ECSU Magazine Spring 2013 by ECSU

E ECSU l i FEATURES z a b E t h

C i t y

S t a t E

U n i v E r S i t y Spring 2013

F O R A LU M N I A N D F R I E N D S

M A G A Z I N E

FOUNDERS DAY WEEKEND CELEBRATION NEW UNIVERSITY

ART GALLERY UNVEILED

F O R A LU M N I A N D F R I E N D S

M A G A Z I N E Chancellor Dr. Willie J. Gilchrist

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F E A T U R E S 06

FOUNDERS DAY WEEKEND CELEBRATION

ECSU JOINS THE SUSTAINABILITY MOVEMENT Sustainability, or the conservation of environmental resources such as water and energy, has become the pressing issue of the decade.

ON THE COVER On March 8, a new art gallery opened in the Kermit E. White Graduate and Continuing Education Center. The gallery will house the permanent collection of works from African diaspora, paintings from Nigerian and Ghanaian artists.

Photo by Varick Taylor

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

Managing Editor rhonda M. hayes Editor Kesha Williams

ECSU celebrated its 122nd Founders Day on March 8.

Vice Chancellor Institutional Advancement William G. Smith

Contributing Writers april Emory Jeanette h. Evans barbara Sutton Jean bischoff Doug yopp Katie Murray angelia nelson Photographers varick taylor Kesha Williams Michael Godfrey

to submit information for the ECSU Magazine, email us at ecsunews@mail.ecsu.edu.all content submitted will be edited. Elizabeth City State University is committed to equality of educational opportunity and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age or disability. ECSU Magazine is published by the Office of University Relations & Marketing Campus box 778 | 1704 Weeksville road Elizabeth City, nC 27909 tel: 252.335.3594 | Fax: 252.335.3769 E-mail: ecsunews@mail.ecsu.edu www.ecsu.edu

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DEPARTMENTS 06 13 17 19 20 23 26

Features Briefs ECSU News Grants and Awards Academics Students News Community

ALUMNI 29 30 36 37 38 49

Alumni News Legacy Society Spotlight Alumni Spotlight Alumni Events Class Notes Athletics

Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

FROM T H E

C H A N C ELL O R

Greeting ECSU Alumni, Friends and Supporters, As the ninth chief executive officer of Elizabeth City State University, I am proud to share the Spring 2013 edition of the magazine with you. Elizabeth City State University has completed another great year and is preparing for great things! We have not been without challenges, however, we have been able to corral those obstacles and forge ahead with excellence as our guide. is magazine chronicles some of the many accomplishments by our faculty, staff and students as well as our awesome alumni. ECSU is about to embark upon another milestone—its 125th anniversary to take place in 2016. A committee is in place to plan for what will be an unforgettable occasion. A historical account of our history is being prepared and limited copies will be available. is will no doubt be a keepsake. Watch for more details. As I transition from chief executive officer of Elizabeth City State University to retirement, I SALUTE the faculty and staff whom I’ve had the pleasure to work with during my tenure as chancellor, I SALUTE the students who have dedicated themselves to the cause of education, to the cause of self-improvement and to the cause of bringing something special to Elizabeth City State University, I SALUTE the alumni, whose commitment, presence and loyalty undergird the many programs and offerings put forward by this great institution. ECSU is now under the leadership of Interim Chancellor Charles L. Becton and I am pleased because I know that, under his leadership our alma mater will continue to grow with the goal of elevating higher and emerging stronger, and in doing so, ECSU will be producing well-rounded college graduates who will make positive strides in this community, in this state and in this nation. ank you for all that you do for our alma mater! I encourage each of you to remain committed to our motto—To Live is to Learn—and to work to make sure ECSU continues to thrive. I wish you Godspeed.

ACHIEVEMENTS DURING CHANCELLOR GILCHRIST’S TENURE INCLUDE: • Ranked among the top baccalaureate colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report (2007-2012); • Launched successful academic program in aviation, acquiring two airplanes, state-of-the-art traﬃc control system, flight radar system, and flight simulators for student instruction; • Constructed state-of-the art facilities; Education & Psychology Complex, Pharmacy complex, and a new residence hall, Viking Tower; • Achieved clean financial audits (2010-2012); • Achieved full reaccreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools with “no findings” (2010); • National accreditations for School of Business and Economics, Department of Music, and Department of Engineering and Technology; • Implemented Chancellor’s Young Voyagers Program targeting middle school students (2008); • Nearly doubled grants and sponsored program funding from $8 million to $15 million (2006-2012); • Created Chancellor’s Series for Lyceum Program; • Executed memorandum of understanding with University of Zululand; • Executed 44 memoranda of understanding with North Carolina community colleges; • Increased private giving and alumni participation; • Won CIAA championships and division championships in basketball, football, bowling and volleyball, as well as the 2012 Pioneer Bowl (football); • Highest enrollment in the history of the university (2008); • Acquisition of two 56-passenger buses and two shuttle buses (2007-2010); • Retention strategy (creation of admissions deputy directors placed in community colleges to promote the increase of transfer students); • Hosted first-ever College Board Summit on campus for Advance Placement Training for 21 county school districts; • African Textbook Initiative – Awarded additional $10 million (2007-2012); • Increased the number of security cameras from 19 to 105 throughout the campus; • Constructed the campus Promenade; Legacy Room I and II, and University Art Gallery; and • Constructed additional campus parking lots at Griﬃn Hall, Wellness Center, Pharmacy Complex, and Roebuck Stadium

Dr. Willie J. Gilchrist Chancellor

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING/SUMMER 2013

05 Founders Day Weekend Celebration

Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

Features

E l i z a b E t h C i t y S tat E U n i v E r S i t y

Founders Day Weekend Celebration

ECSU celebrated its 122nd Founders Day on March 8. î&#x20AC;&#x201A;e events slated for the celebrated weekend included the annual morning assembly, the opening of the new University Art Gallery and the sixth Founders Day Scholarship Gala. 6

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

National Alumni Association President, Dr. Jeanette H. Evans, the speaker for the assembly, told her audience there is no better time than Founders Day to reflect on the progress the university has made. While there have been significant advancements made over the years, the institution faces some of the same challenges now (a bleak economic outlook, limited resources) that it did in 1891. Yet founders, she said, must be honored for what they created and what they left us—an institution that brings its students hope for the future. “e founders left us a legacy of overcoming monumental challenges while always looking to the future as something filled with opportunity and promise,” Evans said. Now, she advised, we must ask ourselves how we will impact the mission of the university. Members of the founding family pictured left to right: James E. Coﬁeld, Jr., tracey Johnson, Donnice E. brown, Joseph t. abron, Jr., alesa M. abron, teresa E. abron, and Joseph t. abron, Sr.

“What will our collective and individual legacy be in contributing to the intellectual and moral development of students and to the economic survival of our communities?” “As supporters and ambassadors of ECSU, we should use our influence and power to leave positive legacies which inspire and motivate others to service to mankind.” Chancellor Gilchrist paused to introduce to the audience family members of the Founders and to remember those Vikings who passed away in the last year. Later in the day, many in the audience visited the new University Art Gallery in the K. E. White Center which opened just in time for the Founders Day celebration. e gallery will be divided into two sections—one a permanent collection of African and African American art that will focus on work by contemporary African/African American artists beyond the Harlem Renaissance. Although Jasmine Guy was the guest speaker for the evening event, the Foundation’s Scholarship Gala, she made an important stop in the R.L. Vaughan Center. Early in the

University Art Gallery

afternoon Guy emphasized the importance of early planning for college to area youths. She was the guest speaker, for a community event, “A Diﬀerent World: Planning Today for Your Tomorrow,” that targeted middle and high school students. Guy’s talent and determination also led her to positions as a professional dancer, director, a writer and an actress on several other TV shows and movies. Currently, she works as a motivational speaker who brings awareness of child sex traﬃcking with the “I am Not Yours!” Campaign. Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

ater, Guy spoke at ECSU’s sixth black tie scholarship gala, the university’s premier fundraiser. ECSU Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement William Smith said he is confident the audience was happy they were on hand to welcome her to Elizabeth City. She helped attract approximately 350 attendees to the annual event. Smith said the university remains grateful for those who donated to the fundraiser as well as those who purchased gala tickets. Financial support from donors remains critical to the success of students 122 years after the institution first opened its doors.

at evening, the ECSU Foundation spotlighted several outstanding citizens. e ECSU Foundation presented the Chancellor’s Legacy Awards in six categories during the Gala VI at the Kermit E. White Graduate and Continuing Education Center. e awardees and the categories for which their award was given follows: BUSINESS AWARD: Norris Earl Francis, Jr.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Elston Ray Howell

a retired national account executive, is a 1964 graduate of Elizabeth City State Teachers College (now Elizabeth City State University). Norris was recently honored by the Eta eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (in which he served as the chapter’s third president) with the presentation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award. e award acknowledges Francis’ leadership as a civil rights activist as the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. Norris is married to Patricia J. Francis. ey have two daughters, one son and two grandchildren.

graduated from Elizabeth City State University in 1988 with a bachelor of science degree in computer and information science. He is co-owner of a pediatric speech-language and occupational therapy practice, Spoken-4 Communications, LLC., where he serves as Chief Financial Oﬃcer, with his wife Lisa Smallwood Howell. rough Spoken-4 Communications, he and his wife have provided more than 30 scholarships in the past three years. Nearly half of the recipients were ECSU students.

EDUCATION/THE ARTS AWARD: Carroll L. Hurdle is a 1966 graduate of the university. Hurdle’s professional career as a teacher and schoolcounselor has spanned over 46 years in several North Carolina counties (Bertie, Halifax, Martin and Washington). Carroll retired from the Washington County Public Schools in July 2012. He is a life member of the ECSU National Alumni Assoc., Inc. and is actively involved in the Washington County Alumni Chapter.

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

MILITARY AWARD: Commander Warren D. Judge

FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY AWARD: Mike Chandler Mike Chandler is the president of REJOICE TV, LLC television broadcasting company; president and CEO of REJOICE! Musical Soulfood Gospel Music Radio Network; and co-owner of the multi-STELLAR Award-winning gospel radio station REJOICE 100.9 WFMI-FM in Virginia Beach, Va. and Elizabeth City, NC. Today Chandler’s company has grown the network to more than 40 aﬃliate stations in the United States. He continues to be a much sought after speaker and teacher in broadcast and Christian arenas.

GOVERNMENT AWARD: Congressmen G.K. Butterfield Congressman G. K. Butterfield is a lifelong resident of Wilson, N.C., and has served the people of the First Congressional District of North Carolina since 2004. For 14 years, Congressman Butterfield practiced law in his home community, and was best known for his success with several eastern North Carolina voting rights lawsuits that resulted in African-American communities having the ability to elect candidates of their choice to public oﬃce. Congressman Butterfield previously served as vice chairman of the Energy Subcommittee in the 111th Congress and now serves as a member of the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.

