is one isomeric platinum complex deck connected by an elevated Last August, three students previously established a program in New York, The Victoria and that demonstrates higher toxicity Shouquan Huo, an associate walkway, on the banks of enrolled in the new DNP-to-Ph.D. where nurses with a bachelor Albert Museum in London and against a series of human lung professor of inorganic and the Cashie River, which are program, making ECU one of only of science in nursing could the Museum of Fine Arts in and prostate cancer cells. organic chemistry, and S. intended to provide additional six schools in the country that seamlessly obtain a Ph.D. The Boston. Through the years, he has Raza “Raz” Shaikh, associate Huo has a doctorate in chemistry accommodations in Windsor. offer this opportunity. three members of this program’s completed large commissions for professor in the Department from Nanjing University in China first group are close to the end of corporations, temples, churches Viren also collaborated with Pitt, The DNP, or doctor of nursing of Biochemistry and Molecular and bachelor’s and master’s their studies. and private clientele. Pamlico, Craven and Carteret practice, targets nurses who want Biology and a member of the degrees in chemistry from counties to develop master “It opens up a lot of doors for the highest level of education for East Carolina Diabetes and He’s received numerous awards Zhengzhou University in China. plans with strategies to increase clinical practice. This degree also me as far as being able to teach Obesity Institute at the Brody and accolades including the He has written more than 40 recreational access in these equips nurses to solve problems at a university level,” said Albert School of Medicine, received Society of North American peer-reviewed research articles, communities. and advance health by testing Anderson, a registered nurse Five-Year Achievement Awards Goldsmiths Lifetime Achievement given more than 35 invited ideas for best nursing practice and at Vidant Medical Center who for Excellence in Research and Award in 2014, the highest honor Viren joined ECU in 2008 and talks and is the owner of 13 implementing evidence generated is a dissertation away from Creative Activity. given by the society. has served as an affiliate faculty by Ph.D.-prepared nurses. graduation. “It is going to give U.S. patents, with two patents member with the Center for me lots of options, but I think it is Paige Viren, an associate profes­ Ebendorf has bachelor of fine arts pending. He is a member of Sustainable Tourism. She has a “Some DNP nurses return to as much personal motivation as it sor of recreation and leisure and master of fine arts degrees several academic and research bachelor’s degree in recreation practice and begin testing small is anything.” studies, received the Scholarship from the University of Kansas and societies. and leisure studies and a master’s changes in how nurses practice of Engagement Award. was awarded a Fulbright. Before in leisure and tourism studies Anderson—whose research Shaikh, an expert in lipid and want to do more,” Scott joining East Carolina, he taught from Bowling Green State focuses on the safety culture of a Ebendorf is an internationally biochemistry, nutritional said. “They may decide they love at the University of Georgia and University and a doctorate in park nursing unit and the relationship known master metalsmith immunology and membrane research and need more education State University of New York at recreation and tourism resources the leader of the unit forms and jewelry designer who biophysics, has a doctorate in on how to conduct research. New Paltz. from Michigan State University. When that happens, returning to with a team—hopes to use his incorporates cast-off objects into medical biophysics from Indiana school for the DNP-to-Ph.D. in doctorate to continue creating his works, pairing unusual items Huo’s research focuses on University and completed She has published 17 peer- nursing is a great option.” new knowledge for the discipline. from broken glass to bottle tops selectivity in organometallic postdoctoral training in reviewed articles. in his one-of-a-kind designs. bond activation, the use of immunology at Johns Hopkins —ECU News Services

16 17 Dr. Gregory College of Education embarks on assessment plan Chadwick, dean of the ECU School of The ECU College of Education is on a “(Faculty) can step back and ask ‘why Five minutes with Nneka Jones Tapia ’03 Dental Medicine, has quest for excellence. are we doing this,’ or determine that Position: Executive director, received the 2016 something isn’t effective and needs to Grant Hayes, who has Cook County Jail, Chicago Paragon Award from be revised to increase effectiveness and been dean and the American impact,” said Hayes. Degree: Master’s in psychology Student Dental distinguished Association. The professor since For example, the college introduced Hometown: Grifton August, opened his co-teaching. It places two interns with a award recognizes Last year, Jones Tapia became one of the first clinical people who have first faculty and staff teacher in the field, and they plan, deliver meeting asking tough and assess instruction together. More psychologists in the country to work as a warden. At significantly contributed to the her institution, Cook County Jail in Chicago, up to one- advancement of the rights, interests and questions: “What does than 100 interns are co-teaching in 91 the ECU College of classrooms representing seven teacher third of the 9,000 detainees are mentally ill. It could be welfare of dental students throughout considered the largest mental institution in the country. their careers. It is the highest and most Education want to be preparation programs at ECU. notable award given by ASDA. Chadwick known for?” and Since 2011, the college has implemented The need for mental health treatment and expertise accepted the award during the ASDA “What can students get here that they “ edTPA, a capstone assessment taken by in all correctional institutions is paramount. As state Annual Session in Dallas on March 5. cannot get elsewhere?” students before they graduate (comparable budgets continue to suffer, the typical result is the To help the college answer these to the bar exam for law students). Students underfunding or elimination of community mental health Wanda Tyler has questions, department chairs are working in all initial licensure programs are required services. As a result of those cuts, we have seen striking been named director with faculty to increase the impact, to take the assessment. increases in the number of individuals with mental illness of intercultural affairs performance and visibility of their work. On average, students in nine of the 13 ending up in correctional institutions. at ECU’s Ledonia “Grant is resourceful and prepared,” said programs are performing better than Wright Cultural Art Rouse, chair of the Department of the national average. ECU received The Mental Health Transition Center offers mental Center. She comes to “ Educational Leadership. “From the time national recognition for implementing health treatment, educational programming and ECU from the he interviewed and then came to ECU edTPA with limited resources and for job-readiness skills training. Many of the participants University of New as dean, he could see that the college using the assessment tool to improve that have been released from custody have restored Haven in Connecticut, has major impact on the region, but teacher preparation. their relationships with their families, continued their where she worked for it was not being told or seen by our educational programming and become employed. more than nine years. Recently, the college launched a pilot various stakeholders.” Tyler has a bachelor’s degree in program with a mixed-reality classroom of psychology from James Madison Training more than 20 percent of North fifth-grade avatars called TeachLive, which “My initial desire to attend ECU’s master’s program was University in Virginia and a master’s in Carolina’s teachers, ECU plays a crucial provides on-the-spot teacher training. rooted in its proximity to home. However, once I started counseling and student personnel role in replenishing the 10,000-teacher Focusing on classroom management, the attending, I grew most fond of the family-oriented spirit services from Edinboro University of shortage in the state. Graduates teach in avatars have diverse personalities and of the institution. The class sizes were small enough to Pennsylvania. At ECU, she will be 98 of the 100 North Carolina counties and learning styles that education students allow my cohort to develop bonds with each other and responsible for cultivating environments have the highest employment rate of all must react to in real-time. our instructors. where students, faculty, staff and the UNC-system schools. With TeachLive, students can face real region may engage in critical discussion “My education at ECU was my introduction to the Enrollment dips have affected teacher- classroom challenges in a safe setting. and interaction about race/ethnicity, professional world of mental health. The internship preparation schools and colleges across ECU is the first university in the state to gender, culture, sexual identity, gender experiences I had while there were formidable and the country, according to the U.S. use TeachLive for teacher preparation. identity/expression and worldview. solidified my desire to work with justice-involved Department of Education’s Office of In response to losing good teachers to individuals. Postsecondary Education. The office other professions and states, the college Fifteen clinicians from ECU Physicians, reported enrollment in teacher-education has made collaborating with a variety of the group medical practice of the Brody programs has dropped by about 10 “Throughout my life, including my time at ECU, partners to train and retain teachers in School of Medicine, have received percent between 2004 and 2012. ECU I’ve learned the benefit of resilience. Once you’re eastern North Carolina a priority. national recognition for their skill in has experienced an 18 percent decline inspired to do something, you can do it. You just need providing high-quality care to patients in enrollment in its education programs, The North Carolina New Teacher Support the tools to succeed, and I try to relay that message to with diabetes. The three-year Diabetes while the UNC system has seen a 30 Program was established in 2012 by UNC our detainees.” Recognition Program distinction from percent decline across 15 universities. General Administration. ECU delivers the National Committee for Quality NTSP professional development and We want to hear stories from alumni about how their To address that, Hayes has implemented Assurance shows these providers have coaching for teachers in their first through experiences at ECU shaped them today and how a three-year plan that focuses on demonstrated they deliver the highest third years of teaching in Duplin, Hoke, they pass those lessons to others. Send us an email at strengthening academic programs, level of diabetes care based on five key Lenoir, Pamlico and Perquimans counties. [email protected]. measures associated with complications increasing partnerships, and generating from the disease. Recognized were Drs. collaboration and external support for Another example, which is funded by Photograph by Joshua Lott/The New York Times/Redux Janice Daugherty, Justin Edwards, Jason research activity. the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation, is the SECU Partnership Foltz, Susan Keen and Gary Levine from “We need to reclaim our profession,” he East program, a degree-completion the Family Medicine Center; Drs. Tommy said. “People are making decisions without partnership with 20 North Carolina Ellis, Celeste Jackson, Kelly Philpot and our voice, and ECU faculty need to be community colleges from Raleigh to the physician assistant Mark Harrell from heard as leaders of these discussions.” the Firetower Medical Office;Drs. Muna Outer Banks. With a mission to “grow Mian and James Powell from internal As a first step, each department in the our own,” the program allows students medicine; Drs. Almond Drake and Robert college will establish benchmarks to interested in teaching to attend their local Tanenberg from endocrinology; and Drs. measure impact over time. In year two, community college for two years and then Lacy Hobgood and Mary Turner from departments will refine their impact take two years of ECU education courses internal medicine/pediatrics. They are statements and develop a clear metrics online or face-to-face at a nearby site. plan. Year three will consist of data analysis the only health care providers in ECU Since its inception in 2002, the program and development of each department’s Physicians’ 29-county service area to has prepared 674 teachers. first volume of impact reports. hold this recognition. —Jessica Nottingham

18 19 Tyree Parker and Grace Baran in the Bioprocess Engineering Lab

Prescription for prosperity Skilled graduates are one way ECU is leading economic development In the office of Wanda Yuhas ’75, purple is prominent. According to the N.C. Department of The head of the Pitt County Development Commission wears a purple skull-and- Commerce, eastern North Carolina has 22 Tier 1 counties, meaning they are the state’s most economically distressed. The crossbones scarf. The office suite features purple accents, restrooms included. department also says 19 eastern counties are losing jobs. Even the logo on her business cards includes purple as one of its four colors. Only five eastern cities—Greenville, Jacksonville, Rocky Mount, Wilson and Goldsboro—rank among the state’s It’s not a coincidence. 25 largest in terms of population. Meanwhile six eastern counties—Halifax, Northampton, Martin, Washington, Hyde “It reminds us every day that these are our closest partners,” she says of the logo, and Lenoir—have lost citizens, according to the N.C. Office of State Budget and Stephanie Smith guides community members which includes the colors of Vidant Medical Center, Pitt Community College and Management. through a planning exercise in Windsor. the city of Greenville. And the average pay in every county in the East is below the state average of $44,969. Rural communities face stubborn challenges

