Cliff Hollis
the ecU Report more with less” in a perfect storm of events. Enrollment at ECU grew by a third between 2001 and 2010. Meanwhile, total spending power decreased by about $120 million during the last four years, costing ECU 200 faculty positions and cultivating “great uncertainty,” he said. “But we are the leadership university, and we do things that leaders always do,” Ballard said. “We are responding aggressively.” That response includes an ongoing assessment of ECU’s academic programs and structure in an effort to locate savings and synergies. Any change must be accomplished while maintaining the university mission—to be a national model of public service and regional transformation—and the quality of classroom experiences offered to students, Ballard said.
‘We will flourish tomorrow and in the future’ East Carolina University continues to face challenges wrought by an unprecedented financial crisis, but its people and their dedication to serving the region will enable the institution to persevere, according to Chancellor Steve Ballard. The third annual State of the University address delivered April 10 in Hendrix Theatre centered on that theme. “We will flourish tomorrow and in the future because we have an authentic goal and because we believe in people,” Ballard said. “Our DNA is true. Our resiliency is unparalleled. We work together better than anywhere I’ve ever been.” During the course of the half-hourlong speech, Ballard updated the ECU community on matters of interest beginning with the possible configuration 4
of a new athletic conference, joining the old Conference USA with the Mountain West. He assured listeners that regional rivalries remain a priority, as does the academic success and graduation of student athletes. “I believe ECU will be recognized by performance on the field…not by the name of our conference,” he said. Ballard spoke about continuing fiscal limitations, and congratulated those “doing
$242 Million State Appropriations
Generous donations will support that effort, he continued, but students will also be asked to pay a higher percentage of the total cost of education. Tuition and fees for in-state, undergraduate students will increase by 9.3 percent for 2012-13 at ECU, making the annual total approximately $5,813. “We will do all we can to balance the need for excellence in the classroom with our traditional goals of access and affordability,” he promised. Ballard reminded the audience that ECU is important to the local and regional economy,
$3.3 Billion ECU’s Economic Impact to the State