Commander Warren D. Judge has 26 years of distinguished service in the United States Coast Guard (USCG). He currently is stationed at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and is a technical director and leads Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) design/implementation projects and acquisition strategies for National Security Cutters, Oﬀshore Patrol Cutters, Fast Response Cutters and Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Commander Judge previous unit was the White House Communications Agency (WHCA) from May 2009 to August 2012. He is a 1997 graduate of ECSU majoring in Computer Science, where he also earned the distinguished Ronald E. McNair Scholarship.

SCIENCE/MEDICINE AWARD: Dr. Stephanie Dance-Barnes earned a bachelor of science degree in biology/pre-medicine at Elizabeth City State University in 1997. While at ECSU, she was an active member of the honors program and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She also received the ECSU Daniel Cole Award for Academics and Highest GPA in the Department of Biology Award in 1994. She then went on to complete a master’s in biology at North Carolina A&T State University in 2001, while simultaneously working as a senior research laboratory technician/manager in the Departments of Comparative Medicine and Cancer Biology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. In 2007, she became the first African American female to receive her Ph.D. from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in the area of cancer biology and toxicology. Dr. DanceBarnes is an assistant professor of cell and molecular biology in the Department of Life Sciences at Winston-Salem State University.

Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

The

ECSU joinS sustainability

movement ustainability, or the conservation of environmental resources such as water and energy, has become the pressing issue of the decade. From brushing your teeth to choosing a laptop, the conservation of resources is related to so many of the decisions we make daily. With the hiring of a sustainability director, and creation of the Oﬃce of Sustainability, ECSU plans to be a key player in preserving northeastern North Carolina and reducing the university’s carbon dioxide emissions—one of the identified causes of the depletion of the ozone layer. Carbon dioxide emissions can originate from multiple places such as car exhaust and electricity production. A major component in sustainability is the growth and consumption of locally grown food. Locally grown produce looks and tastes better, and is much healthier for the consumer. In addition, because it does not have to be transported nationally or internationally, local harvest reduces harmful carbon dioxide emissions.

Our Community Garden To demonstrate our dedication to locally grown food, ECSU opened its first community garden in September 2012. e community garden is located behind Griﬃn Hall. Initially, members of the university’s facility staﬀ will maintain the garden. In the future, we look forward to classes using the garden for teaching experiences and student organizations lending a helping hand. Its organic soil was purchased from a local vendor. e organic soil will aid in the natural growth of all produce harvested. Currently, cabbage, collards, spinach, mixed

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

salads, kale and mustard greens have been planted. e produce will be made available to students, faculty, staﬀ and community members. e remainder of each harvest will be donated to the Foodbank of the Albemarle to assist in the fight against hunger. “We are just so appreciative that the Oﬃce of Sustainability thought of us! We look forward to fresh healthy foods to help feed the folk in our community. ank you ECSU for your help in this fight against hunger.” - Steve Murray, Resource Development Director

e Oﬃce of Sustainability looks forward to the community garden being a major environmental staple at the university.

ECSU updates facilities through performance contract e university completed its first Energy Performance Contract with Honeywell Building Solutions, a division of Honeywell Corp. Honeywell assessed six building’s usage and opportunity for equipment upgrades to save energy. e contract guaranteed a savings of approximately $436,000 a year through lighting retrofits, building controls, window filming and equipment upgrades. Honeywell will be paid through these energy savings. Sustainability in Academics Sustainability also has made its way into the curriculum at ECSU. Dr. Jeﬀrey Rousch, a professor in the Biology Department, and Dr. Francisco San Juan, a professor in the Chemistry, Geology and Physics Department, developed a course, “ENSC 300 Global Seminar: Environment and Sustainability”, in which students will better understand the relationships between food, population, environment and economics. e class began Fall 2012. Housing & Residence Life is determined to increase recycling and save energy in residence halls. e Oﬃce of Sustainability held two residence hall competitions and a community service week to make sure students are actively involved. Residence halls competed to determine which could recycle the most and conserve the most energy. Although the competition was tight, University Towers came out on top saving more than 20 percent on the March energy bill. In addition to the com petitions, the students were given the opportunity to understand how their daily lives impact the environment. To make recycling a more permanent part of resident life, recycle bins were placed in student

dorm rooms. A $5,000 grant provided by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources enabled ECSU to place recycle bins in each room in Viking Tower, the new dormitory that opened in the fall. e bins will make recycling easier and more practical for students. Also in March, the Office of Sustainability and students of ECSU orchestrated the university’s first “Green e Block” family and student field day. Green the Block is national initiative that addresses environmental injustices that often occur in low-income communities. About 20 companies and student organizations taught students, faculty, staff and community members about the different faucets of sustainability and how they can join the movement. Vendors sold products, provided giveaways, and some even offered jobs. Students and visiting patrons were able to purchase all-natural products, understand water quality differences and appreciate CFL light bulbs. ECSU is more than ready to become a leader in the “green” world. We have the tools—students, faculty and staff-0 and are consistently finding new resources. We will continue the journey in preserving northeastern North Carolina! Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

Elizath Cit Commencement Da

Resident Leads Spring 2013 Graduates on Slade says todays graduates should be adaptable

n May 11, a 1963 alumnus of the university, Dr. Leonard A. Slade Jr., spoke at Elizabeth City State University’s 156th Commencement ceremony. Several alumni from the Class of 1963 who were commemorating the 50th anniversary of their graduation also attended the ceremony. ey applauded the undergraduate and graduate students who collected their degrees and will enter a workforce that has changed tremendously since 1963. Slade, a professor at the State University of New York at Albany and a poet with numerous titles to his credit, delivered an inspiring Commencement address that encouraged graduates to achieve as much as they can individually and collectively. While technology has changed several key features in the workplace, Slade said many of the same traits that propelled the 1963 graduates to successful careers are needed from today’s graduates — knowledge, a personal commitment to excellence, willingness to serve their community, and a spiritual base. “Today’s graduates must be able to adapt to our everchanging society, to adjust to the vicissitudes of life. We had to work hard for everything we achieved. I hope young people will understand they, too, will make sacrifices to get ahead professionally and personally,” he said. e 2013 class of 304 graduates included the Bearer of the Mace, Jessica N. Young, who graduated with a 3.9 grade-point average. e honor of carrying the mace goes to the ECSU nontransfer student earning the highest grade-point average. Young earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration and now feels she is closer to realizing her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. She said her years at ECSU were rewarding and she is confident other students will excel at the university as well. “e professors here at ECSU are informative. You have the one-on-one instruction that you might not find at a larger university. We enjoyed trips to conferences (hosted by professional

societies) with ECSU professors who accompanied us,” she said. Young said participating in organizations such as the National Society of Leadership and Success; Beta Gamma Sigma; and Enactus (Each of us has an entrepreneurial spirit), which formerly was known as SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise), helped her enjoy her time at ECSU. She met students in those organizations who were serious about their studies. Young said as the Bearer of the Mace, she was filled with pride as she led the line of graduates into Roebuck Stadium at Commencement. Pleasantly woven within that line of black robes and mortarboards stood three family combinations receiving their degrees — a mother and daughter, a mother and son and a brother and sister. eir presence reflects the diverse student body of ECSU. Melanie Baker, 44, and her daughter, Brittaney, 22, never imagined they would share the same Commencement Day. Baker began taking classes at ECSU in summer 2011 and Brittaney, a graduate of Northeastern High School in Elizabeth City, began in fall 2009. About nine months ago, Baker realized that by taking extra classes during her last semester, she could earn her degree at the same time as her daughter. “It was proudest moment I’ve had since I gave birth to my daughter,” Baker said. “I had the privilege of robing my daughter,” she said. Pam Morton was awarded a bachelor’s degree in education that day and her son, Michael Morton, was awarded a degree in criminal justice. Michael also was one of eight cadets in ECSU’s Military Science program who were commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Pam’s degree followed a stint in the Army in the early 1980s and years spent as a mother and wife taking courses at the College of the Albemarle. A divorce led to lifestyle changes, yet she was determined to earn a bachelor’s degree. She wanted to set the course for her future. “I would not have gotten where I am without the help of my professors here,” she said. “I would recommend for anybody to go back to school if they really want to. It was good to have a university here in this region that oﬀered the degree I wanted.” Pam said she was excited about her son graduating and being commissioned at the same time. “He was so insistent that I walk across the stage, too. We were supportive of each other through this process and even helped each other with some class assignments.” Budour N. Mohammad and her brother, Obaida Nasri Mohammad, natives of Palestine, comprised the third family combo. She earned top biology awards after earning the highest grade-point average in the department. He majored in engineering technology. He and Jessica N. Young, the Bearer of the Mace, were among four students to earn the 2013 Chancellor’s Distinguished Emblem Award for superior grades. All the family graduates realized how special Commencement can be when it’s truly shared with a relative.

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

BRIEFS Transferring from nearby community colleges to Elizabeth City State University has just gotten easier.

hree ECSU employees─ all deputy admissions directors now work on site at three community colleges-—College of e Albemarle (Elizabeth City campus and the Dare County campus, Halifax Community College and Roanoke-Chowan Community College). eir job is to help students at those two year institutions with the transfer process to attend ECSU. Students can complete the ECSU application for admission, gather financial aid information and learn about academic majors and more at ECSU. A new webpage will follow to assist prospective transfer students when then deputy admissions directors are busy serving others or when their offices are closed. ECSU administrators say this process can save transfer students time and move them one step closer to earning a bachelor’s degree. Next, an office will open in Moore Hall to receive all incoming transfer students. ere, transfer students can also receive the valuable information that deputy admissions officers are sharing at the three community colleges sites. At Moore Hall, transfer students will find an advisor and a list of key university contacts. University administrators say this process provides one-stop service to transfer students. ECSU administrators met with administrators from four area community colleges in October 2011 to establish 12 articulation agreements. e agreements were designed to increase the number of students who fulfill their dream of earning a bachelor's degree. Since that time, ECSU administrators decided to place these deputy admissions directors on sites that are most

convenient for students attending the community colleges. Under the 12 articulation agreements, up to 65 credit hours earned by students in a two-year associate in arts or associate in science program can be transferred to select degree programs at ECSU. ose ECSU programs are pre-aviation science; birth through kindergarten education; pre-business administration/ marketing; computer engineering/industrial technology; computer engineering technology/engineering technology, associate science, engineering with a minor in mechanical and automation; associate in science, engineering technology, with a minor in computer and information technology; pre-criminal justice; pre-marine environmental science; pre-middle grades education; pre-pharmaceutical science, with a concentration in biotechnology; pre-pharmaceutical science, with a concentration in clinical science. e agreements also serve as blueprints for community colleges advisors to ensure their students are a prepared to transfer. Once the specified courses are completed under the community college's two-year program, the student earns an associate’s degree. It also helps community colleges to meet their goals of awarding a specified number of degrees each year. ECSU administrators take great pride in the articulation agreements which will simplify the process for everyone involved. e articulation agreements exist with College of the Albemarle, Halifax Community College, Martin Community College and Roanoke-Chowan Community College.