“The equation is education equals economic A glimpse of the economic struggles industries but what can people do at But of the purple, she adds, “We can’t ever overestimate the importance of ECU.” development,” says John Chaffee, chief in northeastern North Carolina was a grassroots level,” she says. It’s also executive of the NCEast Alliance, a non- revealing for Stephanie Smith ’11. inclusive. profit economic development organization. She co-wrote an economic In rural communities, she says, people development strategic plan in 2014 can be resistant to change. And people But it’s not just workforce development for Bertie County when she was who want change face obstacles such that boosts business. Universities also offer working on her master of business as inadequate education and reliable technical expertise, technology that can be administration degree at N.C. Central transportation. Making stakeholders feel University. Though she was born in like they’re part of the plan can help commercialized and more. Greenville, she grew up in Charlotte lead to solutions. and Raleigh, so going up U.S. 13 and “Bring people together, putting a plan That refrain is heard over and over In his 1990 book, meeting residents of Windsor, Aulander together as a facilitator…but it has to The Competitive Advantage and the other Bertie towns unveiled a around eastern North Carolina, and East Michael Porter forecasts that be their ideas,” she says. “And then be a John Chafee of Nations, new economic reality for her. Carolina University’s leaders are doing all in most of the world, a nation’s economic champion for those things.” “I didn’t even know eastern North prosperity would no longer be tied to Buy-in from important constituencies they can to make sure it is sung loudly Carolina existed in the way it did,” is also important. In rural counties, and clearly. For example, they adopted abundant natural resources and cheap says Smith, now a business operations black ministers are some of the most analyst at Cisco in Research Triangle “regional transformation” as one of the labor. Instead, competitive advantage influential people around. would increasingly be based on creative Park. “I just never thought of all the university’s commitments in the 2014- places I passed on the road and the “A pastor explaining the importance 2019 strategic plan. and scientific innovations. He says this new conditions they live in.” Those include of higher education on a Sunday is model positions colleges and universities as substandard housing, inadequate way more powerful than picking up “It’s intentional,” says Provost Ron primary engines of economic growth. educational opportunities and a lack of a newspaper and reading about it,” Mitchelson. “It’s part of the mission, a transportation. she says. clear part of the strategic plan. For example, in 2014, ECU received $44.4 About 40 miles north of ECU and Smith did notice that as a black woman, million in external funding, had 14 active bordered by the Roanoke River, Bertie people in the majority-minority county “They want innovation,” he says of the County ranks near the bottom in most felt a link to her—and she to them. license/option agreements with small of the state’s economic categories. A “Some of them still call me,” she says. people and leaders of eastern North businesses, filed 13 patent applications and review of Census data by the website “When you have that connection, you’re Carolina. “They want entrepreneurship.” 24/7 Wall St. determined it’s the state’s ready to do all you can.” was awarded eight patents. poorest. Its median household income of She thought about that a lot two years $29,388 compares to the state median ago on those drives between the Regional reach “ECU is as well-positioned as any university of $46,693. The poverty rate is 25.5 Triangle and the Coastal Plain. in the state to have a distinctive impact on its percent; unemployment is 7.8 percent. Charles Hayes “At the end of the day, I can drive home, and magazines region,” Chaffee says. To remedy some of that, Smith’s Forbes Chief Executive but they have to stay there,” she says. rank North Carolina second and third, plan included ideas such as Career “It hurt.” respectively, among the 50 states for business. Charles Hayes ’72 ’74, president and CEO Readiness Certificate testing for all high of the Research Triangle Region, likes school students and improving county “Blueprint for Bertie” is online at That’s not widely evident in the East. branding and marketing. unc.live/1VOHQQM. — “Our plan isn’t to attract those big Doug Boyd continued on page 25 22 23 to say, “Higher education is economic Pharmaceutical Development and universities in the nations in terms of “actual development.” Government, business and Manufacturing Center of Excellence, college outcomes data,” according to the academia must work together to create jobs announced a year ago and funded by the California nonprofit. and opportunity, he stresses. Golden LEAF Foundation, is a partnership The rankings indicate which schools do the among ECU, Pitt Community College and “It takes a concerted and well-thought-out best job of improving the earnings and job the pharmaceutical industry aimed at training strategy and plan,” he says. “The university prospects of students, according to ETC. a superior workforce. has to be sitting at the table to lead.” The ranking matches what Justin Wood, Alex Morsch ’13 is just the type of student And ECU leaders are embracing that work. manager of quality engineering at Sequence, the center of excellence aims to produce. a Morrisville-based consulting company “It really is in our DNA as a regional The bioprocess engineering graduate works started by Mike Putnam ’98 ’01, sees in institution,” says Michael Van Scott, interim at Pfizer’s facility in Rocky Mount as a ECU engineering graduates. vice chancellor for research, economic process validation engineer. She ensures that development and engagement. “It started a processes are capable of producing products “One of the things that impresses me about focus on producing teachers for the region. that will consistently meet predetermined this program is they come out prepared What we’re seeing now is an extension of specifications and quality attributes. for the real world from day one,” he said. that mission into other programs that impact “They’re polished. Not only do they have “I think ECU is incredibly important to economic development.” a technical background, they have the economic development,” she says. “It helps communication skills you need and the other Jennifer Lantz, executive director of the develop eastern North Carolina in multiple skills we look for.” Wilson Economic Development Council, areas, from engineering, teaching, improving says programs and people at ECU, such as medical practices, dental. With the variety of In the chemistry department, the good Ecotourism a piece of the puzzle for river towns the engineering department, are eager to programs the school has to offer, it attracts manufacturing practices lab prepares help industries and municipalities grow and people to move to the area and attend chemistry students to document their reports. prosper. If a company needs a specific type school.” Many then decide to live and work “They’re immediately employable,” Keith of training program for workers, she says, in the region, she adds. Holmes ’68, one of two faculty members When I was growing up in Williamston, my warehouses are gone, and the land itself is “who we’re going to go to is ECU. Because Another life sciences boost is coming as ECU who lead the lab. “They’re much more grandmother warned me about the Roanoke. one of their best hopes for economic revival. of that entrepreneurial spirit. It’s going to be develops its Millennial Campus, a district experienced because they have documented If I got so much as knee-deep in the swirling From 2010-2013, 10 new businesses including ECU whom we call first.” water, she would say, currents might suck campsites, outfitters, guide services, and where the university, industry, government what they have done in a regulatory- me under, never to be seen again, pulled restaurants opened in eight of the 12 Regional businesses will reap even more and the military will work together on compliant manner.” down into what she called the “bottomless” municipalities along the river. of the benefits of that entrepreneurial stretches of the river. research and bringing ideas to market. Part of Funded by the Golden Leaf Foundation “They’re really looking for an authentic spirit next year when the Miller School of So when I bought myself a personal experience,” Paige Viren, an ECU assistant that campus might be the new biotechnology and supported by local companies, the lab watercraft for my 30th birthday, naturally I professor of recreation and leisure studies Entrepreneurship opens, says Stan Eakins, and life sciences building, to be constructed opened in the early 2000s to teach how to headed for the insidious Roanoke. and affiliate faculty member in the Center for dean of the College of Business. with funds voters approved in the Connect Sustainable Tourism, says of tourists to the keep logbooks and lab reports that meet What I found was one of the wildest yet most northeastern region. “They’re not looking to NC bond act, passed in March. serene places—and some of the clearest “Any company that hires anybody…they all FDA regulations. go to Applebee’s or Starbucks. They want water—one could hope to experience. are looking for an innovative employee, one to go to the Oyster Bar in Williamston or the That building will be home to the biomedical The class cuts three to six months off the “We have a beautiful place you can get to, Cypress Grill in Jamesville. that has entrepreneurial ideas and wants to and bioprocess engineering departments as leave your technology behind, and clear time a company must train a new employee, “That’s the beauty of an adventure tourist,” push things forward,” he says. your head,” says Carol Jones Shields ’94 ’00, well as the pharmaceutical center. Thousands Viren says. “You don’t have to have all that Holmes says. He recalls one administrator executive director of Roanoke River Partners, of students will be their first dose of life infrastructure. You develop what is existing. from AAIPharma Services in Wilmington an economic development and tourism We can provide that in eastern North Carolina, Life sciences leadership sciences education as they take biology organization representing 11 communities calling him after hiring one of his graduates. we can charge for that, and it can be an along the river. courses and labs in the new building. economic value.” Though the Research Triangle gets the “They said, ‘Where did (she) come from? Toward that end, ECU faculty members and In addition to the wild areas, historic sites Paige Viren recognition, companies such as Patheon, “Education is the answer, and at the highest students have been working with the river We’ve never had anyone who understood such as Hope Plantation near Windsor, communities to boost tourism, including Pfizer, Mayne Pharma and many others make level of leadership, you need to embrace that Somerset Place in Creswell and the Edenton regulations and knew how to write, ever,’” subcontract work on a $73,500 state grant and create strategies to accomplish that,” waterfront offer glimpses into antebellum and eastern North Carolina the home of nearly Holmes says. in 2013. Keeping the tourists coming takes Colonial North Carolina. cooperation among stakeholders—not 8,000 life sciences jobs. Hayes says. To city dwellers, a day of canoeing or kayaking, As part of the Pharmaceutical Development At Somerset Place, presentations and exhibits competition. eating local fare such as herring and barbecue, “The largest life sciences sector per capita is represent the lives of slaves who lived on the and Manufacturing Center of Excellence and watching wildlife might not seem like “Our small communities in eastern North Education aimed at jobs plantation, one of the first sites in the state in eastern North Carolina,” Lantz says. “ECU much to folks who grew up in the area. Carolina are so economically challenged, we all funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation, the to do an interpretive focus on the enslaved need to find all the ways of working together can play a pivotal role in growing that sector.” In its 2015 rankings, Educate to Career chemistry department also has begun offering But that attitude is changing as communities population of the region’s plantations. for the good of the region,” Shields says. put ECU fourth out of more than 1,200 realize the textile factories and tobacco —Doug Boyd ECU is already stepping up. The new tailored short courses for industries that

24 25 Eastern N.C.’s economic clusters, request it, as well as doing contract analytical in 13 area middle schools. The goal marketability of a community, dental representative work for firms that lack the specialized is to build an education-to-workforce health care,” says Dan Gerlach, president companies and their equipment ECU has been able to acquire. pipeline for advanced manufacturing of the Golden LEAF Foundation. products/services workers and entrepreneurs. Columbia• “If they need something done, we want to Van Scott, the vice chancellor who AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE do that,” Holmes says. Again, education drives economies. oversees economic development, says Spirit Aerosystems, Kinston these examples show “a culture that’s —Aircraft structures and ★East Carolina University The College of Business also has nine- “In our world today, the places that components developed here at ECU of taking month programs in topics such as data have the most educated people are Tcom, Elizabeth City ownership of the problems and analytics and project management aimed at the places that are going to win, and —Surveillance blimps opportunities. People aren’t satisfied working people. that’s not going to change,” Hayes says. ADVANCED MANUFACTURING giving a little advice and walking away. “Education is the answer, and at the AND LOGISTICS “We continue to roll out more certificates People want to see real change.” highest levels of leadership you need Keihin Carolina System that are applicable to what the world currently Technology, Tarboro to embrace that and create strategies to In her downtown Greenville office, needs,” says Eakin, the business dean. —Electronic assemblies accomplish that.” Yuhas puts it another way. Transportation Impact, “We talk about lifelong learning, but if Emerald Isle Another way ECU helps the region “Nobody is expecting the university to you’re not responding to the lifelong learning —Shipping logistics and cost- is by sending hundreds of healthcare wave a magic wand and solve all our savings; co-owned by ECU needs of the employers, then it’s just talking,” professionals into the workforce every problems,” she says. “But even knowing alumnus Travis Burt says Chaffee. year. The university also staffs or owns the university will be there with us in LIFE SCIENCES ECU’s reputation for working with business numerous medical clinics around the the proverbial trenches, always there and Fuji Silysia Chemical USA, and industry is attractive to companies region and eight dental centers from willing to participate—they really do Greenville —Synthetic amorphous silica looking to expand. Helping communities help themselves the Smokies to the Albemarle Sound. want to help effect change in a region Purdue Pharmaceuticals, Wilson Those centers contribute an estimated and state that needs help making this —Pain-management astern North Carolina has eastern North Carolina and other “That keeps us on a list,” Yuhas says. “A pharmaceuticals a history of economic rural regions across the state,” company’s not looking for a reason to put $1 million annual economic impact to change. their respective towns, according to the challenges. That’s why the says Ted Morris, associate vice us on a list. They’re looking for a reason to “They’re not a silent partner. They’re a VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURE E ECU Office of Innovation chancellor for innovation and mark us off. So the more we can have to keep dental school. AND FOOD full partner.” and Economic Development economic development. East Mt. Olive Pickles, Mount Olive is looking for ways to tackle us on the list, the better.” “That is an important part of the —Pickle manufacturing In downtown Columbia, a town problems and inject ECU’s on the way to the Outer Banks, a In December, the university opened its Hillshire Bakeries, Tarboro expertise into local, governments, —Sara Lee baked goods similar ECU program helped the schools and economies. expanded Innovation Design Lab and town map its economic future announced the start of a workforce- The Innovation Design Lab and about a decade ago. MakerBot Innovation Center are development program funded by the Duke ECU experts helped the town examples. Another is the Talent Energy Foundation to address the growing and local landowners see how Enhancement and Capacity they could profit from the area’s demand for trained innovators in high-skill, Building Program, which is helping Scuppernong grapes. Now, a high-pay pharmaceutical and other advanced communities help themselves. If you need help starting or expanding a business in eastern North Carolina winery now operates out of a manufacturing careers throughout the region. or with a public sector initiative, ECU offers these resources: The program is a partnership that building that was on its way to the This facility includes the only MakerBot leverages resources at ECU and scrap heap. They also helped town • Center for Survey Research Call 252-737-1342. research, technical assistance in • Bureau of Business Research, the N.C. Department of Commerce leaders set goals for attracting an Innovation Center in North Carolina, where provides access to opinion obtaining state and federal (often the applied research arm of the to provide financing, technical assisted living center, which will students can rapidly build scaled prototypes polling surveys and marketing • ECU Entrepreneurial Initiative military) contracts, targeted College of Business, provides assistance, capacity building open this year. Most of all, they of their ideas to test, refine and perfect. The analysis to local governments holds meetings where spin-ins assistance to local companies economic data and forecasting to guide their zoning and hoping to export their products, services to businesses, and comprehensive community helped leaders prioritize. lab has also hosted schoolteachers from the (local start-ups that need ECU’s development training to rural local other long-range planning. technical help) and spin-outs and one-to-one counseling governments and individuals. “The important thing East Carolina Call 252-737-1349. to assist businesses in the Call 252-737-1441. governments. region to train them so they can take 3D (companies started by faculty was able to assist us with…was printing to their own classrooms. that need help commercializing commercialization of innovative Since 2009, the state has invested facilitation,” says Town Manager • Community and Regional their discoveries) present technologies. Call 252-737-1368. • Center for Innovation in $2.1 million in TECB, and ECU Rhett White. “There’s no shortage Last summer, ECU hosted its first Advanced Development Programs offers their ideas to angel investors, Technology and Engineering, has partnered with 39 rural of ideas in small towns. Sometimes, Manufacturing and Innovation Academy. technical assistance, training, venture capitalists and other • Small Business Institute, an offered by the College of communities. it’s tough to narrow those prospects financial resources and other entities supporting early stage outreach program of the College Engineering and Technology, down to where we can bite them off Funded through a $1.25 million Golden economic development products innovations. Call 252-737-1345. of Business, assigns student provides an alternative for “The TECB program helps ECU and piece by piece.” LEAF Foundation grant, the academy and service to rural local teams to analyze problems specialized industrial training the state make a crucial investment governments and nonprofit encountered by the business, and project implementation. —Doug Boyd is part of a larger project to open pilot • Small Business and Technology in economic development in organizations to help increase Development Center, whose then develops possible solutions. Call 252-328-9654. entrepreneurship, science, technology, capacity and build more eastern regional office operates Call 252-737-1057. engineering, art and design, and math labs competitive communities. within ECU, provides business

26 27 Licensed to heal Tanya Darrow ’07 serves patients and students in rural N.C.

BY CRYSTAL BAITY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIFF HOLLIS

“Family medicine” has infant son, Luke, she drops At least two Brody School of more than one meaning for Gavin off at school then heads Medicine graduates and a couple Tanya Darrow ’07. for her job as a physician of other ECU P.A. graduates She and her husband, Mark, start assistant at Vance Family practice there, putting ECU’s each morning before daybreak Medicine in Henderson. mission to serve the underserved with physical therapy treatments “It’s a mix of urgent care and to work every day. for their 6-year-old son, Gavin, primary care all in one,” Darrow “We’re not quite ready to paint who has cystic fibrosis. says of her practice, which has it purple, but we’re close,” About three hours later, after thousands of patients, from Darrow says. “We’re a big working out and feeding her “babies to geriatrics. It’s truly family here.” ‘womb to tomb.’” Working for health results come back abnormal, something education and certification exams. There she’s had to do at least a dozen times also is concern about understanding the Darrow has practiced at Vance Family because of cancer. profession’s role. Medicine since graduating from ECU with a master’s degree in P.A. studies in 2007. Another challenge is when a patient dies. “There is a perception that we’re glorified In conjunction with a supervising doctor, She recently attended the funeral of a medical assistants,” Darrow says. “We are physician assistants evaluate, diagnose and woman whom she had cared for since she licensed to diagnose and prescribe, and I’m treat, provide counseling and prescribe became a physician assistant. trained to do certain procedures. The whole medication. idea is for the physician assistant and the “In rural medicine, you can’t help but get doctor to work together as a team to expand The practice is open long hours and on close to your patients,” she said. “Everybody access to care.” Saturdays. knows everybody. It’s like a part of your family has passed away as well.” Situated on the Virginia line and Kerr Lake Teacher and provider along Interstate 85 and U.S. 158, Vance Outside the clinic, Darrow is a team County has a population of about 45,000. leader for the annual Great Strides walk, Darrow worked as a research assistant and Henderson is the county seat and home a fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis clinical trials coordinator at Duke University to about 15,000. Unemployment is in the Foundation. Held in Durham on April 16, Health System before entering graduate high single digits. More than a quarter of she joined more than 300 walkers to raise school. Now, in addition to seeing patients, she mentors students as a preceptor, or Darrow walks with her family and more than 300 other walkers in the Great Strides the population lives below the poverty line, funds for research. walk held April 16 in Durham to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. according to Census figures. clinical teacher. Darrow’s team, “Gavin’s Groupies,” has been Life expectancy, at 74.9, trails the state walking since her son was 1. She wanted to “I like to think I’m providing students with number of 78.3, according to state statistics. get more involved this year and served on the a great experience that will help develop the next graduating class. She never seems to and educate patients. Even when time Twenty years of training Cancer death rates exceed state averages, and planning committee for the annual event. their skills and prepare them for providing burn out on educating students. We couldn’t was running short, she was teaching,” rural and underserved deaths from chronic kidney disease are worse excellent patient care,” Darrow said. ask for a more dedicated preceptor.” says McBryde, a P.A. in the emergency providers “I want to see my child grow up and go to department of Harnett Health in Dunn than national averages, according to the ECU was Darrow’s top choice because of At the outset, Darrow finds out more about ccredited in the fall of 1996, the school and get married,” says Darrow. and Lillington. “I believe this is a large part mission of ECU’s physician assistant Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. its commitment to underserved areas of each student, giving them an opportunity of our job. Managing someone’s health care Astudies program is to prepare Diabetes is rampant. Asthma hospitalizes While cystic fibrosis has no cure, Gavin has the state, as well as its low cost compared to ask questions or give suggestions on how primary care providers and increase access needs isn’t a one-sided relationship, but a children at a rate nearly 50 percent higher been taking a new drug, ivacaftor, which to other programs. “ECU’s efforts to train they could learn better. to health care for citizens in rural and partnership that needs to be nurtured and medically underserved areas. than the state as a whole. targets the underlying cause of the disease in people who go on to serve in rural areas of patients with a specific gene defect. “Depending on previous rotations, some guided.” The program is one of nine departments in Against that backdrop, Darrow works to the state was and still is my main focus,” students are not as confident in certain areas the College of Allied Health Sciences, the She says Darrow was constantly reading leading university provider of allied health make sure her patients grasp her explanations In people with cystic fibrosis, that defective Darrow says. and may need a little extra help,” Darrow and referencing new material from professionals in the state. and participate in their care. gene causes a buildup of thick mucus in Darrow received a grant from the North says. “I’m very flexible in my teaching the lungs, pancreas and other organs. It medical journals. ECU’s first class of physician assistants “If you don’t understand something, she Carolina Medical Society Foundation’s style because we all learn differently. That graduated in 1999. Until recently, ECU had clogs airways and traps bacteria leading to the only state-supported program in the will explain it until you do,” says 17-year- Community Practitioner Program, which helps helps me provide an exceptional learning “I was able to see firsthand the dedication infections and extensive lung damage. In the University of North Carolina system. ECU old Samaira Williams, who is interested in medically underserved communities across environment when I can for students.” that is required to practice in medicine,” has graduated 30 to 35 students a year pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of McBryde says. “The learning doesn’t since the program started, says Kim Stokes, attending ECU to study anthropology. North Carolina attract and retain needed Darrow said it’s important to provide digestive enzymes that allow the body to practitioners. The program pays back some stop after you receive your degree; you clinical coordinator and clinical assistant learning opportunities for students across professor in the P.A. studies program. “She makes things clear for you,” says break down food and absorb vital nutrients. of the debt Darrow incurred as a student. are constantly changing your practice and Samaira’s mother, Samantha Williams. “She’s the state in a fast-growing field. ECU has affiliations with 129 active clinical Since starting the drug last year, Gavin’s improving upon your knowledge.” sites with 188 preceptors in North Carolina got a lot of patience whether it’s over the Kim Stokes, clinical coordinator and clinical “It’s becoming increasingly difficult weight has increased and he’s gotten taller. assistant professor in the P.A. studies Darrow said she enjoys teaching students, from Southport north to Edenton and west phone or face to face.” for students to be placed in a quality to Chapel Hill. “We focus on rural areas “We’re starting to see a turnaround,” each of whom brings a different perspective over urban,” Stokes says. program in the ECU College of Allied environment where they can be exposed to Darrow says it’s important to educate Darrow says. and experience to the rotation. “They may Health Sciences, saw Darrow’s commitment various aspects of primary care,” Darrow About 91 percent of ECU P.A. graduates children and their parents early about proper have seen or heard something in another stay in North Carolina to practice. And ECU Professionally, Darrow serves on the to rural health when she was in Stokes’ says. “In one week (here), you can see nutrition and exercise when looking at clinical rotation in primary care at Med rotation that prompts them to ask a question graduates have consistently achieved a 100 Government Affairs Committee for the North a variety of cases and procedures. An percent pass rate on their state licensing childhood obesity rates, especially in rural that I can’t answer,” Darrow says. “We both Carolina Association of Physician Assistants. Center 1 in Greenville. experience like that can really push a student exams. areas where access to playgrounds or fresh continue to learn. The committee monitors state legislative “I noted a bright young lady with an forward in his or her training.” Before they graduate, students work fruits and vegetables can be limited. six-week rotations in family medicine, activity that could affect how physician “As a P.A., you can grow as much as you eagerness to return to rural primary care, ECU alumna Brandy McBryde spent the pediatrics, women’s health, general “We have to get creative,” Darrow said. assistants practice in North Carolina. want to,” she adds. “It’s why I chose it. The surgery, internal medicine, behavioral which truly meets the mission of our P.A. summer of 2013 with Darrow at Vance program,” Stokes says. “Almost every day of evolution is still there. It’s constantly growing medicine and geriatrics, exposing students One of the hardest parts of Darrow’s job is At the national level, areas under Family Medicine. to a variety of specialties to choose from referring patients to a specialist when test consideration include continuing medical her clinic life, she is educating someone in and changing.” East when entering the workforce. “She always took the time to sit down —Crystal Baity

30 31 Steve Ballard’s Era Twelve years of leadership and service

BY JACKIE DRAKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIFF HOLLIS

32 Ballard has been honing his ideas on leadership for decades. As shortstop and captain of the University of Arizona baseball team, he learned the importance of cohesiveness and commitment to any organization—sports team or otherwise. That’s the essence of his leadership style, and he used it to build what’s become a strong team of administrators. Rick Niswander, ECU’s vice chancellor for administration and finance, was dean of the business school, Faculty Senate chair and Officials including former ECU Board of on the search committee that interviewed Trustees Chairman Jim Talton, former Gov. Jim Ballard 12 years ago. Ballard’s leadership Hunt, former UNC President Molly Broad and ECU Professor James Bearden accompany style of hiring good people and letting them Ballard at his installation ceremony in 2005. do their jobs without micromanagement helped convince him to take on a larger role at the university. “You don’t get there unless you’re confident Steve Ballard made a bold prediction in his give hundreds of people credit for that.” spirit, leadership and character. in your own skin, and he’s confident in his March 2005 installation speech after being Ballard, the longest-serving chancellor in the It was this foundation that drew him and own skin,” Niswander says. named East Carolina University’s tenth University of North Carolina system, has his wife, Nancy, to East Carolina. Both chancellor the previous year. Ballard also worked with leaders around the seen four UNC presidents. He’s presided had experience that aligned with ECU’s community and region to make sure ECU is “In 2015, ECU will be recognized as ‘the over a growing student body, budget cuts and commitment to serving the region, particularly part of decisions affecting the region. leadership university,’ where each member of academic reorganization, the establishment through the Brody School of Medicine. our community is empowered to achieve his of the Honors College and the School of “One of the marks of a good leader is “When he was looking at all the materials in Chancellor Steve Ballard poses with seven former SGA presidents or her aspirations,” he said at the time. Dental Medicine, financial challenges to that he surrounds himself with good who prepared a surprise dinner for Ballard and his wife in March. the interview process, I was looking at them, the Brody School of Medicine, moving people, and Chancellor Ballard has done an “It is safe to say this goal you set in 2005 too,” says Nancy Ballard, who left a career to the American Athletic Conference and excellent job of that,” says Tony Cannon, has been reached,” says Kimrey Miko of the in health communication to support her MODELING LEADERSHIP expanding community partnerships. chief executive of Greenville Utilities. ECU Staff Senate at a reception earlier this husband as chancellor. “I knew he believed “He has put the right people in place to Chancellor Steve Ballard’s well-known entrepreneurship,” Griffin says. “He set an year honoring Ballard. “My whole professional career has been in what this university stands for. He didn’t position ECU, Greenville and the region passion for mentoring students, particularly example. He was so poised under pressure. devoted to the difference that public have to convince me. To be part of the student leaders, has helped them become We got to see that up close. That’s “Kimrey, I can’t believe you actually went for a bright future.” universities can make for our society,” he growth of this community is more gratifying successful leaders after they graduate. definitely something I took away from back and looked at promises I made. Don’t ECU.” says. “Finding a place like ECU that was than I could ever explain.” Joel Butler, who served as a university trustee “It’s rare to encounter a leader that treats anybody else do that,” jokes Ballard, who will you as a peer,” says Justin Davis ’15, who Griffin, Davis and several other past already committed to that made the work a from 2004-2013, says Ballard has held fast step down as chancellor July 1. “You found served as ECU student body president in presidents, who have kept in touch over the lot easier.” Leadership and service to what’s best for ECU when he has had to 2012, and as such was an ex officio member years, decided they wanted to share these one I delivered a little bit on.” make tough decisions or persuade others of the Board of Trustees. sentiments with Ballard before he stepped down. They quietly worked with Nancy Ballard had to get right to work when he Molly Broad, president of the UNC system “Serving on the board can be daunting Beneath his trademark humor and modesty, to do so, such as when dealing with budget Ballard to host a surprise home-cooked for a 20-year-old,” Davis says. “Chancellor started his job in May 2004. ECU was in a from 1997 to 2006, hired Ballard for dinner for him at the chancellor’s residence Ballard has delivered more than a little on restrictions or when the university was Ballard really listened to us. That does period of rapid leadership turnover; Ballard in March. this goal and others—namely, making his experience in running complex public working to establish a dental school. something for your confidence and was the fourth person in three years to ECU a national leader by focusing on universities with medical schools and his professional development. I learned as “We wanted to do something in an lead the university in either a permanent or Ballard didn’t think the initial dental school much on the board as I did in class. His intimate setting and honor him in a student success, public service and regional enthusiasm for finding opportunities to interim role. plan was right for ECU, Butler says. But as the character and commitment made us who personal manner,” says Griffin, who transformation. serve the community. She called him “a we are as people today.” coordinated the event. “We wanted him plan evolved into one incorporating service- to hear how much we appreciated him in superb leader.” Davis is now the director of business “But larger than that, in the system, ECU was a way that he could relax and soak it all in. “It doesn’t seem possible it has been 12 learning centers, it became a better blueprint. development for a local catering company. not getting as much respect as many people It was nice to put life to the words we’ve “Steve has had a profound impact on ECU His predecessor, Drew Griffin ’08, recently years,” Ballard says as he reflects on his time been feeling all these years.”“His impact here felt it should get,” Ballard says. “In a “That allowed for political support across founded a consulting firm in Washington, in Greenville. “I think it has gone quickly and has renewed the institution’s focus on has been felt not only through the way, that’s a great time to enter a university, the state,” Butler says. “I think in the D.C., and serves as its vice president. because ECU has been such a good fit for community engagement and economic university but through this whole when everything seems to be down.” impact for eastern North Carolina,” says Legislature, he is very thoughtful and very “The environment Chancellor area,” adds Davis. me. We’ve gone from a university that there level-headed and very persuasive.” Ballard created at ECU allowed —Jackie Drake were some questions about to a major public As he began his job as chancellor, Ballard felt Broad, now president of the American us to learn about leadership and university. And I don’t take credit for that, I ECU had a solid foundation built on service, Council on Education. In addition, he says, during Ballard’s

34 35 administration, service became a central around students, and their success has been tenure. Women’s sports have become fully Continuing challenges The overall ECU budget will also be a part of ECU. a priority while he’s been chancellor.“The funded, meaning they have the money to challenge. During the last six years, ECU While ECU has gained access into a larger most fun I have is when I meet with allot the maximum number of scholarships has lost close to $110 million in state “He did more than speak about it,” Butler conference, maintaining competitive athletic students,” Ballard says. “The soul of ECU is under NCAA rules. appropriations, or close to one-quarter of says. “He also made sure the idea of service programs will continue to be a challenge, our students.” its state funds. Those cuts led in 2011 to was co-mingled throughout the curriculum The football team won consecutive Ballard says. Today’s college athletic the formation of the Program Prioritization of the university.” Ballard notes that some universities are Conference USA titles and has made several landscape is uneven; ECU spends a fraction Committee, a group of administrators and committed to generating the most research bowl appearances. of what some schools in the South and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Virginia faculty members that reviewed 277 academic dollars, some to having the No. 1 football Midwest spend on athletics. Hardy first worked with Ballard as interim Swimming and diving continued their programs and made recommendations team or basketball team, some to being No. chief diversity officer. She notes his “wicked” traditions of success, winning multiple “Pirates are really competitive, and I’m proud for which ones to invest in, cut, merge or 1 in sense of humor, his integrity and that he U.S. News & World Report. conference championships, producing of how we’ve competed, but the challenge is otherwise modify to improve efficiency and challenges his team with insightful questions. “There’s nothing wrong with any of those NCAA All-Americans, individual competing in an environment where some reduce costs. It was an example of how things,” Ballard says, “but at ECU, our first conference champions and nearly 200 all- universities have so much money,” Ballard One of his top accomplishments is Ballard has been able to work with faculty on obligation is doing all we can for our students.” conference performers. says. “That disparity makes the competition “developing and nurturing effective teams important issues. more challenging. I think we’ve done really who are committed to shared decision That commitment can be seen in the The baseball team won the 2015 American “We all have to realize the future isn’t going well on that, but it’s going to remain a making, collaboration and to being authentic growing Honors College, an enrollment Athletic Conference tournament title, and at to look like the past, in terms of budget,” Highlights of significant challenge.” to who we are as an institution,” she says. target of 1,000 engineering students and in least four other teams have won conference Ballard says. Ballard’s tenure