Contact Ms. Althea Riddick, coordinator of programs and curriculum development at ECSU, for more information on transferring to ECSU at (252) 335-8787.

WORKING TOGETHER Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

NEW RESIDENCE HALL ENHANCES AN INSPIRING ENVIRONMENT lizabeth City State University administrators, faculty, staﬀ, students, trustees and guests gathered on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, for the ceremonial ribbon cutting marking the opening of Viking Tower. e three-story, 210-bed residence hall houses students in suites that include private bedrooms, some double-occupancy rooms, an exercise room, laundry rooms on every floor and computer labs. Architect Anthony Hunt of Millennium 3 Design Group based in Charlotte, N.C., said he was thrilled to work on the project. “Students are looking for modernization, innovation, computer technology in their residence halls. ey want residence halls that oﬀer modern social spaces or common areas and a good selection of amenities. Students want conveniences,” Hunt said. “I’m proud to say this was a project that involved a black architect, a black university and black contractor -- a first mind you -- for a $12.6 million project.” Viking Tower is located on the northeast quadrant of the ECSU campus behind Bias Hall. It sits in the heart of campus near e Promenade, where many student activities are held, and a short distance from Johnson, Lane and Moore halls, where numerous classes are taught. Owen Burney Jr., owner of Burney and Burney Construction Co. and the contract manager, said he was especially proud to

top photo (left to right): trustee Fred yates, anthony hunt, trustee abdul rasheed, trustee vonner horton, Owen burney, Chancellor Willie and Jacqueline Gilchrist, and trustee norma James snip the ribbon to celebrate the university’s most recent residence hall.

deliver to students a new residence hall so closely located to classrooms and to the center of campus. He said Viking Tower is far diﬀerent from the simple structure he lived in as an ECSU freshman in 1973. at year, he met fellow student Clayton C. Peele Sr., who would remain his friend until Peele’s death in June 2012. Peele served as Viking Tower’s project manager. Burney said the building also brought together a diverse group of laborers to the construction site for jobs that are important to the state’s economy. “We were proud to do this project for the university. In the past, Burney and Burney completed some building renovations and some additions to buildings for ECSU. We really enjoyed building a new residence hall where we knew students could form friendships that last decades,” Burney said. “While we’ve completed residential and commercial projects for many other clients in North Carolina, Burney and Burney is proud to see this project completed on ECSU’s campus.” ECSU Chancellor Willie J. Gilchrist said he was pleased to see the project complete in time for the start of the fall semester. e completion of the new residence hall ended the need for the university to house students oﬀ campus over the last four years. ECSU now houses 1,542 students in 10 university residence halls.

Planetarium named in honor of Dr. Sultana Khan

n Jan. 8, 2013, Elizabeth City State University held a ceremony to name the planetarium in honor of Dr. Sultana A. Khan, its long-time director. Khan, a physics professor and recipient of the UNC Board of Governor’s Excellence in Teaching Award, has been the facility’s director since its inception in 1990. As a crowd of faculty, staff, family and local residents looked on, Khan stood at the podium in the Jimmy R. Jenkins Science Center and reflected on years of shows at the planetarium. She recalled seasonal favorites and shows related to national holidays that drew school children and local organizations to the planetarium. She thanked her husband, Dr. Ali Khan, provost and vice chancellor of the ECSU Division of Academic Affairs, and their son, Dr. Ahmed Khan, a physician in Raleigh, N.C., for their patience and support through the years. Khan also told the audience left to right: ECSU trustees Ernest Sutton and norma James, she was greatly appreciative of the love and support she Dr. amed Khan, Dr. ali Khan, his Excellency akramul Qader, received from her parents and siblings. e ceremony ambassador of bangladesh to the United States, Dr. Sultana Khan, and Chancellor Gilchrist. follows 33 years of employment for Dr. Khan at ECSU. “It is wonderful to know that this legacy will be here for a long time,” Khan said. “e planetarium is an important reflection of ECSU’s commitment to outreach and community engagement and academic excellence,” Khan said. “I’m very thankful to our Board of Trustees for recognizing our achievements. Faculty, staff, administration, students and alumni have contributed to the planetarium’s success.” Dr. Khan is a native of Dhaka, Bangladesh. She earned her bachelor’s degree in physics in 1970 and her master’s in physics in 1972 from the University of Dhaka. She earned her doctorate in physics from the University of Scientific & Medical of Grenoble in France in 1977. She arrived at ECSU in 1978.

VANS welcomes Chancellor’s Young Voyagers to campus Numerous current Vikings and alumni can attest to their first visit on campus as a youth. at number is growing each year as we welcome the next class of the Chancellor’s Young Voyagers. ey are youths from area middle schools who come to campus for an informative session that describes the academic majors, university services and events offered at ECSU. Chancellor Gilchrist collaborates with staff from the Admissions Office and the Vikings Assisting New Students (VANS) to open the eyes of over 550 youths to the best of Vikingland. After this year’s sessions, the youths enjoyed brunch in Bedell Hall, an informative program with faculty and students in Williams Hall Gym, and then headed to the Robert L. Vaughan Center for basketball games. Chancellor Gilchrist said it is his pleasure to welcome the students to campus so he can encourage them to prepare now for college enrollment. The list of participating middle schools : Camden Middle School Central Middle School (Gates County) Elizabeth City Middle School Enfield Middle School hertford County Middle school Perquimans County Middle School river road Middle School West Edgecombe Middle School William r. Davie Middle School

Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY

Earns StormReady CERTIFICATE ickey M. Freeman, an environmental health and safety professional at Elizabeth City State University, and William Sammler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s forecast office in Wakefield, Va., presented to the ECSU Board of Trustees a framed certificate announcing the university’s participation in the National Weather Service’s StormReady program. StormReady, a program started in 1999 in Tulsa, Okla., helps arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property before and during a major weather event. It also helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs. e certificate recognizes ECSU as a StormReady Supporter, one of 243 entities across the nation that promote the principles and guidelines of the StormReady program into their severe weather/tsunami safety and awareness plans. Entities may be eligible based on the bylaws of the local NWS StormReady Advisory Board and the endorsement from local emergency management officials. Final approval for StormReady Supporter designation is made by local StormReady Advisory Boards. Successful applicants receive a StormReady Supporter Certificate dated and signed by the meteorologist in charge of the local NWS office. ECSU, like other StormReady Supporters, is listed on the NWS National StormReady website at www.stormready.noaa.gov/supporters.htm. e ECSU Office of Emergency Management began the process to become recognized as a StormReady Supporter in November 2011. It consisted of a visit to the NWS Wakefield office; participating in two weather awareness training sessions, one which was conducted by Sammler, the Wakefield office’s warning coordination meteorologist; a review of

Mr. William Sammler delivers the Stormready certiﬁcate to Chancellor Willie J. Gilchrist and Mr. abdul rasheed, chairman of the ECSU board of trustees, leads the audience in celebrating the university’s award.

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING/SUMMER 2013

the university’s Emergency Operations Plan by the NWS; the addition of tornado and lightning annexes to the current plan; and providing a minimum of two early warning systems in a 24-hour warning point (a point of contact where the organization can receive notices of possible emergencies 24 hours a day); and providing weather alert radios in the campus Communications Center and Football Stadium. Freeman said by achieving this recognition, ECSU continually is striving to provide the most eﬀective methods to promote life-safety and a safe environment for students and staﬀ. e StormReady program is designed to help local entities prepare for the wide spectrum of storms that plague the country each year -- an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes and an average of two deadly hurricanes that make landfall. e nation’s winter storms, intense summer heat, high winds, wild fires and other deadly weather events also lead community organizations to participate in the StormReady program.

ECSU NEWS

American Education Week features North Carolina Teacher of the Year

lizabeth City State University welcomed Darcy Grimes, the 2012 – 2013 North Carolina Teacher of the Year, as the guest speaker for the annual assembly held in November 2012 in observation of American Education Week. Grimes began her career teaching second and third grade at Moravian Falls Elementary School in Wilkes County. After three years, she moved to Bethel Elementary School in Watauga County to teach third grade. Grimes contributes to her peers and the students at Bethel Elementary and her surrounding community in many ways. She is a member of the school’s Personnel Advisory Committee and a beginning teacher mentor. She piloted the Leader in Me program for faculty and helped to earn her school a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition to her work in the school, she started an after-school running club for girls in grades 3 through 6 and she has volunteered with the local science club that serves public school students in grades 1 through 8. anks to her hard work and dedication to her students, Grimes has received several awards, including Northwest North Carolina Regional Teacher of the Year, Watauga County Teacher of the Year and Bethel Elementary School Teacher of the Year. She is also a Watauga Education Foundation Grant recipient and an Intel Master Teacher. While at ECSU, Grimes told her audience it is essential for all students to have the opportunity to collaborate with other students across North Carolina and abroad. “We have to prepare our students for jobs that have not even been created yet. Global education and technology both need to be integrated into all subjects, not taught as separate subjects,” Grimes said. “My students have many opportunities to work in collaborative groups on project-based assignments.” For the area teachers of the year who attended the ceremony and accepted awards, she said, “ank you, teachers, for everything you do for your students each and every day.” Grimes completed her undergraduate studies at Appalachian

State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education K-6 and minored in social sciences. She also successfully completed coursework for add-on licenses for social studies 6-9 and language arts 6-9 in 2009. She currently is working on her master’s degree in instructional technology at Appalachian State University. As North Carolina Teacher of the Year, Grimes will spend the next school year traveling the state as an ambassador for the teaching profession. She also will serve as an advisor to the State Board of Education for two years and as a board member for the North Carolina Public School Forum for one year.

Guest actress portrays Edenton native at ECSU Zyanda Anntoinette Johnson captivated her audience in the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center with her portrayal of North Carolina native Harriet Ann Jacobs. Jacobs’ autobiography, “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” (1861) was the source of a historical drama, “e Fragrance of Freedom,”which Johnson wrote and performs. e drama reflects on the cruelty of slavery, the lack of control slaves had over their bodies, their families and the lack of fair labor standards. For years, Jacobs lived in seclusion in her grandmother’s attic to avoid her abusive slave owner and a system (slavery) that tore the families and the nation apart. “Incidents in the life of a Slave Girl” is a highly recommend female antebellum slave narrative for students at Elizabeth City State University. Dr. Hilary Green, an assistant professor in the Department of History and Political Science, recommends the book for students enrolled in her class, History 250, African American History to 1877.