“He is a mentor, coach and friend.” other ways. titles since Ballard arrived. If college athletics is an ever-changing n One of only two universities challenge, it’s nothing compared to health to receive the Secretary of Ballard seeks out people who, like himself, In addition, ECU is on its way to That brings up what is perhaps the top Lasting legacy care, particularly the unique issues faced by Defense Employer Support put ECU first. establishing a School of Public Health after athletic accomplishment during Ballard’s medical schools. Hardy says Ballard has helped grow Freedom Award several years growing that discipline on the tenure: getting ECU into the AAC after “He cares very much about the university,” the awareness and reputation of ECU, n Establishing the department level. years of knocking on the door of major ECU’s Brody School of Medicine was Niswander says “His values and the particularly at the UNC system level and Honors College conferences only to be told Greenville’s founded in an era of relatively generous university’s values are closely aligned. The Enrollment has consistently increased, and with the General Assembly. media market was too small. federal and state support for medical schools n Establishing the ECU notion of being part of something that’s incoming freshman have higher GPAs and School of Dental Medicine and health care in general. But cutbacks have “He has set the bar high for how we do bigger than yourself, that’s what it’s all about. test scores than ever. New facilities such “We’re the only small-market school that added pressure on Brody. The university has things and doing them with a sense of n Receiving the C. Peter as the Gateway East and West residence has gone up so significantly,” Ballard says. Magrath University/ “Being a chancellor for 12 years—it’s almost worked to preserve the school and make sure integrity, authenticity, urgency and quality,” halls and new student centers under “For us to make that jump was a huge Community Engagement unheard of anymore, and you don’t do it if legislators know its purpose, mission and she says. “We have been able to do this with construction along 10th Street and on the accomplishment. And that wasn’t me; Award from the you don’t enjoy it.” structure, such as the fact the school doesn’t so many different initiatives, projects and Health Sciences Campus demonstrate the dozens of people helped with that. I’ve had Association of Public & own a hospital. programs that ECU is often looked at as a Land-Grant Universities university’s commitment to making the chancellors at peer universities tell me they Student success model by other campuses.” for the Lucille W. Gorham student experience second to none. Student- would never try to. All of Pirate Nation “In the future, the question is, what do Intergenerational Center One thing Ballard does enjoy is being athletes have also seen gains during Ballard’s should feel good about that accomplishment.” we have to do to ensure that the Brody In his 2005 speech, Ballard said, “North Carolina cannot be a great state without n Joining the American School of Medicine remains fiscally viable Athletic Conference in an era in which all the revenue streams a thriving eastern region. North Carolina n Establishing a Millennial and reimbursement variables have changed needs the East, and for the East to prosper, ECU must prosper.” Campus, a 22-acre site in Administrators and faculty work together dramatically,” he says. “The world has Greenville’s warehouse changed. The competition has changed.” Twelve years later, Ballard is confident about district hen John Stiller became collaborative environment that from 2009-2012. “He made reorganization and a complete Wchair of the faculty in means so much to our ongoing sure that the faculty, especially revision of the ECU Faculty As a result of the efforts of Ballard and ECU’s next steps. n Recognition as an 2015, it was without any direct successes as a university.” through the Faculty Senate, Manual. This positive relationship other ECU leaders, in 2015 Brody received Innovation and Economic experience as a central faculty always had a voice, and he took between the chancellor and the “If we continue to emphasize academic The University of North Carolina Prosperity University by the officer. He had never met with the that voice seriously.” chair of the faculty has continued. $8 million from the state to help stabilize its Board of Governors requires quality for our students, there’s nothing Association of Public and academic council and had never each chancellor to ensure the Walker and Ballard embarked “From both my own budget, and the state has restored some of in the way of ECU being as good and as Land-grant Universities had a one-on-one meeting with existence of a faculty senate on a series of meetings called experiences and comments its ability to collect debt and bill Medicaid Chancellor Steve Ballard. important and as significant as we want it to n Establishment of a school or council at each campus in “CH3: Chats with the Chancellor from my predecessors, I think at higher rates for patient-care services. “At our first meeting, Dr. Ballard the system, and this model of and Chair of the Faculty,” Dr. Ballard is an exceptional be,” he says. “I have no doubts about what is of entrepreneurship with a was so welcoming, so respectful shared governance has worked where faculty from all areas team-builder,” Stiller says. “He Ballard’s advice for the next chancellor here in the future.” commitment of $5 million of my role as faculty chair, and particularly well at ECU. could discuss obstacles and recognizes the importance of from alumnus J. Fielding so open and direct, that I quickly opportunities. involving diverse campus and would be “don’t let anything come before “Chancellor Ballard took this Or, to build on Ballard’s favorite phrase, it Miller ’84 and his wife Kim lost any jitters,” Stiller says. “I felt community constituencies in charge very seriously and worked Ballard’s administration and the your work on the Brody School and all the will keep on being a great time to be a Pirate. Grice Miller ’83 the same way in my meetings planning and enacting key to preserve this active and Faculty Senate worked together with all our senior administrators. initiatives, particularly those leadership in health sciences. That challenge productive shared governance on several issues through East n Raising $220 million in It exemplified for me, in a direct with broad impact.” is huge because the environment is 180 model at ECU,” says Marianna the years including tough ECU’s Second Century and personal way, how Dr. Ballard —Jackie Drake Walker, who chaired the faculty budget decisions, academic degrees different from when I got here.” Campaign has helped to cultivate the strong

36 37 MO-MENTUM A new coach and new staff have injected energy into ECU’s football Pirates

BY JULES NORWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLIFF HOLLIS

Watch coach Montgomery lead practice at https://youtu.be/w7uSRLA_Q_I new staff has implemented several programs honesty. They also know that any time they have to be ready to learn. and policies aimed at turning out not only knock on that door, I’m available.” “On the field we’re going to coach on the run,”

Rob Goldberg Rob athletes, but also productive citizens. Montgomery served as offensive coordinator says Montgomery. “We’re not going to spend a One example is Tie Tuesdays, when the at Duke under head coach David Cutcliffe, lot of time standing around talking, with guys members of the team are expected to wear who says Montgomery’s experience playing not getting work. Our coaches are going to ties. The event began with lessons in how and coaching in college and the NFL have have to be in better shape, myself included.” to tie them. prepared him for his new role. In practice and games, he wants to see a It can be a difficult transition the first time “He understands how a student-athlete high-tempo, high-pace format on offense a young man has to put on a tie for an should represent himself, his family and and defense, along with a high level of interview, Montgomery says. “We wanted his school, as well as what it takes for a conditioning. But Montgomery is tight- them to see what it feels like to be presentable young man to reach the goal of playing in lipped when it comes to the specifics of his in every single setting that they walk into.” the National Football League,” Cutcliffe scheme and the depth chart. says. “Scottie’s ability to relate to the young As students, the football players are expected “One thing we don’t do is give ’em sugar men will be evident from day one—he will to sit in the first three rows in class, to dress before they put pads on,” he says. “I will say undoubtedly have a positive impact on every appropriately and not wear headphones. that this is one of the more athletic teams individual in the program.” The team’s position groups compete on that I have been a part of, and this team is participation in community service activities. As a coach, added NFL veteran Hines Ward, determined to not disappoint.” Montgomery has a natural understanding “Our offensive line went to the children’s Strength and conditioning coach Jeff of the game and his players. Montgomery hospital, and they left there better than they Connors says Montgomery’s winter coached Ward as the wide receivers coach for went,” Montgomery says. “They left with a conditioning program was as detailed and the Pittsburgh Steelers. better understanding of how important it disciplined as any he’s seen. is for a guy that’s 6 years old or a young girl “He’s a stickler for being fundamentally “I think what we did in our winter that’s 7 to smile. Just one day of smiling. sound because it’s the fundamentals that win conditioning program is exactly what our games,” Ward says. “Even though I was older “They got to see the impact of spending 45 team needs right now, putting the extra time From the moment Scottie Montgomery took the podium during than him, he was always pushing me to be minutes or an hour with them. We spend into making sure that things are done right, better. At the same time, he wants his players that much time looking down at our cell that they’re detailed and highly disciplined,” his first news conference as head football coach at East Carolina University, to have fun playing the game, which brought phones and not impacting anybody.” he says. The tempo and excitement level are a good balance to all of us. He commanded the excitement and energy he brings to the program has been tangible. high, he added, which will feed directly into He pointed out that he and his coaching my respect, and he ultimately made me a spring practice and into the fall. Since then, he has wasted no time, assembling a talented staff and staff only have four years, five at the most, to better receiver and player.” work with the players while they’re in college. That focus on the basics will be essential in the The family team obtaining commitments from a full class of recruits despite having only a few “My challenge is that in that four to five American Athletic Conference, Montgomery short weeks to pitch ECU and its football program to high school players. years I have to make them better, leave them says. There will be no easy games, no In the midst of building a staff, meeting the better than I found them,” he says. “And cupcake opponents. Technology has changed team, bringing in recruits and preparing for “Chaos? I don’t remember any chaos,” says Montgomery. then we’re turning them loose to society to recruiting, providing access to highlights conditioning and practice, Montgomery has impact where we stand as a country, as a from and communication with players also moved his family to Greenville. His wife “Except maybe at home with my boys during bath time.” program and as a university.” around the country, and that has created and three sons love their new home, he says. Like his predecessor, Ruffin McNeill, who parity and a higher level of competition. Cassius, 6, has started school, and Moses, 2, coached the Pirates from 2010 to 2015, “The team that makes the fewest mistakes in is happy as long as he has open space to run, Montgomery will emphasize the relationships this conference will win,” Montgomery says. Montgomery says. “The little one, Magnus, among himself, his players and staff. “This is a team that’s going to play through is learning to move around, explore, and the echo of the whistle. Our spring practice Ebony is just unbelievable at handling and “I’m a young coach in this business, and managing everything. And my in-laws have While the outside perception may have been “Our families were extremely patient with Teaching and training a head coach that has accomplished what won’t be about schematics, it’ll be about that there was much to do and little time to us, and our coaches were patient with me,” fundamental football and getting better at been very helpful as well.” With winter conditioning and spring (McNeill) has, I have a level of admiration do it, Montgomery says it was all business he says. With so many ideas and recruits to the basics.” practice done, the focus is on the fall and for that,” he says. “One thing about me is The community has already welcomed them inside the walls of the Ward Sports Medicine analyze, “you have to be patient to evaluate developing his team into the best football the guys will know that they’re going to get The coaches have to be adept at delivering by bringing food—“not just good food, Building, which houses the football offices people inside and out and not move too fast.” players and young men they can be. The a great level of honest. Sometimes brutal information in the classroom, and the players excellent food,” says Montgomery. and the athletic department.

40 41 2016 ECU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE SEPT. 3 WESTERN CAROLINA County we didn’t have a lot other than SEPT. 10 N.C. STATE football. No distractions. Here in Greenville SEPT. 17 AT SOUTH CAROLINA we’re fortunate to have a lot of the things SEPT. 24 AT VIRGINIA TECH that people can be distracted with but have OCT. 1 UCF still been able to maintain the football OCT. 8 AT USF culture.” OCT. 13 NAVY The players feel it, and recruits get a sense OCT. 22 AT CINCINNATI of it when they come in from other places. OCT. 29 CONNECTICUT (HOMECOMING) Montgomery recalls one recruit who NOV. 5 AT TULSA visited and had left town wearing some NOV. 12 SMU Pirate gear. Stopping to eat about 40 miles NOV. 26 AT TEMPLE outside of Greenville, he was asked if he DEC. 3 AAC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ( higher-seed campus site) was an ECU player. “He said, ‘No, but I’m a recruit.’ And as he was getting ready to leave three or four people all at once gave him the ‘Aaargh!’ and startled He credits his parents for their influence in like my family. I’ve trusted them, and they’ve him and his family. You know he understands teaching him and demonstrating the meaning given me opportunities that no one else has.” that passion now,” Montgomery says. of character and the importance of education. Rounding out the football family are the Sports journalist David Glenn says “My mother, just watching the sacrifice from support staff inside Ward, he says. It takes Montgomery’s personality and charisma will her made me realize what a parent needs to a team of people to make it all work, from serve him well on the recruiting trail and in do to be successful at being a parent. She administrative assistants to the custodial staff. building relationships with his players. was driven to making us the best that we “As coaches we are going to get all the “He both played and coached in the NFL, could be,” he says. As for his father, who shine in the world, just like we get all the which can provide an important connection took it upon himself later in life to further New press box, seats part of stadium plans criticism…but what it takes to make it all with young prospects who want to see his education, “it changed our family, and it run is the people. It’s not the façade, the brick themselves there someday. His coaching changed our community, because his getting exterior, it’s the interior of this place, of the experience has come with the Pittsburgh A $55 million project unveiled in April In the Ward Sports Medicine Building, the The ECU Athletics Ticket Office would be educated inspired people in our community. university—it’s beautiful. I knew that it was Steelers, a consistent winner in the NFL, and would add 1,000 seats, a new press box and football locker room and team meeting relocated and team locker rooms added to It also changed the way that we carried going to be special, but I didn’t know it was at Duke, where he helped with one of the more to Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium for the areas, athletics training headquarters and Scales Field House. ourselves, the level of pride. going to be like this. They truly embody what most stunning turnarounds in major college 2018 football season. the equipment room would be modernized The plans are subject to approval by the “I’m very appreciative of him and everything Greenville is all about. This is family.” football over the last few decades,” Glenn says. and expanded, and a football team lounge The Ward Sports Medicine Building would ECU Board of Trustees and the UNC Board that he did to get me to the point where I would be built. Montgomery grew up in Shelby, where N.C. It will be an entertaining year in Dowdy- also see improvements, and a new hitting of Governors and also depend on donations am now.” State’s David Thompson was a hometown Ficklen Stadium, with home tilts against in- area near Clark-LeClair and premium seating His mentors in the field of coaching—high legend. And as a high school football player, state opponents Western Carolina and N.C. Stadium would benefit commitments. school coach Ron Greene, Cutcliffe, Bruce Duke was the only school that offered him State as well as conference foes UCF, USF, the baseball and Construction should Arians and Mike Tomlin—also fall into the the chance to play wide receiver. Navy, UConn and SMU. Chances are coach softball teams. begin following the family category. Greene, he says, was a father Montgomery will be all business on the “With the Duke blue, and the red that’s in The seats would be in final 2017 home figure for his players, who knew they had sidelines, but if fans are lucky they may get my veins, I think that turns into purple,” he a new club level and 20 football game with to answer to him if they got in trouble with to see his moves. says, “and that really is the only color I’m loge boxes on the south completion scheduled their teachers. He could dole out sprints or concerned about right now.” “I always remember him dancing,” says Ward. side of the stadium. An by the 2018 home take away playing time. “He would always dance and was up to date 8,000-square-foot area opener. He’s excited about the football culture in “We had so much respect for him because on all the latest dance moves and styles.” is also planned between Greenville, which he says is remarkable For information, contact he sacrificed for us, for all 50-100 of us, the the west endzone and considering the size of the city. Whether he dances or not, Montgomery’s the ECU Pirate Club way that our parents sacrificed for us, and he the Murphy Center enthusiasm and energy have already impacted at 252-737-4540 or still had his own family,” Montgomery says. “I knew football was a passion here, but I to provide close-up the ECU football program and will [email protected]. “If someone said something negative about didn’t know it was going to be like this,” he undoubtedly spread throughout the stands viewing of on-field those people around me, that’s when I would says. “I’ve been in some passionate places, action. — and the city of Greenville. East ECU Athletics probably not be able to hold my tongue. Just but this place is leading by far. In Cleveland

42 43 Ongoing gifts fund scholarships and more Changing Lives, From supporting scholarships quarterly or annual donation to concerts and lectures, schedule that is automatic many donors to East Carolina through our online giving site,

Changing Communities Cliff Hollis All photos University have found recurring our Telefund program or via bank contributions are a convenient draft,” she said. and financially manageable way For Tina Hull ’79, it was a Giving Back to give back. coworker who helped her realize “We decided early on that we the importance of giving back. wanted to begin giving back, “I would not be where I am if it not only with our talent but our Kali Bousquet weren’t for ECU. I didn’t just learn treasures,” said Ray Rogers ’72. how to do the art, I had to learn Hometown: Winterville, N.C. “Being a part of the working how to source everything that I Year: Junior world and trying to raise a family, needed to create and produce financially we could not amass Major: Secondary mathematics my art,” she said. “It made sense enough to do a one-time gift, so education and mathematics to help support another student we sought ways to work it into who might need help getting Career goals: Public high school our monthly budget, and that has Laura Ann and Randy Strickland through school.” teacher, higher education worked for us.” instructor Hull worked in insurance and Rogers, an alumnus of the banking before getting back to Scholarships make College of Business, completed her roots with a promotional a difference his degree after interrupting Gifts benefit health sciences students, patients marketing business. “We do his college career to serve in My family’s financial situation screen printing and embroidering, An increase in private investment obesity and/or nutrition. It can Vietnam. He has worked in the had recently declined, and I and I know a lot about textiles and over the past year is expanding also be used to support students banking industry in Greenville was unsure of how I would be how things are assembled. From educational opportunities for going on rotations at other and as financial administrator able to attend college. Because ceramics and sculpting to printing health sciences students at ECU medical schools or attending for Cornerstone Baptist Church. of the Abernathy Scholarship, and dyes, there are a lot of ways and improving quality of care for state or national conferences on His wife, Eve ’69, and daughter I have not only been given I have come full circle with what I patients. these subjects. financial support but have also Adeea ’05 are also alumni. learned at ECU,” she said. Through March of the current fiscal Family medicine also received had the opportunity to live Rogers started giving through year, the ECU Medical & Health a significant bequest from with fellow education majors in She started out with individual an employer match at Wachovia Sciences Foundation had received Caroline Raby ’70 to be used the Education Living Learning gifts but realized it would be and has donated monthly since gifts, pledges and commitments for scholarships for students Community. The community has more manageable to use the 2003. The Rogers’ donations totaling nearly $10.7 million, pursuing a career in primary care become my family away from automatic withdrawal option to have supported the Ledonia compared to $5.2 million at the medicine who demonstrate a home, and I am blessed to be a support the School of Art and Wright Cultural Center, the Janice same time in the previous fiscal commitment to service. part of it. Design priority fund. Hardison Faulkner Gallery and year. This includes more than $5 More occupational therapy Broadening minds, the Laura Marie Leary Elliott “I think it’s important, and it does million in bequest commitments graduates will be able to pursue opening doors Memorial Scholarship. add up,” Hull said. from those who included the advanced degrees thanks to a university in their wills. Last semester, I took a math “I really developed a great appre- Chris Dyba, vice chancellor of bequest from Randy Strickland education course where I ciation for the education I received university advancement and These gifts will go toward ’75 and his wife, Laura Ann was sent to a high school for as well as the relationships during president of the ECU Foundation, scholarships, professorships, Schluter Strickland, to a observations. Being in that the final year before I graduated,” agrees recurring donations are a research and patient care. scholarship endowment in the environment helped me to Rogers said. “Over the years, there good way budget for donations. College of Allied Health Sciences. confirm my aspirations and have been different things near “People are becoming much “We have heard our donors’ gave me a strong desire to help and dear to my heart that I wanted more aware of the quality A recent $300,000 gift from an requests to make giving easy, and my future students achieve to do more than give lip service to and impact of our programs anonymous foundation to the recurring credit card gifts are the their goals. This year, I have also and have chosen to give.” and are choosing to invest School of Dental Medicine will easiest way to ensure continued had the opportunity to serve in health care through their help provide patient care for those Jennifer Watson, director of support of ECU,” he said. “Every on the College of Education personal philanthropy,” said who wouldn’t otherwise be able annual giving at ECU, said the gift in any amount makes an Dean’s Junior Advisory Board Mark Notestine, president of the to afford treatment. It will also DONOR SPOTLIGHT university has options to make impact on the students of ECU and to speak at the Leo Jenkins foundation. give students more opportunities recurring donations convenient. and the people of North Carolina.” Betty S. Abernathy ’51 ’57 was a high to practice caring for patients as scholarship donor event. All “Donors can set a monthly, An anonymous bequest of $2 school science teacher who spent —Jules Norwood part of their education. of my accomplishments were million to the Department of most of her career at Fike High School only made possible because of Psychiatry in the Brody School of Finally, Jackie Jones Stone ’64 in Wilson. She was a leader in science the financial support from the Medicine will provide $1 million for and her twin sister Jeannette education and instrumental in the Abernathy Scholarship. Eve and Ray Rogers an endowed professorship and $1 Jones ’64, members of the first formation of the North Carolina Science million for research. This research graduating class of nurses at East Real results Teachers Association. Her planned gift would develop and promote Carolina, decided to bequeath a By supporting the College supports science and math education prevention, early intervention and significant portion of their estates of Education, you are not only students through a four-year, $20,000 more effective treatments for to scholarships for undergraduate helping students attend college, scholarship awarded yearly to an mental illness, according to Dr. Sy students in the College of but you are also providing outstanding high school senior. Saeed, department chair. Nursing. The scholarships will schools with amazing teachers. be given to students from For information on planned A bequest of $1 million from eastern North Carolina and giving, call 252-328-9566, email an anonymous retired Brody eastern Virginia with an interest [email protected] or visit faculty member will support in community health nursing or eculegacy.org. medical students working in the psychiatric nursing. ECU Family Medicine Center on ecu.edu/give —Jackie Drake CLASS NOTES Virginia sculptor Cliff Page ’79 spent last SCULPTOR year as sculptor-in- residence at the COMMEMORATES 2015 bar and is general manager of Saint-Gaudens DAP House restaurant, Greenville. Isaac Joseph Boota wed Sarah National Historic Freda Lauren Thompson wed LINCOLN Willa Fisher on May 23 at Unity Site in Cornish, Nikolai “Nik” Leonid Sigmon on Freewill Baptist Church, Greenville. New Hampshire. June 6 at St. Stephen’s Lutheran The wedding party included In addition to Church, Lenoir. The wedding Hannah Blecher ’13, sister of daily sculpting, party included Lindsey Chaney. the bride. He works for Mayne he led classes She is a physician assistant with Pharma, Greenville, and she is an and tutorials in Carolina Rehabilitation and Surgical ECU student. Daniel B. Casale sculpture and The Daily Reflector The Joe Pellegrino/ Associates, Raleigh. of Latham was commissioned as related topics for an Army second lieutenant after 2013 visitors to the site. completing a ROTC program and Kristen Cook is a community health The site contains graduating from ECU. Darlene educator with the FirstHealth the historical Cummings, principal at Pembroke Community Health Services health home and studio Middle School, is Robeson County’s programs team serving Moore, 2014-2015 Principal of the Year. Montgomery, Hoke and Richmond of Augustus Saint- Angela Fields, a family nurse counties. Laura Thomas is fund Gaudens (1848-1907), practitioner, cardiac vascular nurse development coordinator of Girl one of America’s greatest and clinical exercise physiologist, Scouts-N.C. Coastal Pines. sculptors. Situated on 250 joined Southeastern Health Clinic acres of rolling hills on the Gray’s Creek. Kristen Lee Garrison 2012 eastern shore of the Connecticut Maurice Harris wed Christopher Colt Marion ’14 Carrie Browder passed the N.C. bar River, the site has been a haven for on March 28, 2015, at the Brooklyn exam and is a first-year associate the arts since the late 1800s. Arts Center, Wilmington. Anne M. at Dysart Law, Raleigh. Lucie Stephano joined Coastal Surgery Katherine Edwards wed Donald Saint-Gaudens became a national park site in Specialists, Wilmington, as a Gray Strickland II ’14 on Oct. 3 1965. It was the first national park to have an physician assistant. Taylor Wooten at First United Methodist Church, artist in residence, and it is the only one with a EDUCATORS HONORED is an assistant cheerleading coach Henderson. The wedding party sculptor in residence, according to Page. The at ECU. included Laurie Elizabeth Edwards park is open from May to October. 2014 ’08, sister of the bride, Andrew Maurice Harris ’98 ’06, principal at Wellcome Middle Henderson Pierce ’14 and Benjamin Saint-Gaudens created sculptures of several Catherine Rebecca Cole wed key Union figures from the Civil War. He School, is Pitt County Farm Bureau 2015-16 Principal Luke Pulley ’14. She is a manager at Tyler Seth Martin ’16 on Sept. 5 at Kitty Hawk Surf Company of Nags is best known for his bronze bas relief of the Year. Other principal nominees included Cypress Bend Vineyards, Wagram. Head. He is guest services manager monument of Robert Gould Shaw and the She attends Wingate University Cathy Kirkland ’90, principal at Eastern Elementary for Hampton Inn and Suites Resort, 54th Massachusetts, a regiment of black School of Pharmacy and works at Corolla. Samantha Paige Meinsen soldiers, and a larger-than-life bronze statue School. Shannon Cecil ’12, assistant principal at the First Health of the Carolinas wed Andrew Michael Tilley ’10 on called “Abraham Lincoln: The Man,” also pharmacy. He is completing Pactolus School, is Assistant Principal of the Year. July 11 at Saint Thomas Preservation known as “Standing Lincoln.” bachelor’s degrees in mechanical Hall, Wilmington. The wedding Other assistant principal nominees included Alison engineering and applied physics at party included Brittany Estep Last year was the 50th anniversary of the ECU and is a sustainability intern at and Brendon Kennerly ’10. In national park site and the 150th anniversary of Covington ’13, Falkland Elementary School; Jeremiah Keihin Carolina System Technology, Atlanta, she works at Scottish Rite Lincoln’s assassination. To commemorate the Miller ’01 ’03, South Greenville Elementary School; Tarboro. Erica Edmondson is a Children’s Hospital, and he works 16th president, Page created molds for round project coordinator at Carney & Co., with the Large & Gilbert accounting bronze plaques of Lincoln’s profile. Page is in Tabitha Stormer ’00 ’04, South Central High School; a marketing firm in Rocky Mount. firm.Kristi Michelle Rogers wed the process of securing funding and a facility McLean Godley won a two-year and Darryl Thomas ’02 ’12, J.H. Rose High School. William Andrew Haddock on Oct. to cast six full-size plaques in bronze. One term on the Greenville City Council. 24 at The Village Chapel, Pinehurst. will stay at Saint-Gaudens, and others will be Kinnley Perkins runs the house continued on page 48 given to U.S. officials such as the president and the secretary of the interior. Page also plans to cast 300 smaller copies, which will be made available to members of the public. Page has a bachelor of fine arts from Old Dominion University and a master of fine arts from ECU. He mastered his specialty of bronze casting while working in Naval facilities in Virginia and furthered his studies Cliff Page THE 2015 GREAT 100 NURSES as a Fulbright Fellow in Milan, Italy. He has taught sculpture and other subjects at the The following ECU-trained nurses were among the 2015 Great 100 Nurses, which recognizes and promotes public school and university levels in the U.S. and abroad. nursing excellence: Lisa Alphin ’05 of LaGrange; Anne Brown ’81 of Franklinton; Emily Morgan Brown ’06 of Page has maintained a sculpture studio in Asheboro; Laura Carmon ’08 of Winterville; Felicia Collins ’94 ’06 of Greenville; Sonya Hardin ’08 of Hickory; Portsmouth, Virginia, for 40 years. His works Denise Harper ’00 ’10 of Washington; Christine Herring ’93 of Robersonville; Dana Johnson ’91 ’02 of Apex; have been exhibited and collected publicly and privately around the world. Kelly Philbeck ’96 of Stanley; Cheryl Somers ’82 of High Point; and Kathryn Vogel ’01 of Liberty. —Jackie Drake