“I am often struck by how many students have not heard of this Edenton native. ere is a marker in Edenton to indicate Jacobs was a native. I share with students a map of Edenton and from it I can show students where Jacobs’ home stood, her grandmother’s home and all the major places she wrote about in the book, Green said. “e book is a personal favorite. Her gripping narrative enables me to reveal the local contributions to the larger study of African-American history. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Harriet Jacobs’ birth, my colleague, Professor Tonya Blair, and I felt that this performance would be a fitting tribute.” After escaping, Jacobs found work in the north as a nursemaid. She became an abolitionist who helped other slaves escape. Johnson is an actress, director, playwright and storyteller who appeared as a guest for the university’s Black History Month series. SUMMER/SPRING 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

Grants and Awards

Trustee Horton donates funds for scholarship Elizabeth City State University Chancellor Willie J. Gilchrist joined ECSU Trustee Vonner G. Horton for a $1,500 scholarship check presentation in October 2012 to Siloam Gray, a junior from Norfolk, Va., majoring in business administration. e one-time scholarship was funded by North Carolina Black Women Empowerment Network, a Raleigh-based organization of which Horton is a member and serves as chairperson of the Northeastern division. Horton was a keynote speaker for the organization’s biannual gala and was offered an honorarium for her speech. Instead of accepting the money, she offered the funds as a contribution toward a need-based scholarship to a female student at ECSU who is in good standing with the university. e scholarship will be disbursed by the ECSU Office of Financial Aid.

Butterfield delivers $3,474,661 to ECSU North Carolina Congressman G.K. Butterfield delivered a check for $3,474,661 to Elizabeth City State University in October 2012. e funding results from the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program. e grant is for the federal budget period Oct. 1, 2012, through Sept. 30, 2013. It is anticipated that the grant will be used for a total of five years. e purpose of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program is to provide financial assistance to establish or strengthen the academic resources, management capabilities and physical plants of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

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ACADEMICS

Negro Spirituals and the Blues influence American music r. Roosevelt Newson, chairperson of the ECSU Music Department, presented the fourth in his Americana Music Lecture Series on Sunday, Jan. 27, in the auditorium of the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center. “e Negro Spiritual and the Blues” was the final lecture in the series presented by Newson, the Spangler Endowed Professor in ECSU’s School of Arts & Humanities. e series chronicled the musical contributions of African slaves as they became AfricanAmericans. Newson’s previous lecture titles follow: “e Invention of the Negro” and the evolution of his music, presented March 8, 2011 “e Era of Ragtime – A Lecture-Recital,” presented March 29, 2011 “Jim Crow & Minstrelsy,” presented on Oct. 23, 2011 e Negro Spiritual and the Blues played a critical role in the creation of America’s unique musical language. From a purely historical point of view, they represent the first recorded utterances from a people in bondage. e era of discussion illuminated a slow evolutionary process that covered nearly 250 years. is lecture probed the sociological and political circumstances that gave voice to America’s first indigenous music. e lecture also oﬀered an important historical, and sometimes overlooked or misunderstood, perspective on how this unique music came into existence. Newson’s audience was spellbound as he recounted the trail of two forms of music that relayed so many emotions for vocalists and the musicians who accompanied them. “I believe that the heart of the blues is imbedded in the delivery of its lyrics by the performer. While the sociological significance of the blues resides in the composer’s ability to capture the state of mind of a repressed race of people, it is the challenge of the performer to make the music live,” Newson said. “While the Negro Spirituals preceded the blues, both date back to the first generation of Africans on these shores. Without Negro Spirituals, there would be no blues. e blues continued to gain momentum among African-Americans as they transitioned from a life of slavery to a life of freedom.”

Newson discussed the radically diﬀerent messages relayed by the two forms of music. e blues, he said, can be described as lamentations of the hopeless while Negro Spirituals can be described as cries of hope from the faithful. “e clear message in most early Negro Spirituals was that the reward for a good Christian life was the promise of eternal joy— a reward that could only be realized after death.” While both forms of music eventually gained public acceptance, both met resistance and criticism for their diﬀerence to other forms of music that was influenced by European standards. Newson hopes a recording of the series eventually will be available for check out at the G. R Little Library. e series r e s u l t s f r o m y e a r s o f experience and research by Newson, a concert pianist and academician. Featured as a soloist with the Charlotte Symphony, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Philharmonic, and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Newson also has presented solo recitals at Diligentia Hall in e Hague, e Mozarteum in Salzburg, Wigmore Hall in London, Town Hall in New York City, as well as e Kennedy Center and the National Gallery of Art, both in Washington D.C. For a brief period, Newson was listed on the artist roster of Perotta Management in New York City. e Louisiana-born pianist graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., and continued his formal studies at e Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore and e Juilliard School in New York City. With a second career in higher education, Newson has served as dean at three institutions and as provost at two others. Having served two terms on the board of directors for the Council of Colleges of Arts & Sciences, he subsequently was elected as president of CCAS. Newson has served as chairperson of the ECSU Music Department since 2010.

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When the perpetrators target Americans, extensive searches are conducted to capture the criminals. Yet, bringing the guilty to justice is a grueling process. e mere definition of crime can vary from one society to another. Customs and norms vary significantly among the world’s populations, impeding the search and transfer of criminals. Drastic differences exist between the operations manuals of the world’s law enforcement agencies and judicial systems. Sorting out the differences may require the work of several different experts. Preparing those experts for their jobs is no small task for college professors. Dr. Shahid M. Shahidullah, a professor of criminal justice at Elizabeth City State University and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Sociology and Social Work, has published a new textbook that surely will make a difference. His book, “Comparative Criminal Justice Systems, Global and Local Perspectives,” shows the reader the many factors that impede efforts to bring criminals to justice. “Because there are few books that cover a wide range of criminal justice systems in countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Pakistan, we knew this textbook would change the criminal justice literature,” Shahidullah said. “e publisher asked me to pay particular emphasis on Shariah Law and its use in Islamic countries. No book covers Shariah Law as it is used in different countries now,” Shahidullah said. “I have presented a number of articles at national conferences and can assure you that a nation’s use and interpretation of the law can impact who is determined to be a criminal and who will likely be viewed as a victim.”

“We also are seeing a larger number of police officers returning to universities to earn bachelor’s degrees for professional development and advancement. Some need more information about the law because the police academies offer limited training on the law,” he said. Televised criminal investigation shows also are fueling the interest of students who choose criminal justice as their major. What that curriculum now may entail are courses in computer science, chemistry, biology and forensic science. “Today, many of the issues related to global terrorism and homeland security are at the forefront of the news, which is luring more people into this college major,” Shahidullah said. “Use of GPS technology, crime mapping and DNA are tasks that police officers may not perform unless they are well educated.” Shahidullah’s book will be used for the course, “CJ 496 Comparative Criminal Justice.” It is a long-standing course now revised to explore the challenges of law enforcement near and far from U.S. borders. When discussing the Middle East with his students, Shahidullah examines Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Iran in terms of Islamic criminal justice, and the way it conflicts and converges with modern law. ere also are explorations of how legal institutions in England, Canada, Germany, Japan and Australia are becoming more similar to each other in sex offender registration, criminalization of child abuse, sexual harassment, domestic violence and the victimization of people with alternative lifestyles. Shahidullah said the book will be used in the classroom at ECSU in fall 2013. His students will learn far more from the class than from any TV crime show.

Shahidullah, a native of Bangladesh, has been an instructor at ECSU since 2009. He teaches mostly upper level criminal justice courses but also teaches freshmen level courses as well. He tells his students that the growth of criminal justice as a major for college students is a reflection of Americans’ preoccupation with security. Societies are now complex, with new technology and information sources used to commit crimes. As a result, investigators and emergency responders are forced to acquire an understanding of the law and legal institutions. Professors are challenged to prepare students for an ever-changing nature of crime and criminal justice systems.

“Criminal justice, the college major, is becoming science intensive, knowledge intensive, quite diﬀerent from what it was 30 or 40 years ago. at is why you have seen so much expansion of majors now related to criminal justice,” Shahidullah said.

SUMMER/SPRING 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

BOWMAN PREPARES A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE UNIVERSITY LANE HALL (Erected 1910)

s the 125th anniversary of the university approaches (2016), Dr. Glen Bowman, professor of history, is completing a new book chronicling the development of our ECSU. is valuable resource will relay the university’s contributions to public education. “My goal is to write not only a general history of the institution, but also special profiles of several important alumni, faculty members staﬀ members, and supporters. ere will be brief profiles interspersed throughout the book. ese Profiles in Viking Pride, I hope, will inspire young people and will touch the hearts of those who love ECSU”, Bowman said. “Research for the book will come not only from the ECSU Archives, but from outside archives—the State Archives, Archives at North Carolina Central, as well as archives outside of the state,” he said. Readers can expect to see more than 300 pictures in the book. e publication will be dedicated to the memory of two central faculty members---Evelyn A. Johnson, a music professor, chairperson of the Music Department and professor emerita, and Leonard Ballou, a former music faculty member and later university archivist-- both of whom spent years of their lives in service to ECSU in the study of the history of the institution. e book focuses on the challenges the institution faced and how the people of the institution found ways to overcome them and to make progress in a changing state, nation and world. “e book also discusses the determination of administrators, faculty, staﬀ and community to keep this institution in existence. As Professor Johnson noted in her original history, which covered events that occurred through the mid-1970’s, the history of

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ECSU is a story of survival. We have survived challenges other institutions could not and did not,” Bowman said. While Bowman promises to include several lists of people in leadership, buildings and athletic accomplishments, one list stands out. e list of degree programs plays a significant role in recounting ECSU’s history. at list not only reveals the strategic eﬀorts of administrators to lure more students to the campus, it reveals the importance of the university to the Albemarle. at feat is only achieved when a university has the programs and services that meet the needs of traditional students, non-traditional students and area citizens. Non-traditional students come to complete dreams delayed such issues as by family commitments, military commitments, financial hardships, etc. ey also enroll to launch new careers or to expand their skill base. New skills must be developed to meet the new demands of the workplace. e university has also extended is scope of public services-discussion series, workshops, meeting facilities, and camps. Such are the accomplishments of an institution that promotes life-long learning.

STUDENT NEWS

HAIL TO THE QUEEN! Miss ECSU crowned the 2013 Food Lion Miss CIAA

ail to the Queen! Food Lion crowned the 2013 Food Lion Miss CIAA, Brittany Whidbee, Miss Elizabeth City State University 2012-2013, on March 2 at the Time Warner Cable Arena. Whidbee earned the title during the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s basketball tournament in Charlotte, N.C. ECSU has won the Food Lion Miss CIAA title for three consecutive years. In 2012, Heather Smith, Miss ECSU 2011-2012, won the title and in 2011, Alana Reneé Simmons, Miss ECSU 2010-2011, captured the title for the first time in ECSU history. Food Lion has sponsored the tournament for nearly 20 years and hosted several family and friendly events at the 2013 tournament. Rick LaCroix, division vice president for Food Lion’s Southern Division, said Food Lion was honored to be a part of the CIAA’s 2013 tournament as a way to show its continued support to the communities surrounding the 12 CIAA schools. “Our 19-year partnership with the CIAA is a strategic alliance that supports our commitment to education, men’s and women’s athletics, and diversity and inclusion. Food Lion will oﬀer a number of events focused on education, and health and wellness programs to attendees during CIAA week. We look forward to an exciting tournament this year.”

Brittany Whidbee

Alana Renee Simmons

Miss CIAA 2011

Heather Smith

Miss CIAA 2012

About Food Lion Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., is a company of Delhaize America, the U.S. division of Brussels-based Delhaize Group and operates more than 1,100 supermarkets. e company employs approximately 58,000 associates delivering quality products, low prices and service to customers in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. For more information, visit www.foodlion.com.

International Honor Society Inducts Students Nine individuals at Elizabeth City State University were inducted into Psi Chi, an international honor society in psychology, during a ceremony held Dec. 7, 2012, in conjunction with the ECSU Psychology Club.To be eligible for membership, students must be psychology majors with at least a 3.0 GPA and ranking in the upper 35 percent of their class.

e inductees are Dr. Michelle Wiggins, Dr. Jill Haasch, William Sharpe, Byron Sweet, Ricardo Harvey and Semal Wallace, all of Elizabeth City; Paris T. Williams of Edenton; Andreka Wrighton of Hertford; and Niquillia Vinson of Ahoskie. Psi Chi was founded in 1929 to encourage, stimulate and maintain excellence in scholarship and to advance the science of psychology. e organization has chapters on more than 1,100 college and university campuses across the globe.

SUMMER/SPRING Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

LYCEUM SERIES INCLUDES STUDENT PERFORMING ARTISTS

he Elizabeth City State Lyceum Series added another segment to its selection of events this year -- the Chancellor Series, which showcases talented student performing artists. Students with the University Players, the University Concert Choir and Essence of Praise Gospel Choir took center stage of the Floyd L. Robinson Auditorium in the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center for three diﬀerent events. e first in the series was “e Lively Cabaret,” featuring the University Players, a student theatrical group, under the direction of Billicia Hines, an associate professor in the ECSU Art Department. e show, held Oct. 4 through 6, 2012, contained songs from musicals spanning from the 1920s to 2004, including selections from “e Color Purple,” “e Wiz,” “Hairspray,” “Rent,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “Ragtime,” and other award-winning productions. Hines worked with other staﬀ and faculty members on the production. Kenneth J. Tate, auditorium director for ECSU, designed the set for the show. Local educator and Community Music School instructor Dennis Figgs served as musical director. Dr. Walter Swan, director of the Concert Choir and an associate music professor in the ECSU Music Department, served as singing coach. e cast included about 18 student performers, while 10 students served in technical positions. Derek Graham, a senior majoring in music with a concen-tration in sound recording and minoring in theatre, was the sound designer.

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Graham also served as the playwright for the majority of the speaking pieces in the show. e second in the series was “Songs of a Dream,” held Feb. 2 and 3, 2013, featuring the University Concert Choir with nationally renowned guest artists Rodrick Dixon, a tenor, and Alfreda Burke, a soprano, under the direction of Dr. Walter Swan. e third presentation was the Essence of Praise Fashion and Comedy Show presented by Essence of Praise Gospel Choir. e gospel choir was under the direction of Larry Wilson, a student services specialist in the ECSU Admissions Oﬃce, and Donna James-Whidbee, director of ECSU’s Oﬃce of Human Resources and Payroll. e performance was held May 3, 2013. e Lyceum Series included its first gospel concert. “An Evening of Gospel” featured James Fortune and Amber Bullock of “Sunday Best,” and Essence of Praise Gospel Choir. e host for the evening was Michael Chandler, president and CEO of REJOICE Musical Soulfood Gospel Music radio network. e concert was held Oct. 17, 2012, at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center. is year’s series also included the first lecturer, Dr. Christopher Emdin, an assistant professor in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology at Teacher College, Columbia University. He is the author of the book, “Urban Science Education for the Hip-hop Generation.” He spoke Nov. 30, 2012.

Viking Battalion recognized for outstanding performance

everal cadets in ECSU’s Department of Military Science were recognized for their outstanding performance at a fall Ranger Challenge. e Ranger Challenge is a brigade-level competition between the battalions at select university and colleges within a brigade’s area. e goal is to challenge cadets in tough mental and physical situations and scenarios to enhance leader development and building team cohesion. It is good healthy competition among the cadets at the collegiate level. e Viking Battalion spent hours of personal time toning their skills mentally and physically to compete against the top university cadets within their peer ROTC programs. e team was made up of female and male cadets who are freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors at ECSU. e Ranger Challenge consisted of 12 events – such as radio assembly and use, weapons assembly, obstacle course -- that were completed over two days. Members of the Viking Battalion appear front row, left to right: Cadets eodore Forsythe, Jared Hedges, Dwight Carrington, Joseph Washburn, Nicholas Tangredi. Back row, left to right: Cadets Paul White, Antwon Boston, Joseph ornhill, Diavonta Brown, Bradley Miller, Keyshawn Frasier. Not Pictured: Cadets Jamie Morrison, Michael Morton, Britney Friend.

Students Embrace Academic Achievement through Writing ree ECSU students earned prizes for their entries in the annual ECSU American and International Education Week writing contest. A record number of students submitted poems, narrative essay, and academic essays in response to the theme “Globalizing Education: Embracing Student Academic Achievement Near and Far.” Jean Bevins, a senior majoring in computer science, won first place, and a $100 prize. Ron Jenkins, an English major, was the second-place winner, receiving a prize of $50. e third-place winner was Derek Graham, a music major, who won $25. All three winners were recognized at the ECSU International Tea, which was held Nov. 15, 2012, in the Willie and Jacqueline Gilchrist Education and Psychology Complex.

“Why I chose to come to ECSU” Finney’s Story Wins Coca-Cola Scholarship Senior Joshua Finney was selected as one of four Grand Prize winners of the 2013 CIAA / Food Lion / Coca-Cola Scholarship Contest. Students from CIAA schools competed in the essay contest, which awarded four grand prize winners with a $5,000 scholarship and 15 first-place winners with a $1,000 scholarship. Finney, a political science major, submitted an essay discussing why he chose to attend ECSU. Finney’s essay focused on the faculty, whom he states “treated me like family first, then a student,” as well as the accommodations the school made to help with his diagnosis of leukemia during his first two years at ECSU. Finney’s essay also highlighted the late Grady Deese, who formerly served as director of admissions and was highly influential in Finney’s decision to attend ECSU. Finney, who plans to attend law school after graduating in May, was honored by the recognition.”is scholarship served as another blessing to what has already been a great beginning to 2013 for me, he said." Winning was unexpected, but I saw it as an opportunity to receive money for my education by simply writing an essay on why I chose to come to ECSU. By being a senior, I had plenty of reasons to chose from." In addition to the scholarship, Finney also enjoyed an all-expense-paid trip to Charlotte for the CIAA Tournament. Senior and SGA president DeVon McNair was selected as one of the first place winners and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

COMMUNITY

lizabeth City State University successfully completed a month-long Feed the Need Food Drive. e drive, launched as part of a new Homecoming community involvement initiative called Viking Impact Month, raised 10,810 pounds of food for the Food Bank of the Albemarle between Sept. 20 and Oct. 20, 2012. Twenty-six campus groups participated in the drive, competing to see which group could raise the most food and funds.

Participants had the option of giving money online rather than food items. For every $1 donation, five pounds of food were credited towards the group of choice. Participating groups were divided into four categories: academic school or departments; administrative oﬃces or divisions; clubs, boards or affinity groups; and Greek organizations. e three groups that raised the largest amount of food, or equivalent in monetary donations, were the Chancellor’s Suite with 2,786 pounds; the Helen Marshall Caldwell School of Education and Psychology with 1,985 pounds; and WRVS 89.9 with 766 pounds. Together, these three groups raised almost half of the total pounds of food. Students in Free Enterprise raised the most

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food of any club, board or aﬃnity group, with 738 pounds, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. raised more than any other Greek organization, with 208 pounds. e Helen Marshall Caldwell School of Education and Psychology raised the largest quantity of actual food, with 90 percent of their donation being in the form of canned and nonperishable food items. Faculty and staﬀ of the school engaged students to participate. Dr. Saundra S. Copeland, associate professor and coordinator for the Master of School Administration Program, requested that each of her graduate students gather 50 items for the food drive. e students answered the call. By Oct. 19, they had gathered nearly 2,000 pounds of food in the lobby of the Willie and Jacqueline Gilchrist Education and Psychology Complex. e Food Bank of the Albemarle gathered food in nine counties and assisted in tracking the progress of the drive. “It was the least we could do for a food drive of this magnitude,” stated Steve Murray, resource development director, after presenting the winning groups with trophies during halftime at the ECSU Homecoming football game. Executive Director Liz Reasoner thanked everyone who contributed. “What a great success the Feed the Need Food Drive has been. e ECSU community created a food drive that became the second largest to benefit the Food Bank of the Albemarle -- quite an accomplishment for a first-time event. We’re so pleased to have partnered with the ECSU community, and the success of this event goes to show just how much we can accomplish through community partnerships.”

ECSU Aviators Are Flying High

wo students from ECSU’s Aviation Science Program earned trophies at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s Region X awards ceremony held Oct. 13, 2012. Ian Wreggelsworth won first place for ECSU in the Aircraft Recognition Ranking category. Wreggelsworth and Corey Kellam claimed first place in the Message Drop Ranking category. Wreggelsworth served as the drop master and Kellam served as the pilot in that category. e Message Drop ranking is based upon a flight exercise whereby a team-built object is dropped from a moving airplane on a specific target area. e awards ceremony stemmed from competitions held in early October. Six ground event competitions were held at ECSU and four flying events were held at the Elizabeth City Regional Airport. Teams from the U.S. Naval Academy and seven colleges and universities from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and the District of Columbia were eligible to compete in the Region X Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON). In addition to ECSU, competing teams were from the U.S. Naval Academy, Averett University, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Guilford Technical Community College, Hampton University and Liberty University.

e National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) welcomes around 70 schools as competitors in its various air meets. e intent of NIFA is to foster excellence through valuable experience in flight, precision sports, and in-depth knowledge in the pursuit of the safest most competent pilots. e schools under NIFA compete in regional and national safety and flight evaluation conferences (SAFECON) or air meets such as the one held at ECSU. Twelve judges evaluated the students on their performances. Award categories for the ground events were: computer accuracy, aircraft preflight inspection, aircraft recognition, ground trainer and

simulated comprehensive aircraft navigation. Award categories for the flight events were message drop, navigation, power-oﬀ precision landing and short field landing. e meet had a total of 12 events -four flying and eight ground events. e teams that accumulate the highest number of total points are champions of that SAFECON. e regional SAFECONs generally are held in the fall. e scores from the regional conferences determine which 30 teams are invited to the national competition. e national SAFECON is held each spring. e winner of the national competition is awarded the National Championship for the Year.