46 47 The wedding party included 2010 gerontology nurse practitioner Lynn Marie Pattillo wed Ryan Alan ’11, Greene County Public Schools Bryan Tuten, director of ECU’s director (warden) of Cook County 2000 Amanda Gilmore Cutrell, Emily with Gastroenterology East and Dr. Moretz on July 11 at Kerr’s Chapel superintendent, was inducted into Dowdy Student Stores, is serving Jail in Chicago. She was featured in Meredith Hill, media coordinator Johnica Ellis-Kiser ’00 ’06, Jane Haddock ’13, sister of the Jack Cole’s practice in Greenville. Baptist Church, Elon. She teaches the Educators Hall of Fame of the a one-year term as president of The New York Times. Andrew at Creekside Elementary School, program chair and instructor of groom, and Kelsey Lauren Jewett Alfred J. fourth grade at Caswell County ECU College of Education in 2015. the College Stores Association Wright is vice president of existing Greenville, is N.C. School Library business administration/accounting ’13. She passed the N.C. State Bar Leonetti III Schools, Mebane. Dr. Laura Slusher Timothy of N.C. Sara Twiford, part of the industry services for Surry County Media Association 2015 Media at Edgecombe Community College, Exam, and he is a CPA with Dixon published his is a radiologist at Middlesboro ARH James Morgan treasury and merchant sales team Economic Development Coordinator of the Year. Tyffani received the 2015-2016 Keihin Hughes Goodman, Raleigh. Dr. first book of Hospital, Middlesboro, Ky. was appointed at TowneBank’s headquarters Partnership. Alana Welch wed Chase Johansen Endowed Faculty Chair. Holly Stegall is a primary care poetry, A to the ECU in Suffolk, Va., was promoted to Abel ’09 on Aug. 29 in Havelock. 2007 2002 physician with Carolinas HealthCare Poetic Board of assistant vice president. Jonathan 1999 The wedding party included System in Anson County. Caitlin Wonderland, Laura Salmons is head librarian Visitors for a Quinn Wehmann wed Dr. Catherine Katie Lomax joined Wrightsville Joshua Abel ’09 and Sharon Rhonda James-Davis is director Walton joined the law firm of Essex on lulu.com. for Currituck County with the East four-year term. Braxton Stanfield on May 30 at Beach Family Medicine. Quintin Ireland ’13. She is a registered of career and technical education Richards, Charlotte. Danielle Marie Albemarle Regional Library system. He is a risk Snipes Farm Retreat, Chapel Hill. He Mangano, principal of Nashville nurse at N.C. Specialty Hospital in for Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Sheppard wed Tim Watkins is a project manager advisor with is a real estate broker with Howard Elementary School, is 2015-2016 2011 Surgical Services, Durham. He is a Public Schools. She was director David Ross with Kjellstrom + Lee, Richmond, Towne Perry and Walston, Durham. Principal of the Year for Nash-Rocky chemist for Dominion Power at the of secondary education and Whitney Elvis is a nurse practitioner Davenport on Sept. 26 at Rock Va. Charles Welch is assistant Insurance, Mount Public Schools. Lenwood Brunswick County Power Station 2003 career and technical education with Physicians East in its Farmville Springs Center, Greenville. The director of athletics media relations Raleigh. Elaine Scott, an associate Morris “BJ” Murphy of Kinston is a in Virginia. Mary Elizabeth Woody for Currituck County Schools. Ira office.Olivia Hall, sixth-grade wedding party included Blair Taft at ECU. He was in the athletics professor at the ECU School of John Lee is business-to-business certification wed Evan Bodrie Gearino on Oct. 3 Varney ’99, art teacher at South language arts teacher at Roseboro- ’11. She teaches at Southward communications division at UNC Nursing and director for the nursing executive trainer and field trainer with at Red Rock Canyon National Park, Central High School, Greenville, is Salemburg Middle School, is Elementary, Kinston. Greensboro. doctoral program, is N.C. Nurses director of LegalShield. Las Vegas, Nev. the N.C. Art Education Association 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year Association Nurse Administrator of First Tee of 2008 2005 2001 2015-2016 Secondary Art Educator for Sampson County Schools. the Year. ENC serving 2009 of the Year. Alexandra Susanne Herring wed Ashley Elizabeth Bissette wed Justin Barnhill was promoted to children and Jeremy Cayton joined NCEast Dr. Adrian Jacobs leads Red 2004 Edward Moore Venters on Oct. 2 on Joshua Andrew Wilson on Oct. 24 equipment manager at Barnhill schools in Alliance as director of marketing 1998 Springs’ first pediatric clinic.Sierra the beach in Emerald Isle. She works at The Leaning Tree, Bailey. She Contracting Co. P.J. Connelly, a real Andrea Leigh McNeely wed Craven, Jones, and communications. He was Jones ’09 ’12, communications Ted Lockamon, sports supervisor at Just Hair, Emerald Isle. Tremayne works for BB&T in Wilson. He works estate broker, won a two-year term Matthew David Zimmerman on Pamlico, marketing and research specialist assistant for Greenville-Pitt County for the city of Henderson, Nev., Smith, a graduate student at George for ELS in Kenly. Eric Fitts, principal on the Greenville City Council. Dr. June 27 at the University of Virginia Onslow, for Wayne County Development Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented an educational session at Washington University, won a seat of Brentwood Elementary School, David Gilbert ’05 ’10 joined ECU Chapel, Charlottesville, Va. She is Carteret and Alliance. Hattie Lee Hammonds received the Destination Marketing the National Recreation and Parks in the GWU Student Association Raleigh, is 2015 N.C. Principal of Physicians Firetower Medical Office, a programs administrator at the Lenoir counties through The First graduated from Clemson University Achievement 2015 Rising Star Association annual conference in Senate. Brad Staley, assistant the Year. Christie Hagan joined Greenville. Michelle Hunt Jackson, Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Tee Life Skills Experience. Christina in 2015 with a doctorate in Award at the DMANC/N.C. Tourism September. Eric Meyer ’98 ’05 is a principal at Northside High School, Lumberton Children’s Clinic as a a kindergarten teacher at Coopers Research Center, University Revels, a certified physician educational leadership. Jeremiah Industry Association’s N.C. Tourism physician assistant on the palliative Jacksonville, is Onslow County physician assistant. Melanie Nichols Elementary School, is Teacher of of Virginia. Trey Oglesby was assistant, joined Children’s Health of Miller ’01 ’03 is principal of Bethel Leadership Conference, Charlotte. care team at Vidant Medical Center, School District’s 2015-2016 Assistant received national professional the Year for Nash-Rocky Mount promoted to managing director, Carolina’s Pembroke Pediatrics. School. He was assistant principal Heather Larsen ’09 ’11 ’15 is an adult Greenville. Principal of the Year. certification as a financial planner. Public Schools. Patrick Miller ’05 audit, at KPMG, Norfolk, Va. Nneka Jones Tapia is executive at South Greenville Elementary.

SOCIAL , ECONOMIC and ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Coaching students for future careers

We’re more than a mining company. PotashCorp-Aurora supports education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through programs like Science Olympiad, MathCounts and FIRST Robotics Competitions. 1996 Andy Kievit is Eastern Elementary (Greenville) School’s Teacher of the Year. Since 1996, he has taught kindergarten, first, second, third and fifth grades.Robert McGee ’96 ’98 is Cape Fear Community College’s first dean of student affairs. He was athletic director at the school. Allison Setser ’96 ’10 is principal of H.B. Sugg and Sam Bundy schools in Farmville. She was principal of Bethel School, Pitt County. Nicole Smith ’96 ’98 ’04 joined ECU’s College of Education. She was principal of H.B. Sugg and Sam Bundy Schools in Farmville. Ernest Solar published his debut science fiction novel,Two Moons Rising. He teaches special education courses at Mount St. Mary’s University and lives in Lovettsville, Va., with his family. Drock and Ashley Driver Vincent ALUMNUS WINS $50,000 ON GAME SHOW ’95 welcomed a baby girl in 2015. 1995 n the gameshow Are You “I didn’t know the answer, so I opted Dorothy Dalton ’95 ’02, a fourth- to drop out of school,” he said. That Smarter than a 5th grader? grade teacher at Oakwood Caleb Cubbison ’06 meant he was choosing not to answer Elementary School in Hickory, Oremembers the lights, the any further questions and keep is 2015 N.C. Council of Teachers cameras and the sound of the crowd. the money he’d won to that point, of Mathematics Outstanding $50,000, rather than risk losing it all Elementary School Mathematics Yet the loudest sound of them all may with an incorrect answer. Teacher. Dr. Angela Peace joined have been his heartbeat. Southeastern Health’s physician The correct answer to the question “I was very excited, but extremely practices division at Southeastern is “dermis.” nervous. It was a crazy experience,” Medical Clinic in North Lumberton. Ronald Villines is principal Cubbison told his hometown newspaper, Cubbison said the highlight was when he of Williston Middle School, the Orangeburg, South Carolina, Times correctly answered his $10,000 question, Wilmington. He was principal of and Democrat. which also netted $10,000 for a school. Graham Middle School, Graham. The show, hosted by comedian Jeff “They brought on like a video chat with Anne Wilson is a life enrichment/ wellness director at Touchmark at Foxworthy, has contestants answer this music teacher,” Cubbison said. “He Mt. Bachelor Village, Bend, Ore. history, science, spelling, geography, told his students if they would raise astronomy, health, social studies and $2,000 for cancer research, he would 1994 math questions designed for first- shave his head.” The students raised Sharon Bell is executive director through fifth-graders. $11,000, and the teacher shaved his head. of SAFE Inc. in Wilkesboro. She was with Barium Springs Home “You have no idea what the subjects are “I was like ‘Oh my goodness! That’s for Children. Dr. Victor Freund, going to be,” Cubbison said. amazing! I can’t get this question a board-certified neurosurgeon, wrong,’” Cubbison said. joined Vidant Neurosurgery, He got on the show through a Greenville. Vevlyn Lowe, band friend who knew the show’s casting In pursuit of acting, Cubbison director at Sampson Middle School, director. He went for an audition, had attended ECU. He completed his is the Belk Foundation Honored a phone interview with the producers bachelor’s degree in theater arts in Educator Scholar for 2015-2016. and was cast. 2006. After graduation, he and his Katina Lynch ’94 ’96, assistant wife, Jillian, moved to Los Angeles. principal of Red Oak Middle School, During the game, Cubbison made it They live in Southern California and is Assistant Principal of the Year for to the 11th question that was worth have two children: 5-year-old Liam and Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. $100,000. 1-year-old Audrey. Grace Daughtry Smith, outgoing ALWAYS IN SEARCH OF THE BRIGHTEST STARS president of the N.C. Association “In mammals, what is the area called He works as a director of of Zoning Officials, received the between the epidermis and the operations with 2015 NCAZO Outstanding Member hypodermis?” Foxworthy asked. Chick-Fil-A. of the Year award. She is the first association member selected A career with ARAMARK provides an opportunity for alumni to be part of a Higher Education twice for the association’s highest honor. Brock Womble ’94 ’96 ’01 is team that has the ability to positively impact the student experience. Visit www.aramark.com continued on page 52 to explore career opportunities at your alma mater.

50 director of the N.C. Center for the 1991 development director. Capt. 1983 1981 service, including 20 years as an honorable mention All-American award from the North Carolina Advancement of Teaching. Michael White retired from the executive and seven years as the and four-year letterman for the East Society of Historians. Cavan Harris was promoted to Mitzi Davis was inducted into the Christy Welborn ’81 ’12, a certified U.S. Coast Guard in Seattle, Wash., council director. Carolina football team from 1963 1993 regional vice president of Wells Alexander County Public Education nurse practitioner, joined Vidant 1964 in 2015. He is now senior maritime to 1967. Monte McCraw teaches Fargo & Co. Charlotte West Foundation and the Alexander Multispecialty Clinic-Tarboro. 1973 Lance Metzler has been appointed advisor for the National Security at Southern Crescent Technical Judith Joyner Smith ’64 ’78 ’04 commercial banking team. County Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. to the N.C. Department of Division of the Pacific Northwest 1977 Ernest L. Avery ’73 ’90 retired in College, Griffin, Ga. was inducted into Educators Hall of She played volleyball/softball at Administration’s Human Relations 1990 National Laboratory, Richland, 2015 after 16.5 years as technical Fame at ECU. She spent her career ECU and is a member of the Mark Garner, vice president of 1967 Commission. Kristin Moore is Wash. He and his wife, Dianne, live services librarian at Piedmont teaching in Lenoir and Greene Valeria Lassiter was appointed USSSA Softball Hall of Fame. Rivers & Associates, Greenville, creative director at Hershey Cause in Walla Walla, Wash. Community College, Roxboro. Ronald E. Hignite published his first counties before going to work at to the NEA Foundation board of received the Robert E. Linkner Communications, a strategic novel, The Devil’s Damsel, a mystery ECU in 2007, from which she retired directors. She is CEO of Lassiter & Private Sector Service Award from 1972 communications firm in Los 1986 thriller inspired by a true crime. in 2015. Associates, a for-profit fundraising the N.C. Chapter of the American Angeles. W. Scott Newton II is Tommy Stoughton was appointed Leonard G. Green is senior staff He is a former educator who has and communications consultant Public Works Association. 1962 senior vice president and city by the Greenville City Council to a attorney for the N.C. Utilities written several books. firm to the nonprofit sector. Commission focusing on the James B. Kirkland of Lumberton executive with Southern Bank in three-year term on the Greenville 1975 1966 Goldsboro. Mandy Pitts is CEO Utilities board of commissioners. commission’s regulation of electric received the Devoted Lion Award in 1989 Meredith Dean “Buddy” Betts, of Hickory-Conover Tourism He is a partner with Kittrell and and natural gas utilities. D. Ann Neville ’66 ’68 retired as vice honor of his 50 years of service to Willie M. Carawan is manager a 1965 graduate of Milford High Development Authority. She was Armstrong LLC, Greenville. Richard president of student services, Martin Lions Club International. The retired of Washington County. He was School, was inducted into that 1971 communications director and brand “Trey” Williams is senior director of Methodist College, Lynnville, Tenn., business owner has served as club Chowan County’s finance officer. school’s 12th Man Gridiron Club. manager for the city of Hickory. sales for the aviation firm Erickson’s David S. Warren, adjunct instructor after a 40-year career in higher secretary, bulletin editor and Tail He was a center on offense and a Jonathan Powers, a financial adviser 1988 government aviation services. of music at Tidewater Community education. In May 2015, she was Twister, among other positions. linebacker/defensive end on defense. with Edward Jones, Greenville, Hope Dougherty ’83 ’85 published College, Norfolk, Va., and director inducted into the DAR after tracing Dr. Michael C. Good, a gynecologic 1984 A captain on the 1964 team, he was 1949 received the A.F. McKenzie Award two novels in 2015, Irish Encounter of the TCC Chorus, was appointed her Orange County, N.C., ancestry. surgeon, joined Heritage Medical selected third team All-State that for his business-building skills and Timothy Mertz is assistant state and Mars…With Venus Rising. repertoire and standards chair for Betty Johnson Milton P. Fields was inducted Center, Shelbyville, Tenn. season. At ECU, he was a walk-on client services in 2015. director of child nutrition programs two-year colleges for the American Vaughn’s novel, into the Twin County (Nash and 1982 playing defensive end on junior 1987 for the state of Hawaii. He retired Choral Director’s Association’s Yesterday’s Edgecombe counties) Hall of Fame 1992 varsity football for three years. as a director of school nutrition Lt. Gen. William “Mark” Faulkner, southern division, covering 11 Magnolia, was in 2015. A U.S. Navy WWII veteran Kevin Cutler, principal of South Kenneth L. Daniels was elected to Allen Thomas won reelection services in Virginia in 2012. Michael deputy commandant of the Marine southern states. published by who was a photographer on the Edgecombe Middle School, is the boards of directors of United to a two-year term as mayor of L. Parnell is assistant director of Corps for installations and logistics Total Recall USS Saratoga in the Pacific Theatre, Edgecombe County Public Schools Community Banks and its subsidiary, 1968 Greenville. He serves as treasurer campus recreation overseeing on board Camp Lejeune, retired Press in 2015. he retired from his law practice in 2015-16 Principal of the Year. Merrill United Community Bank. Ray Franks of the N.C. Metropolitan Mayors the aquatics center and fitness in 2015 after nearly 34 years of Walter E. Bostic retired in 2014 as All three of her Rocky Mount. Flood was promoted to assistant retired as CEO of the Boy Scouts of Coalition. programs at UNC Pembroke. service. vice president of global technical published novels manager of Greenville from his America’s East Carolina Council after services after 22 years with Ralph have won the position as the city’s community 40 years of professional Scouting Lauren. He was an all-conference, historical fiction

“I am a member of the Alumni Association because I want everyone to know what East Carolina means Grab your clubs to me and how much pride and love I have for ECU. and join us for golf I want to be a part of its continued success. Both of my sisters graduated from ECU, so it is our home, a and good times as legacy in our family. I continue to be a member because I hope that one day when I have kids, they too will we support ECU want to go there, as they will surely grow up attending scholarships! football games with me, you can count on that! Being a member means the world to me, and is the one way that I can give back and stay connected to the place September 9, 2016 that gave me the best years of my life. Go Pirates!” 9:00 a.m. | 2:00 p.m. Jeremy Woodard ’01 Broadway actor today! Join presented by 2015 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient

JOIN TODAY! CALL 800-ECU-GRAD PirateAlumni.com/2016Golf OR VISIT PIRATEALUMNI.COM/MEMBERSHIP. IN MEMORIAM As an alumnus of East Carolina University® you could save on 1 1940s 1950s “Lady” Matthews ’51 of Richmond, pianist, he toured with Special auto and renters insurance. Va., died Sept. 28. She was a retired Services shows, performing on Helen “Penny” Joyce Gilbert elementary school teacher. She was military bases and playing goodwill Flanagan Cherry ’58 ’63 married to Jack Sherrod Matthews concerts throughout Europe. Doyle ’40 of of Kinston died Sr. ’50. Lt. Col. (USAF) Ret. Ernest L. Highlights of his career include Virginia Beach, Nov. 5. At McFarland ’57 of Belmont died Sept. performing with The Hi Los, Charlie Va., died Sept. Lenoir 15. He served 22 years in the USAF Byrd and Tommie Newsome. He was 26 at 95. Community of which 985 days were spent as a band director in the Chesapeake Before College, she combat pilot in Vietnam. After (Va.) City Schools for 41 years. beginning her served as an retiring from the military, he taught Memorial donations can be made to teaching instructor, for 18 years in North Carolina. the Herbert L. Carter Scholarship career, she dean and in Patricia Bradshaw “Patsy” Perkins Fund at East Carolina University, used her math several ’59 of Greenville died Nov. 4. She 102 A.J. Fletcher Music Center, degree doing research on wing administrative positions, including taught for several years before Attn: Friends of the School of Music, design for the National Advisory two terms as interim president of partnering with her husband to Greenville, NC 27858-4353. Committee for Aeronautics the college. She worked in music build their company, Hatteras (currently NASA) at Langley Field programs at Parkers Chapel FWB 1960s Hammocks, now The Hammock and served with the Red Cross. She Church, Greenville; LaGrange FWB Source. Riddick Revelle ’50 of Carolyn Taylor Allen ’63 of was the daughter of Mayor Roy C. Church, LaGrange; Immanuel Baptist Fayetteville died Sept. 13. A U.S. Charlotte died Oct. 7. After a 25- and Helen P. Flanagan of Greenville. Church, Kinston; and Armenia Army WWII veteran, he was an year teaching career in Cabarrus Christian Church, Kinston. She was Elizabeth independent insurance agent and Mecklenburg school systems, one of the first 10 selected for the DeCormis Peal serving Fayetteville and eastern N.C. she had several business careers. ’43 of “100 Incredible ECU Women” award Edwards for more than 60 years. He achieved Andrew Spencer Appleby ’69 of Winston- by ECU’s Women’s Roundtable. life membership in the industry’s Norfolk, Va., died Sept. 13. A U.S. Salem died Fred Allen International Million Dollar Round Army veteran, he did tours in Oct. 17 at 94. Davenport ’57 Table. Retired Maj. George Bernard Vietnam and Germany. Bobby R. For more than ’60 ’83 of Rose ’55 of Williamsburg, Va., died Blinson ’60 of Fernandina Beach, 30 years, she Plymouth died Sept. 16. He served 20 years in the Fla., died Aug. 26. A U.S. Navy taught in Oct. 21. In 1996, U.S. Air Force, including three tours veteran, he retired as chief of audits Henderson he retired as in Vietnam. He then served 20 years for the IRS in Washington, D.C., in City Schools. associate in Navy civil service. Theodore Page 1994. In 1990, he received the Wilmar superintendent “Ted” Smith ’55 ’59 of Vass died Clifford R. Gross Award for of Washington So you can Kearney June 22. He retired as principal of “Excellence in Federal Government ’46 of County Pleasant Intervale Elementary School, Service.” Cmdr. John Blake Boyd Jr. Angier died Schools after Parsippany, N.H. His brother is Don ’65, USNR, died Aug. 26. After Sept. 12 at 90. 40 years as a public school teacher snap on, post on Smith ’57. Alice Little Stancill ’59 ’75 retiring from the USNR he worked She taught and principal in Maryland and North of Greenville died Nov. 21. She for the Texas Employment fifth grade in Carolina. Betty Jean Dewar retired after 30 years of teaching in Commission (Texas Workforce and explore on. Harnett ’53 of Greenville died Nov. Goodson Chesapeake, Va., Kinston and Commission) for 25 years retiring in County for 27 17. She taught in Pitt County Schools Fayetteville. Leonard B. Starling Jr. 1996 to work as a flight simulator When you protect your possessions, you’re really protecting the years. Pleasant for 10 years and worked at Tammy’s ’53 of Duncanville, Texas, died Sept. instructor for Lockheed Martin. things that make you, you. Let Liberty Mutual Insurance keep you and her Day Care Center for 10 years, 18. He served 26 years in the U.S. Air Edwin Osborn Bradbury ’69 ’73 of 2 identical twin sister, Illmar Kearney retiring in 1993. covered, with benefits likeHome Computer Endorsement, Thomas Temple Force retiring as a lieutenant colonel Kinston died Aug. 22. He was a 3 Nobles ’46 ’62, were featured in the ’57 ’60 of Southern Pines died Accident Forgiveness and a Multi-Policy Discount — so you can Grey in 1978. He later taught music at the teacher and band director at Winter 2013 issue of Ernestine Nov. 30. He was a teacher and focus on doing what you love, at home and on the road. East. high school and college levels. Alice Woodington Middle School, Jackson Warren Rankin ’49 of New coach at Vass-Lakeview High McKenzie Sweeney of Kingston, Kinston. Edgar “Eddie” Alton Buck Bern died Oct. 10. A county home School, a teacher in Southern Pines Tenn., died Oct. 2. For more than 25 Sr. ’64 of Charleston, S.C., died Dec. demonstration agent for several and guidance counselor with Join thousands of qualified customers already saving: years she taught at Kingston Junior 3. He was chair of Jupiter Holdings years, she retired after more than 30 Richmond County Schools, where High and Cherokee Middle School. Co. and Buck Lumber Co., former years of teaching in Craven County he helped design the curriculum for Save up to $519.52 Renters Insurance Rita Potter Tetterton ’56 of Charleston County councilman and 4 5 schools. ’43 of Richmond Senior High School. on Auto Insurance as low as $20/month Louise Brett Thomas Coy Washington died Nov. 15. She retired noted sport fisherman.Margaret Farmville died Oct. 11 at 94. She ’59 of Alexandria, Va., Ward Harris as an income maintenance “Peggy” Braswell Claus ’69 of retired from elementary school died Nov. 7. A U.S. Army veteran, he representative out of the Greenville Madison, Ala., died Nov. 18. She teaching in Greene and Pitt was a Herff Jones yearbook Regional Office with the State retired as a registered nurse at Visit libertymutual.com/ecualumni counties. representative and co-owner, with John Donald “Don” Division of Social Services. Huntsville Hospital. Don Graham Whitehurst ’48 of Greenville died his wife Sheila, of Victor O’Neill or call 844-877-1125. Henry N. Dempsey ’68 of Greenville died Dec. 11. He owned American Truck Studios. Paul Franklin Hawkins ’59 Whitener ’56 Nov. 20 at 90. A U.S. Army Air Client # 7814 Center, Winterville. ’61 of Kinston died Nov. 9. A social Audrey of Chesapeake, Corps veteran, he was a guidance ’44 of worker and an educator in Harnett Elizabeth Mozingo Worley Va., died Nov. counselor at Farmville Central High Princeton died Nov. 27 at 91. She and Jones counties and the Camp 9. 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John Morgan Young Rachael Lang to the 7th 22. He was a U.S. Army veteran. 4 Average annual savings based on countrywide survey of new customers from 01/27/2014 to 01/16/2015 who reported their prior insurers’ premiums when they switched to Liberty Mutual’s group auto ’48 of Beaufort died Oct. 11 at 91. A Kinard ’57 of Highlands Ranch, and home program. Savings do not apply in MA. Army Band Sidney Louis Gaskins ’60 of Lenoir 5 WWII U.S. Army veteran, he owned Colo., died Oct. 18. She was a flight The figure was based on the average premium for renters policies written between 5/14/14 - 4/30/15. and Symphony died Sept. 14. He taught science at a dry-cleaning business in Beaufort attendant and instructor for Eastern Orchestra and West Caldwell High School, Ashley Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116. Liberty Mutual Insurance is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. All rights reserved. for many years before moving to Airlines in Miami and New York City ©2016 Liberty Mutual Insurance Stuttgart Ballet in Germany and as High School in Gastonia and South Virginia Beach but later returning to before becoming a full-time mother principal arranger, composer and Mecklenburg in Charlotte. Frances 15-AFF-136764 Affinity: Millennial Toolkit Beaufort. He played football at ECTC. and homemaker. Laura Frances

55 Jane Langston Henderson ’60 of became a commercial pilot for A U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran, Elementary School in Arlington Greenwood. Nancy Parker Foster Liles Newton ’70 of Laurinburg Capps Cox ’86 of Greenville ’84 of Hubert died Nov. 13. He Newton Grove died Oct. 25. She National, Pan Am and Delta airlines he owned and managed Eastern County, Va. In 1990, he received the ’70 of Greenville died Dec. 4. In died Sept. 22. She retired as a died Oct. 14. She was a retired retired from the U.S. Army as a first taught sixth grade at Hobbton after leaving the military. Jerry Dale Pest Control. Patricia Biggs Washington Post Distinguished 2009, she retired after teaching teacher with Marlboro Academy, elementary school teacher. Julia lieutenant and then had a career in Elementary School from 1966 to Law ’69 of Winterville died Nov. 13. Morrison ’61 ’69 of Burlington, Leadership Award for Arlington English in Pitt County Schools for Bennettsville. Robert “Bob” Palsha Katherine “Kat” Littlejohn Foard sales. Irene Bailey Overton ’82 of 1977 and at Hargrove Elementary A U.S. Army veteran, he was a formerly of Wilmington, died Nov. County. James Richard Warner Jr. 30 years. Philip Alan Grochmal ’74 ’70 of Burlington died Oct. 27. ’80 of Hendersonville died Oct. 26. Elizabeth City died Sept. 29. She from 1977 until retiring in 1992. program consultant for the N.C. 4. She retired as an audiologist at ’66 of New Bern died Oct. 3. He was of Norfolk, Va., died Oct. 25. He He was a real estate agent for 30 She was a CPA until retirement. was a lung transplant recipient in Elaine Brewer Horne ’64 of Raleigh Division of Medical Assistance for New Hanover Memorial Hospital. a U.S. Air Force veteran. The Rev. was an accountant and a financial years before becoming manager Shari Phelps Froelich ’84 of 2000 and an advocate of organ died Nov. 7. She taught school for more than 42 years, retiring in 2014. Susan Kinsey Jackson Noble ’69 Dr. Tony Davis Warren ’67 ’69 of planner before becoming a teacher of Brookwood Condo Association. Bozeman, Mont., died Oct. 31. Allan donations. Jeffrey Clinton “Clint” many years and retired as a real He received the Order of the Long ’87 of Greenville died Oct. 4. After Williamston died Dec. 10. He taught of accounting at the University of Connie Ray Price ’78 of Fremont Frederick Guy ’88 of Manassas, Va., Price ’84 of Hampstead died Sept. estate agent. She was a member of Leaf Pine award for his dedicated 32 years in Pitt County Schools, she at Farmville High School and Pitt Phoenix. Marion Sandra “Sandy” died Nov. 7. He retired after 25 years died Aug. 20. A third-generation 4. He worked in management in the Chi Omega Sorority. Ben F. Howard service to the state of North retired as a guidance counselor at Community College before turning Hardee died Nov. 2. For 32 years, as Wayne County planning director. artist, illustrator and designer, furniture industry for many years, ’69 ’70 of Cary died Nov. 5. He was Carolina. An advocate for Pitt Ayden Grifton High School. She was to radio announcing and sales and she taught special needs students Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann (Phelps) he worked in design and brand later establishing Absolute Quality a teacher and principal at several County Girls Softball League, the also a counselor and recruiter for agribusiness sales. In 1992, he in Robeson County School System. Smith ’77 of Kempton, Ind., died identity with many national Upholstery. Clinton Swaringen schools, retiring from Alamance- Sara A. Law Softball Complex was Pitt Community College. Ivey entered the ministry serving as Judith “Judy” K. Hesselberth ’76 Aug. 28. She retired a year ago after and international companies in Rogers ’83 ’86 of Durham died Oct. Burlington School System Central named in memory of his daughter. Harold Pittman ’67 of Selma died pastor in several N.C. churches. of West Chester, Pa., died Dec. 27. more than 20 years of teaching at Manhattan and then Manassas, Va. 6. Carol Joy Sandhofer Sweetser Office in 2000. Linda Newell Benjamin Nov. 18. A U.S. Air Force Vietnam Nancy Wordsworth ’62 of She was a juried member of the Tipton Elementary School, Tipton, At ECU, he wrote and illustrated a ’80 of Springfield, Va., died Oct. 27. Jennings ’68 of Greensboro died Joseph Martin War veteran, he retired as a Wilmington died Dec. 3. She was a Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen in Ind. Myron “Gig” Shelton Staton comic for the East Carolinian called She retired from Northern Virginia Dec. 6. She spent her career as a Sr. ’64 ’74 ’78 probation and parole supervisor member of Sigma Sigma Sigma weaving and quilting. She taught ’70 of Garner died Sept. 29. A U.S. “Walkin the Plank.” Mark Timothy Community College as director of nurse and later taught nursing. of Hope Mills with N.C. Department of sorority. art as a volunteer and a seventh- Air Force Vietnam War veteran, he Hendrix ’88 of Plymouth died Oct. disability services. Joseph Blalock Peggy J. Jessup ’62 of Charlotte died Sept. 2. A Corrections and then worked with 1970s grade art teacher in Kinston in the retired as finance director of the 16. He was CEO of The Soundside Ward ’83 ’86 of Newport died Oct. died Oct. 28. She was a CPA for 50 WWII Army USDA in Johnston County with the late 1970s. Ted Lewis Hollingsworth Wake County ABC Board. Group. Lili Karen Johnson ’82 2. He owned and operated Pro Bait ’75 of Sanford years. Caroline Campbell Kearney veteran, he department of farm services. Betty Charles F. Atkins ’79 of Randleman died Sept. 10. He 1980s of New Albany, Ohio, died Dec. and Tackle, Atlantic Beach. Beatrice ’61 of Roanoke Rapids died Aug. 10. fought in the Marie Andrews Robbins ’62 of died Nov 1. He was a businessman was owner and creative director 2, 2014. She was a former SBI Story Waters ’82 of Plymouth died She taught in Jacksonville and at Battle of the Bethel died Nov. 20. She taught in and real estate developer. Joseph of Line Design Graphics for 29 Kathryn Lynn Sheats Brannan ’84 agent, dean of Central Piedmont Oct. 14. She taught fifth grade in Johnston Elementary, Rocky Mount. Bulge and the Tarboro School System. Crethie Whitmel “Whit” Blackstone Jr. ’73 years as well as a local real estate of Wilmington died Aug. 28. She Community College and academic Washington County schools for 22 Evelyn Johnson Kirkland ’61 ’62 of helped liberate Storey Spence ’63 ’66 of of Washington died Dec. 4. Since agent. A member of the Pirate Club, worked at Harris Teeter in Porter’s director of the International Law years, where she was recognized as Lumberton died July 13. For 30 three concentration camps. He was Williamston died Sept. 12. She 1977 he owned Blackstone Realty he was a representative of Triad Neck. Peggy Joyce Gurganus Enforcement Academy, Roswell, a Teacher of the Year. Inc. T/A Pamlico Properties and was Bunn ’83 of Bath died Sept. 3. In years, she taught middle grades wounded twice, receiving Purple taught for many years in public County Pirate Club. In 2013, he N.M. Ernest George “Gavin” Miller 1990s language arts in public schools in Hearts and an Oak Leaf cluster. He schools and later was a counselor at a realtor in Washington. Wanda received the Forever Pirates Alumni 2014, she retired from teaching in Jr. ’86 of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., died Greenville, Fayetteville and was a teacher, principal, coach and Martin Community College. Ralph Wentz Dyer ’71 of Greenwood, Legacy Parent of the Year award. Beaufort County Schools. Sylvia Nov. 18. He was a Web designer/ Robin Morrison Allison ’90 Lumberton. At ECC, she was a high school basketball official in E. Stone ’64 of Gainesville, Va., died S.C., died Nov. 18. For more than 33 Harry “John” Jablonski Jr. ’75 of Ann Rogerson Smith Carpenter specialist for ALGY. Desiree Ann of Asheville died Oct. 4. She member of Kappa Delta sorority. North Carolina. He was inducted Sept. 5. He was a teacher and years, she taught in the Greenville Farmville died Nov. 26. In 2007, ’81 of Rocky Mount died Oct. 2. Moore ’81 of Gibsonia, Pa., died Oct. was an occupational therapist Gary Edward Lakin ’63 of Virginia into the Fayetteville Sports Club principal in Virginia public schools County (S.C.) Public School System. he retired after 30 years as a child She was director of patient and 13. She was an elementary school with Care Partners Healthcare, Beach, Va., died Sept. 4. A U.S. Air Hall of Fame in 2013. Albert David retiring in 1998 after 20 years as Since 2006, she substitute taught support program supervisor in Pitt family services at Beaufort County teacher at a private school for Asheville. Matthew Tyler Aten Force Vietnam War veteran, he McNeill ’69 of Beaufort died Oct. 2. principal at Zachary Taylor at Pinecrest Elementary School in County government. Sara Miller Hospital. Constance “Connie” many years. George Ryan Morris ’99 of Marble Falls, Texas, died