TALIAS brings legal assistance to the Albemarle Come to Elizabeth City State University to participate in and learn from another semester of live, legal assistance videoconferences. e topics cover a wide range of matters that impact people every day. Fortunately, residents of the Albemarle can take advantage of these sessions without driving to North Carolina Central University’s Law School in Durham, where the videoconferences originate. ECSU is one of four Historically Black Colleges and Universities that oﬀer this series free of charge. e sessions are held in Moore Hall, Room 124 on the ECSU campus. Other institutions hosting the legal series are Winston-Salem State University, North Carolina A&T State University and Fayetteville State University. Topics covered included: • • • • • • • • •

Understanding the Ins and Outs of Establishing a Child Support Order Being an Organizational Champion: Supporting the Organization and the Executive Director IRS Filing Statuses and Dependents Issues: Which Filing Status Should I Use and Who Can I Claim? e Board’s Role: Fund Development & Financial Support Child Support, It’s More than Money: “Child Support Modification” Stewarding the Organization’s Resources Child Support, It’s More an Money: “Child Support Show Cause Orders” Managing Crises and Transitions Family Law Questions and Answers Session

NCCU School of Law, in the fall of 2010, received approximately $2 million in funding from the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). at funding made it possible to expand broadband infrastructure and deliver vital legal services throughout North Carolina. Technology Assisted Legal Instruction and Services, or TALIAS, expands access to the NCCU School of Law’s nationally-ranked legal education and clinical programs. Advanced registration is recommended for each videoconference. To attend a session at ECSU, call (252) 335-8548. For more information on TALIAS, and details about the topics and schedule, go to www.talias.net

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ALUMNI NEWS Dear Alumni and Friends, On May 11, 2013, I had the pleasure of administering the Oath of Allegiance to the University to more than 300 newly minted graduates. I was indeed proud to welcome them to the community of ECSU alumni. As the new graduates make their way to your various towns and cities, I hope you will embrace them and support their eﬀorts to become productive employees and model citizens. With this class of graduates, I can report that the university now has more than 19,000 alumni who are the beneficiaries of the teaching, research, and service provided by ECSU. Collectively, we are a powerful force of support which can assure the continued growth and development of our great university, if we exercise the will and commitment to give back consistently. In recognition of your past eﬀorts, nonetheless, I say thank you on behalf of the ECSU NAA. Your contributions at the Chancellor’s 2013 CIAA Breakfast and the Founders Day Scholarship Gala provided vital support in helping the university sustain its brand of excellence and prominence as a leader in the community. e value of your contributions, including your individual annual fund and planned gifts, cannot be overstated. On another note, I am delighted to congratulate the alumni featured in this edition of the ECSU Magazine. Your successes speak volumes about the quality of your ECSU education and experiences. I am sure that it comes as no surprise that ECSU alumni are living, learning, and leading in a most profound way wherever they may be. Kudos and best wishes to all! As you peruse the magazine, please review the calendar of events. Make plans to join us for the 16th annual Down East Viking Football Classic, Homecoming 2013, and any other event that aligns with your schedule a and interests. Finally, don’t forget to join the NAA and the 1891 Club. Your membership counts! With Viking pride, Jeanette H. Evans, ‘63

Elizabeth City State University National Alumni Association, Inc OFFICERS Dr. Jeanette Evans '63, President Dr. Demetra Tyner '71, Treasurer Mr. William Barnes ’69, First Vice-President Mrs. Shirley Jones '75, Financial Secretary Gwendolyn Bowser '69, Second Vice-President Mrs. Cassie Swimpson '71, Chaplain Mr. Keith Richardson ’03, Recording Secretary James Spence '73, Parliamentarian Irene Bullock-Overton '63, Corresponding Secretary Dr. Charles Cherry '63 Ex-Oﬃcio

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ervin Simons '71, Chairman Nathaniel Grant, Jr. '68, Vice-Chairman Joseph Buggs '61 Tyron Eason '86 Dr. Jeanette Evans '63 Charles L. Becton, Interim Chancellor Susan Hodges '65 Barbaina Houston-Black ‘80 Melvin Norman '77 Todd Twine '92 Yvonne Walton '76

VIKING PRIDE Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

Legacy society

SPOTLIGHT Bobby Riley, ‘66

obby Riley and his family are passionate about education and providing opportunities for students in higher education. In the spring of 2013, Mr. Riley, a lifelong educator and graduate of the class of ’66 in the Industrial Arts Program, made a planned gift of $25,000 to create a scholarship endowment to support Industrial Technology at Elizabeth City State University. Now a retired school administrator in Atlanta, Mr. Riley has received numerous leadership appointments for his involvement in Technology Education, to include; NASA’s VIP Educator’s Conference and the second launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger participant, President of the Georgia Industrial Technology Education Association, a delegate of the United States Educators for Science and Technology Education Exchange with educators in China, and a participant of the United States/China joint conference on education in Beijing. In addition to his aﬃnity for technology, Bobby maintains a commitment to the university as a whole and several other key areas, including athletics, through various means of support. He is a 1982 member of the Elizabeth City State University Sports’ Hall of Fame, and has received numerous accolades for his service including; the Georgia-International Technology Education Association Teacher of the Year in (1988), the Outstanding Achievement in Education Award from the National Alumni Association at ECSU (1987), and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO). He is also a member of Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society for Technology Professionals and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. In 1978 the Director of Alumni Aﬀairs at ECSU met with alumni members living in Atlanta. e group recommended that Bobby take the task for formulating a chapter. Mr. Riley agreed to contact alumni living in the Atlanta metro area, as well as the state. eir first meeting was held on April 9, 1978 at Bobby’s home and the rest is history. Bobby continues to serve the Atlanta Metro Chapter as the current vice president. His dedication to service and to his university remains unwavering.

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Bobby and his wife Sylvia, who is also a retired educator and is a graduate of Virginia State University, are pleased to support excellence in education at ECSU. e have one son, Bobby Lamont. Bobby says, “I challenge my fellow Vikings, especially the 60’s decade, to consider gift giving, especially a planned gift. e university invested in me from 1962-66, therefore I am blessed to give back and help some deserving students.”

Alumni, Others Support the Chancellor’s CIAA Breakfast

pproximately three hundred alumni gathered early in March 2013 at the Omni Hotel for the Chancellor’s CIAA Breakfast to raise $113,014.56. Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement William Smith said the university is advancing thanks to the generous donations made by alumni and other supporters. Last year’s alumni contributions-- $68,000 toward the cost of new uniforms for the marching band-- was one of many examples of alumni devotion cited at the breakfast. For the first time in over a decade, over 120 band members debuted new uniforms at the homecoming (2012) football game. To the delight of alumni, many members of the Sound of Class Pep Band performed for the Chancellor’s CIAA breakfast on March 2. Administrators say alumni donations are essential to meet the needs of students. Donations made this year will help meet the goals set for the Athletics Department. Alumni joined Chancellor Gilchrist in applauding the accomplishments made this academic year by student athletes in competition and in the classroom. e Decade of Giving Challenge was led by Chancellor Willie J. Gilchrist for the alumni who graduated in the 70s. Dr. Jeanette Evans led the Decade of Giving Challenge for alumni who graduated in the 60s. While alumni donations from those two decades are at the forefront, alumni donations from the 80s, 90s and those who graduated after 2000 are progressing. Funds raised at next year’s Chancellor’s CIAA Breakfast will support the ECSU Concert Choir.

Lecture hall named in honor of ECSU Alumni Matthew and Geraldine Wright Lewis

lumni, faculty and staﬀ gathered on Nov. 17, 2012 to celebrate the naming of lecture hall #107 in the Willie and Jacqueline Gilchrist Education and Psychology Complex. e Matthew and Geraldine Wright Lewis Lecture Hall was named in honor of alumni from the classes of ‘64 and ’65. Mr. Lewis was an educator and a retired executive with Verizon. He is vice president of ECSU’s Virginia Beach Alumni Chapter. Mrs. Lewis was an active member of her church and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She taught English in Virginia’s public schools for 32 years. Mr. Lewis and his family committed $250,000 to endow a scholarship in his late wife’s memory. e Geraldine Wright Lewis Endowed Fund will support a scholarship reserved for an ECSU student who has a 2.5 GPA. In the first year of the scholarship, the recipient shall be an English major. In years two through four, the scholarship may go to a student in any discipline. In year five and every fourth year thereafter, the recipient again shall be an English major. is is not a recurring scholarship. Recipients may not be immediate family of the donor or any member of the recommending group. e Lewis family made personal contributions and also held three memorial scholarship dances to raise funds for the endowment. Mr. Lewis, his son Anthony, ’86, and daughters Tamara Lewis Harris, ’96, and Monica Edward Harris, are avid supportersof the university and are proud to continue their family legacy. e Division of Institutional Advancement seeks donors to contribute to the university in various ways. Naming opportunities exist to satisfy a wide range of donor interests that will contribute greatly to the future of the university. An extraordinary, once-in-a lifetime gift or bequest from a benefactor could enable the university to name a building, classroom, walkway, outside park, street, an auditorium or a conference room. For more information, call Institutional Advancement at (252) 335-3225.

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Two cherished professors honored

n October 19, ECSU named a street in honor of two cherished professors. It now bears the name: William J. and Helen Muldrow Way. For 37 years, Dr. William J Muldrow was a professor in the Psychology Department. Upon retirement (1980) he was named Professor Emeritus. Dr. Helen Muldrow taught in the Biology Department from 1948 until 1984. She too was named Professor Emeritus. She said she was happy to learn the street would be named for the two. “It was the greatest honor of my life. I always thought my husband should have been honored, in some way. I didn’t think I was the significant one at the university. His contributions were many-- he taught

classes over 30 years, he served as a counselor for students, and he coordinated the first Homecoming parade which moved through the city streets and back to campus.”

Both remained loyal supporters of the university over the course of their lives. Dr. Helen Muldrow remains a resident of Elizabeth City. She said she was delighted the two devoted their talent and knowledge to public, higher education.

ECSU National Alumni Association recognized honorees at its 36th Annual Awards Banquet

ine individuals and two businesses were recognized by the ECSU National Alumni Association at its 36th annual awards banquet held Sept. 7, 2012. e awards recognized significant contributions to the University in several categories. e following alumni and friends were honored during this momentous event: Alumni Aﬀairs Award Winner: Jacquelyn Wooten,’ 80 Community Services Award Winner: Lorie Burrell-Jones, ’91 Business/Profession Award Winners: James Cherry II, ‘96 and Alvin Keels, Sr., ‘76 Education Award Winners: Sadie Carter, ’72; Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins, ’65; and Dr. Faleese Moore Jenkins, ‘66 Viking Spirit Award : James E. Spence Viking Image Award: Dr. Ali Khan Hospitality Award (Hotel of Choice): Fairfield Inn & Suites of Elizabeth City Hospitality Award (Restaurant of Choice): Montero’s of Elizabeth City

Front row, left to right: Jeff barnett, Sylvia berry, James E. Spence, Jacquelyn Wooten; second row, andy Montero, Karin Montero, lorie burrell Jones, Dr. Sadie J. Carter alvin Keels, James. W. Cherry ii.