Where Pirate Memories Continue

Antonia Dalapas was born to Greek parents in Lawrence, Massachusetts and grew up in Maine. She received a BM and MM in voice and opera at the prestigious New England There is an easy way for you to help East Carolina University. Conservatory in Boston. While earning her master’s degree, she was chosen to sing operatic scenes on the inaugural program of WGBH-TV in Boston.

A gift made through your will, to one of our four “Cypress Glen residents are an amazing and diverse group foundations, may be the best way to make a substantial who enjoy learning and discovering new interests.”

contribution to the university that you hold dear. Antonia fondly reminisces about meeting ECU Chancellor Leo Jenkins, who chauffeured her around Greenville when she interviewed for the position which she accepted. She When you make a bequest or beneficiary designation gift to one of served on the voice faculty at the ECU School of Music from 1971-1992. our four foundations, there are many benefits to you: You can leave a percentage of your estate or a specific dollar amount to Antonia Dalapas Her love of ECU continues at Cypress Glen where she still enjoys attending the plays, • Your gift doesn’t cost you anything today any of the four foundations at ECU: ECU Faculty 1971-1992 concerts, symphony and performing arts. Cypress Glen resident since 2015 • Your gift is free of federal and estate tax East Carolina University Foundation Inc., • You can change your mind East Carolina University Medical & Health • You can still benefit your heirs with specific gifts Sciences Foundation Inc., East Carolina Alumni Association Foundation, or the Independent Living • You can leave a legacy East Carolina University Educational Apartments & Cottages Official Partner Foundation Inc. [Pirate Club] Contact us for more information or visit eculegacy.org. 252.830.7067 | cypressglen.org Greg Abeyounis, CFRE Kendra K. Alexander Mark S. Hessert Assisted Living | Skilled Nursing | Alzheimer’s Care Associate Vice Chancellor Gift and Estate Associate Executive 100 Hickory Street • Greenville, NC 27858 for Development Planning Officer Director of the Pirate Club [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 252-328-9573 252-328-9566 252-737-4543

bequest-ad-East2.indd 1 3/2/16 10:55 AM Nov. 11. While working for Chancel Wilmington died Oct. 28. She was several area businesses and Centers throughout the South, Joong Ho Kim of Clifton, Va., died for student affairs and medical made possible The Wang Distinguished Lecture, which brings Construction, he helped build an administrative representative co-owned with her husband including in Greenville, Raleigh and Sept. 11. He taught mathematics at informatics at the Brody School of Distinguished Medical Initiative at top medical scholars to lecture at some of the buildings at Coastal with Verizon. She was a member of All Season’s Garden Shack & Durham. He was married to Maliha ECU from 1968 until 1993. Medicine from 1976 to 1989. the Brody School of Medicine. ECU’s Brody School of Medicine Carolina University, Conway, S.C. Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. Carla Landscape and Evans Florist. Farhadi, who retired from Joyner Raymond Allan A. Okech of Edna, Texas, each year. Memorial contributions George Richard “Richie” Creech Morris Gormley ’07 of Richmond, Library in 2011. may be made to the ECU Medical 2010s Harold died Aug. 11. He was an assistant STAFF ’97 of Sims died Oct. 18. He won the Va., died Sept. 19. While still in Charles Edgar Stevens ’54 of Martinez of professor in ECU’s educational & Health Sciences Foundation 1997 Colonial Athletic Association school, she taught a community Laura Michelle Bodenheimer of Greenville died Sept. 4. A lifelong Greenville died leadership department from 2006 John F. Boseman of Pitt County (Albernaz Lectureship), 525 Moye individual golf championship pacing college psychology course in Dare Denver, N.C., died Sept. 15. She was educator, he began teaching music Dec. 16. His to 2010. died Aug. 28. He worked in ECU Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834. Karen the Pirates to a third-place team County and did substance abuse a graduate student in the physical facility services until retiring in McCann Hause of Norfolk, Va., in Washington, N.C., public schools, wife, Inez Evelyn Louise Perry of Raleigh finish. He worked in the family- counseling. She was a Rotary therapy class of 2017. Katina “Tina” 2006 due to health reasons. died Aug. 30. She was married to later retiring as dean of ECU’s Norris died Sept. 10. In 1981, she retired as owned Carol Creech Promotions, Paul Harris fellow. Devin Lance L. Ferguson ’14 of Wake Forest died Barbara Boyd Clement Gibbs of the late Robert Hause III, School School of Music, where he was Martinez ’59 dean of ECU’s School of Nursing, an advertising business. Sung Ho Hatley ’00 of Charlotte died Oct. Oct. 30. She taught elementary Washington died Oct. 9. She retired of Music faculty member, with on the faculty from 1960 to 1990. ’66, died Oct. where she was on the faculty from “Steven” Lee ’94 of Greenville 26. A U.S. Navy veteran, he was school in North Carolina. Barrett as secretary to the dean of ECU’s whom she performed in the ECU He was the piano accompanist 15. In 1954, he 1962 until 1981. She was a staff died Sept. 18. He was an assistant sustainability co-coordinator and Jerry Foushee ’10 of Timberlake College of Business. Olive Jarvis Symphony Orchestra. Durwood for many faculty performers and was ECC’s first nurse in the U.S. Army serving in golf professional at Greenville an environmental educator at died Dec. 4. He worked in the family Jones of Columbia, S.C., died Nov. McKinley Price of Greenville died directed many church choirs. He head swimming and diving coach South Korea during the Korean Country Club and later worked in UNC Charlotte’s Office of Waste business, Foushee Electric. Samuel 2 at 100. She retired after 44 years Aug. 19. He was a Wayne County was a member of Phi Mu Alpha leading ECU swimmers to several War among other nursing positions accounting. Frank Jeffrey “Jeff” Management and Recycling. Jai Matthew Mayo of Lucama, an ECU of nursing, starting at the original agri-businessman who endowed Sinfonia where his “little brother” team and individual championships before coming to ECU. Long ’92 of Raleigh died Oct. 1. Chandler Kamke ’00 of Memphis, sophomore engineering student, was Andy Griffith. in the 1950s and 1960s and Pitt County Memorial Hospital and a scholarship at ECU. Memorial Alfred Shih- A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he Tenn., died Oct. 5. He taught music died Oct. 18. Justin Ryan Pierce ’14 developing groundbreaking training finishing with 17 years in ECU’s gifts may be made to D. McKinley Ruth Jensen Broadhurst of p’u Wang of later joined the U.S. Air Force, to youth through church programs of Elizabeth City died Aug. 28. He practices and assisting in facility college infirmary.Thelma Brinson and Barbara Price Study Abroad Morehead City died Nov. 18. She Missouri City, retiring as a major in 2008. Donald and private teaching schools and worked at Jordan Company. development. In 1986, he retired as Sawyer of Greenville died Oct. Scholarship, ECU Foundation, was a professor of nursing at ECU Texas, died “Donnie” Robert Mansfield ’99 performed on classical guitar with professor emeritus and 4 at 92. She formerly worked at Office of Gift Records, 2200 S. from 1961 to 1989. Sept. 20. He of Chesterfield, Va., died Sept. 24. bands and solo. Gwendolyn Alice administrator in the College of ECU Student Health Center. Gary Charles Blvd., Greenville, NC 27858. FACULTY Constantine “Connie” Anthony taught He was a general contractor for Melton ’00 of Morehead City died Health and Human Performance. He Rogers Stanley of Greenville died Ciesielski of Rhodelia, Ky., died literature in 20 years. James E. Rogers ’91 of Nov. 17. She taught children with Abdul-Shakoor Farhadi of and his wife, Inez, opened Raynez Oct. 22. A U.S. Air Force Vietnam Nov. 21. He retired from teaching ECU’s Brooklyn, N.Y., died Oct. 22. special needs. Tammy Murrelle Greenville, professor at ECU’s Swim School in 1960 teaching War veteran, he worked in ECU’s construction management at ECU. Department of He was a lawyer. Presnell ’02 of Greensboro died School of Art and Design from 1986 children to swim. She helped to start comparative medicine department English from Nov. 14. She was a physician until 2011, died Oct. 26. He was Gary Gilliland of Greenville died ECC’s School of Nursing, where she until retirement. 2000s 1967 to 1994. assistant. Sunny Daniel Thompson instrumental in the renovation of Sept. 30. He taught in ECU’s Brody taught from 1960 to 1988. Joreka E. Allen-Benson ’04 of ’02 of Tucson, Ariz., died Nov. 21. eastern N.C. communities, including School of Medicine. He and his wife, Veronica, taught Paul R. Mehne of Havertown, Pa., British and American literature Topsail Beach and Kenansville She taught music in grades K-6 at Uptown Greenville, Washington Walter Rex Houston of Greenville FRIENDS died Sept. 14. In 1975 he came to (and, on occasion, Chinese culture) died Sept. 28. She retired as Tanque Verde Elementary School. and Plymouth. His low-income died Nov. 5. In 2015, he retired as Dr. Jose Geraldo Albernaz of ECU as an assistant professor in the to ECU undergraduate and a teacher and librarian in the Jennifer Lea Wemple Tynch ’01 of housing designs for refugees were a counselor in ECU’s College of Greenville died Oct. 3 at 91. In 2006, School of Allied Health Sciences, graduate students for a combined Duplin County School System. Edenton died Sept. 18. She was a adopted by the United Nations. He Nursing, where he had served his son and daughters established later becoming associate dean total of 60 years. Their generosity Caroline Johnson Ennis ’04 of bookkeeping accountant for also designed more than 10 Islamic since 2000. the Jose G. Albernaz Golden Apple

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58 “We are not here to destroy the old and accept only the new, but to build upon the past…” —Robert H. Wright, Nov. 12, 1909 UPON THE PAST From his inaugural address and installation as East Carolina’s first president

Visitors to East Carolina University during the next year or so will see 10th Street Our own college railroadconverted to a modern thoroughfare to overpass one of the city’s inconveniences: the railroad track that runs just west of campus, regularly stalling traffic along 10th and Dickinson Avenue. But in the formative years of East Carolina Teachers Training School and into the 1940s, the railroad was more like a lifeline —the primary way students from out of town traveled to and from campus. It even was a reason the school was built here in the first place. The Atlantic Coastline Railroad was built through Greenville in 1889, and the Norfolk Southern line intersected Greenville and the Atlantic Coastline in 1907, making Greenville accessible to the rest of the state and a possible location for a normal school. The first students at ECTTS came to Greenville by train, and then took the school jitney, or bus, from the train station to campus. Students continued to come primarily by train through the 1940s. A new campus power plant opened in the late 1920s where Bate now stands, and a supply track was built from the Norfolk Southern tracks south of campus to haul coal to it. According to Henry Ferrell’s history of ECU, students referred to the No Time for Ivy, A hand-tinted black and white photograph from the 1927 tracks as “Our Own College Railroad.” The Tecoan.

60 Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID East East Carolina Howard House University Mail Stop 107 East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858-4353 electronic service requested

More than 5,000 students put an exclamation point on the spring semester April 21 at the 37th annual Barefoot on the Mall. Performing live were Battle of the Bands winner Eastern Comfort, The Score, Gumbo and ECU students Xavier Brodie and Trey Scarborough. Students also sang during live band karaoke, and more than 100 student organizations set up information tables to talk about their groups. Photo by Cliff Hollis