Barbara Sutton, Director of Alumni Relations, was most appreciative of alumni and their family members for participating in this event and the success of the 36th NAA awards banquet.

Mr. and Ms. Alumni annual fundraiser raises over $70,000

he National Alumni Association, Inc. of Elizabeth City State University presented Dr. Sadie Johnson Carter (’72) as Ms. Alumni 2013 at the 2012 Mr./Ms. Alumni Coronation in October 2012. She is a member of the alumni association’s Raleigh-DurhamWake Alumni Chapter. In addition to the Bachelor of Science degree from ECSU, she holds a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Hampton University and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Carter retired from the Commonwealth of Virginia after 35 and one-half years as an educator and from the state of North Carolina after five and one-half years as a human resources director. She is now the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC. e

coronation was held on October 18. e Mr. and Ms. Alumni contest is an annual fundraiser that supports university scholarships, recruitment eﬀorts and other student support initiatives. e following royal court contenders raised over $70,000. Royal Court members include the following alumni: • 1st runner up Debbie Mills-Cooper (’84) Tri-County Alumni Chapter; • 2nd runner up, Gwendolyn Bowser (’69) Williams T. Bowser Sr. Alumni Chapter; • 3rd runner up Jaime Mercer (’06) Elizabeth City Area Alumni Chapter; e attendants were Ruby R. Greer (’74) of the Portsmouth Alumni Chapter; and Mikel Brabham (’01) of the Robert Harvey Tri-State Alumni Chapter (DE, NJ, PA).

Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

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Alumni Spotlight Denise Watts, ‘97, Improves Charlotte Schools

n January, 2011, Charlotte community leaders, together with the area's wealthiest donors, launched Project L.I.F.T. (Leadership and Investment for Transformation). e five-year program is focused on improving 8 schools in the atrisk, west Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), district. Modeled after the successful Harlem Children's Zone, Project L.I.F.T. provides a "cradle to college" support system for students by focusing on attracting and retaining talented teachers, expanding the amount of time students spend in school, strengthening family and community support, and bettering the schools' technology. A 1997 elementary education graduate and a member of Delta Sigma eta Sorority, Denise Watts was appointed to the position of Executive Director for the program in July of 2011. Watts holds an impressive track record for success, making her to obvious choice to lead the initiative. Watts was named North Carolina Principal of the Year is 2008 while at Mint Hill Middle School in Charlotte. In 2009, through the CMS Strategic Staﬃng Initiative, she was placed in Bishop Spaugh Community Academy, then the lowest-performing school in the state. After one year of leadership, the school was one of the state's most improved.

Currently, Watts is serving as Zone Superintendent and director of Project L.I.F.T., and she’s making impressive progress. As of June, 2012, less than one year after her appointment, Project L.I.F.T. surpassed its $55 million fundraising goal. e schools are seeing marked improvements in both what they can oﬀer students, as well as student engagement. In fact, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board has agreed that Project L.I.F.T.'s success could spread beyond its west Charlotte territory and benefit the entire system. Watts contributes much of her success to her ability to relate to the students she now oversees. Growing up as an at-risk child in Elkin, NC, she has a first-hand knowledge of the issues children face while living in poverty, and the impact it has on their education. She now feels that it is her duty to "pay it forward" and bring awareness to the issues facing education not just in Charlotte, but throughout the state and country.

My goal is to motivate others to get involved and engaged, whether in Charlotte or in their own cities and towns, to ensure all children, regardless of where they live or what they look like, receive a quality education.

Alumnus Earns Best Photo Award Joshua McFadden, an alumnus (’12) from Rochester N.Y., recently earned the Best Photo award in a photo contest hosted by Mozambique Heritage, a non-political association near London for the cultural and educational advancement of those of Mozambican decent. McFadden’s photo, “ree Creole Women,” is a color image of two former ECSU students and one current student who are of creole dissent. McFadden’s black and white version of the photo is on display in the new university gallery in the Kermit E. White Center. ese two images are part of a six-piece series featuring the natural beauty of African American women. He first displayed all six at his senior exhibition last spring. Each senior who majors in art is required to publicly present a selection that displays the best quality of the work that was completed throughout undergraduate years. “With this series, I chose to show African American women in a positive light. I wanted to show the natural beauty of the women, the melanin of their skin, their features. is series is rid of the elements often found in commercial advertisements,” McFadden said. “ese women have no chemicals in their hair. ey are wearing no make-up and no jewelry. I wanted the people who view the image to see bold eyes that pierce the soul when they look into the camera.”

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Photo by Joshua McFadden displays natural beauties: awa Pepouna Monde, (left) a ECSU former student; tynesha Jackson, (center) a current student at ECSU and Daveena richmond, (right) who graduated in December 2012.

McFadden considered several possible subjects but decided on these three women who are unrelated: Awa Pepouna Monde, (left) a former student; Tynesha Jackson, (center) and Daveena Richmond, (right). He credits his education in an art department of a Historically Black University with preparing him focus on subjects who celebrate natural beauty. McFadden wants people who view his images to remember that women can be beautiful without accessories. McFadden says these women were free from the burdens of modern beauty trends when they poised in such a natural state. ree of his photos display the women from the shoulders up and three display three quarters of their bodies. “It was great to win a photography contest. I feel so honored that people from a diﬀerent country respect my work and it lets me know that I am on the right track,” McFadden said.

Thank You ECSU! I have met my goal. I am an educated working professional with a career that I enjoy at a corporation that I love, and for that, I would like to say “Thank You ECSU!”

ennika Butler is one of many proud Vikings now living and working in Charlotte, NC. Since January of 2011, Butler has worked as a Financial Institution Specialist for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) there. Butler, a Plymouth, N. C. native said she is confident she met her goal because she received a good education at ECSU. Her mother, Deloris B. Sykes an ECSU alumna, and her guidance counselor Mr. Carroll Hurdle, an alumnus, assured her ECSU was the best choice of the six universities she considered back in 2006. Once here, she realized it was a good decision. She had a double major in Accounting and Business Administration with a concentration in Banking & Finance. Butler, who received a full scholarship to ECSU, was a member of various clubs including the National Association of Black Accountants and the National Black MBA Association. She completed various internships with reputable businesses and corporations such as Proctor and Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio as a Finance, Accounting, and Tax (FACT) Intern in the Global Business Services sector, and with the United States Coast Guard (USCG), Chesapeake, Va. as an accounting intern under the

Student Career Experience Program (SCEP). Butler credits those internships with opening avenues for her. Her experience in the Walter R. Davis School of Business and Economics was rewarding. Today she sees how relevant those business and accounting courses were for this career. Instructors such as Dr. Freda McBride, Dr. Mary F. Jackson-Heard, and Dr. Confidence Amadi made a lasting impression on her. “Now, I am required to have knowledge of accounting and banking concepts, to be able to communicate well with bank oﬃcials in addition to colleagues, and to be able to write well. “My experience at the university molded me into a more proactive, determined, ambitious, and focused individual-characteristics necessary to achieve success.” With Viking Pride!

Upcoming Alumni Events Mark your Calendars AUGUST Annual Scholarship Gala Sponsored by the William T Bowser, Sr. Alumni Chapter August 2 │8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Camelot by Martin's, 13905 Central Avenue ǀ Upper Marlboro, MD Donation: $55 ● FMI: Elma Brandon (240) 447-3399 Family Day and Scholarship Cookout Sponsored by the Raleigh-DurhamWake Alumni Chapter August 3 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Pullen Park, 502 Ashe Avenue ǀ Raleigh, NC FMI: Jackie Wooten (919) 469-9498

Silver and Gold Banquet Sponsored by the Eva J. Lewis Alumni Chapter August 10 │5:00 p.m. Cornerstone Family Life Center, 1095 Allen Road ǀ Greenville, NC 27834 Cost: $20 ● FMI: Mary Cates (252) 758-5039 Hodges Cookout August 17 │4:00 p.m. Home of Susie Hodges 1290 Lindy Road ǀ Littleton, NC FMI: Susie Hodges (252) 586-3729

SEPTEMBER 37th Annual Alumni Awards Banquet September 6 │6:30 p.m. K.E. White Center │ ECSU Campus

NAA Meetings September 7 8:00 a.m. – NAA Board of Directors 11:00 a.m. – NAA Full Body K.E. White Center │ ECSU Campus

OCTOBER 2013 Homecoming Weekend Ms. Alumni Coronation October 17│ 6:00 p.m. K.E. White Center

Down East Sports Gala September 27 │8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Gateway Convention Center 651 N. Winstead Blvd. ǀRocky Mount, NC Admission: $35 - advance / $45 - at the door

Alumni Icebreaker October 18 │10:00 p.m. K.E. White Center

Viking Varsity Club Meeting September 28 9:00 a.m. – Board of Directors 10:00 a.m. – Membership Meeting Doubletree Hotel ǀ Rocky Mount, NC

Prayer Breakfast October 20 │9:00 a.m. K.E. White Center

ECSU vs. Fayetteville State September 28 │4:00 p.m. Rocky Mount Sports Complex ǀ Rocky Mount, NC

Homecoming Cabaret October 19 │10:00 p.m. K.E. White Center

2014 2014 CIAA Tournament February 24 - March 1 Charlotte, NC

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Class Notes 60’s CHARLES DAVIS, ‘65, retired Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools principal, was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. e Order of the Long Leaf Pine, created in the mid-1960s, is one of the most prestigious awards presented by the governor of North Carolina. e award is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state and contributions to their communities. Davis devoted 43 years to educating and guiding students, first in Rocky Mount City Schools and later in Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. Davis received a bachelor’s degree from Elizabeth City State University and began his career teaching industrial arts and physical education at Edward, Parker and R.M. Wilson schools.

HORACE REID JR., ‘65, was elected mayor of Hertford, N.C. He became the town of Hertford’s first black mayor-elect. Reid felt a desire to become a public servant after graduating from Elizabeth City State University.

CURTIS ELDER, ‘69, notched a 250th career win as track and field coach at Charlottesville (VA) High School. Elder threw the javelin for the track team at ECSU. When he graduated, he went back to his high school, James Solomon Russell High School in Brunswick to become the assistant football coach. Today, he is a celebrated track and field coach, a post he has held for 35 years. In March, he reached a milestone at the William Monroe Invitational meet---his 250th career victory for his team, the Charlottesville Black Knights. He has coached multiple state champions, won seven state titles, 20 regional titles and was twice named Virginia Coach of the Year.

WILLIE JAMES STEWART, JR., ‘69, was unanimously inducted into the Washington D.C. Sports Hall of Fame Society for 2012. He received the Legacy Award in sports, an award that honors persons and/or establishments in the District of Columbia who have contributed immensely to his growth and development. As a high school football coach, Stewart won more games than any other coach in the D.C. Public Schools. Stewart coached Anacostia H.S., and before that, Eastern H.S., to a combined seven Public School Championships and a record 13 appearances in the City Championship. He is a member of the ECSU D.C. Metro Alumni Chapter.

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70’s MELRESE A BARNES,’70, secretary of the Mid-Atlantic Region of ECSU National Alumni Association and secretary of the William T. Bowser Sr. Alumni Chapter of Maryland, wife of WILLIAM HENRY BARNES, ’69, president of the William T Bowser Sr. Alumni Chapter of Maryland, retired in 2011 as Director of Prince George’s County Public Schools of Maryland. He is now a consultant for the Baltimore City Public Schools. Melrese has a history with ECSU, as daughter of Edith C Holley (Battle), ’41, the school’s first homecoming queen, and John H. Battle, ’41, and as granddaughter of James A. Clark, the school’s first band director and N. Beverly Clark, who made the first band uniforms. LARRY JOHNSON, ‘73, is entering his 18th season on the Penn State staff and 14th year coaching the defensive line. He has been instrumental in the development of seven first-team All-Americans in the past 12 years, including consensus firstteam tackle Devon Still in 2011. Still also was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman and Defensive Player of the Year. Jared Odrick (2009), Aaron Maybin (2008), All-Pro TambaHali (2005), Michael Haynes (2002) and Jimmy Kennedy (2002) were firstteam All-Americans and NFL first-round draft choices under Johnson's tutelage. His efforts with Courtney Brown helped him earn All-America honors in 1999 and become the No. 1 selection in the 2000 NFL Draft. Johnson also has coached 13 first-team All-Big Ten performers and has had a large role in the success of the defense, punting and recruiting efforts during his tenure. A highly successful high school head coach in the Washington, D.C. area for more than 20 years, Johnson earned NAIA All-America honors as a linebacker.

80’s TIMOTHY BELLAMY, ‘81, former chief of police in Greensboro, N.C. is the director of public safety at North Carolina Central University. Bellamy is a 27-year veteran of the Greensboro police department. He retired in 2010 after three years as chief. He joined the department in 1983 as a patrol oﬃcer and worked in a wide range of supervisory, investigative and administrative positions. He was assistant chief from 2003 to 2006 and interim chief for a year before being named chief in 2007. Bellamy is a graduate of ECSU, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in liberal studies from UNCGreensboro.

Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

80’s MARY ELLEN LITTLE SCOTT, ‘82, was honored in her hometown of Philadelphia for her successes. She spoke during a Black History event at the church she grew up in— the Philadelphia United Methodist Church— and told her story to her hometown folks. “Over the years, I have been nurtured by the members of Philadelphia United Methodist Church and Community,” Scott said. “I pray that what I say will be an inspiration to the young people of the community.” Scott, the daughter of Carl and Beatrice Little, graduated from Richmond Senior High before studying English, with a concentration in speech pathology and audiology at Elizabeth City State University. Her career began at Richmond County Schools, where she was a speech therapist for three years. She currently works as a manager at the international accounting firm Ernst & Young. She and her husband Vincent have one daughter, Carly, who is a law student at Howard University. ANTHONY LEWIS, ’86, was promoted to Vice President of Verizon’s MidAtlantic Region. Lewis has been a part of Verizon since 1986, known then as the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Virginia. He worked his way up from his beginnings as a group manager in the operator services department to president of Verizon- Washington, D.C., holding that position from 2004 to 2008. Lewis earned his undergraduate degree in business at Elizabeth City State University in 1986, Lewis credits the hard-working public city school teachers he came in contact with every day as one reason he has been able to soar. After graduating from ECSU, Lewis went on to complete both the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business Leadership Development Program and the Johns Hopkins Leadership Development Program.

SAM JAMES, ‘87, with a bachelor of science degree in industrial technology, has been a mechanical engineering technician in the Aerospace and Composite Models Development Branch of NASA’s Langley Research Center for 24 years. He was appointed in January 2012 as lead technician for a three-year project to fabricate a radiation protection shield for astronauts while they are in orbit. He will be working with NASA Langley researchers and engineers as they create four viable concepts and later choose the best. e team from NASA Langley also will be collaborating with scientists and researchers from other NASA centers.

90’s CHUKUNDI SALISBURY, ’91, is CEO and owner of Seaspot, a publishing and entertainment company. Salisbury goes by the stage name of ‘DJ Kun Luv” and refers to himself as the ‘urban shaman.’ He provides entertainment with the power to "call people to peace." For him, that means using his deejay booth to remind partygoers, "We came in peace let's leave in peace". Besides presiding at parties that draw crowds from as far as Vancouver, B.C., and Portland, Salisbury devotes his time to working with young people. As a trails coordinator for the city of Seattle, he's in contact with hundreds of kids. Photos dating back to the early 1990s of Salisbury posing with hiphop luminaries like e Fugees and Big Daddy Kane share a wall with news articles about him and Seaspot. He uses his platforms to engage kids. Raised in the Central District, he credits his mother, the Rev. Harriet Walden, with teaching him social responsibility. Salisbury enrolled at Elizabeth City State University, his father's alma mater, and earned a bachelor's degree in computer science. Discovering a love for deejaying, he returned home and launched Seaspot.

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90’s PATRICE FAISON, ‘95, was named the 2012 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year in December 2011. Faison received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Elizabeth City State University, a master of science in elementary education from North Carolina A & T State University in 2004, a master of school administration from North Carolina A & T State University in 2006. She is currently working toward her doctorate of education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. During her educational career, she has served as an elementary school teacher, a clinical faculty liaison, an assistant principal, and a high school and elementary school principal. She is a published author and an experienced presenter. She achieved National Board Certification in 2000 and has received a number of awards, including Guilford County Schools' Principal of the Year in 2011 and Stokesdale Elementary School Teacher of the Year in 2001. She also is a member of the National Education Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha,Inc. service sorority. Faison was selected from among eight regional finalists following interviews and on-site visits by a statewide selection committee.

00’s UYLESS M. DEWBERRY, ‘00, is one of 12 Husch Blackwell attorneys named to partnership. e new partners practice from the firm’s Chicago; Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri; and Washington, D.C. oﬃces. Dewberry joined the firm in 2003 and focuses on Environmental & Natural Resources Law. He received his J.D. from Saint Louis School of Law (2003), where he was a member of Saint Louis University Law Review. He earned his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude, in biology/bio-technology from ECSU.

DR. CARINTHIA CHERRY, ‘02, joined e Cooperative Extension Program as a nutrition specialist. Cherry earned her bachelor's degrees in biology and chemistry from Elizabeth City State University, a master's in food science from North Carolina A&T State University, and a doctorate in nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. A native of Bertie County in northeast North Carolina, Cherry is also a registered dietitian.

JEROME BROTHERS ,‘02, is an online adjunct instructor in the Degree Completion Program at Tiﬃn University in Tiﬃn, Ohio. He currently is teaching in the Criminal Justice program. After graduating with a bachelor’s of arts degree in sociology with a minor in speech and drama, he attended graduate school at Capella University and earned a Graduate Certificate in Human Services ('09) and a Master of Science Degree ('10) both with specialization in criminal justice. He also earned the post-master's Certificate in Education ('11) with specialization in College Teaching. He earned his masters of science degree ('12) in education with specialization in postsecondary and adult education. Jerome also serves as an ambassador for Capella University. He was inducted into the National Criminal Justice Honor Society (Alpha Phi Sigma), Spring '09 with a 4.0 GPA. Brothers is actively involved with the Elizabeth City Area Alumni Chapter and National Alumni Association. He has been a board of directors member for Skill, Inc. since 2006.

Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

00’s BRIAN OVERTON,‘04, was named director of East Carolina University Football Operations/Player Personnel at East Carolina University. Prior to his appointment at ECU, Overton served as a football operations assistant at the University of North Carolina for three years. Overton completed his bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Elizabeth City State University. LAKESHIA HUNTER, ’04, a Rocky Mount, N.C. native, has been named Director of the Shaw University CAPE in Rocky Mount. e Center for Alternative Programs in Education is an extension campus of Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C. Hunter received an MBA from Strayer University and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Elizabeth City State University. In her role as director, she is responsible for recruiting and screening adult learners as well as admissions programming, registration and financial aid.

10’s STEPHANIE REYNOLDS, ‘10, has been named unit director for the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills’ Southern Pines location. She was an active member in the Boys & Girls Club of Coastal Carolina from age 9 until she graduated from high school in Havelock, N.C. While in high school, she served as a volunteer, as well as a part-time staﬀ member, and also was awarded the prestigious Youth of the Year award in 2006. She went on to graduate with honors from Elizabeth City State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in communication studies.

STAY CONNECTED! No matter what your preferred social networking site, ECSU is there! Over the last year, we have expanded our social media presence from Facebook and twitter to Google +, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. You can now watch videos from ECSU happenings, see pictures from day-to-day events, keep abreast of upcoming events, or simply find former classmates.

Find us online – and stay connected! /ElizabethCityStateUniversity

/ Elizabeth City State University

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ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

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Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

1913

Historic Highlights bias hall

100

years ago

May 30, 1913 Principal P.W. Moore submitted his 22nd annual report to the Board of Trustees.

“…[I] respectfully ask your favorable consideration of the condition, progress, and needs of the Institution…[A]fter conducting the school twenty-one years in dilapidated wooden buildings, on the morning of the 9th day of September, 1912, the twenty-second annual session was begun in our beautiful, well ventilated, modernly furnished brick buildings. e contrast is almost indescribable. e school took on new life, more dignity and selfrespect. Everything about the new plant gave inspiration and encouragement on that morning which lasted until April 25th, the day on which another successful session was closed.”

years ago

January 1938 For the first time, aid from

the federal government played a role in the finances of the institution. Public Works Administration (PWA) appropriations allowed the school to move toward President Bias’ vision of a four-year, degree-granting institution. Students worked in exchange for National Youth Administration (NYA) tuition grants, and Federal PWA funds supplemented by state allocations financed construction on a men’s dormitory, a library and additions to the Moore Hall Administration building. In 1980, Miss Evelyn Johnson wrote: “It would be most unfair to omit the part played by federal government assistance under the Franklin Delano Roosevelt administration. As president of the United States, Roosevelt initiated various methods to alleviate poverty and economic stagnation. In those days, NYA took care of the needs of youth who could easily have become social and disciplinary problems; the PWA furnished funds in proportion to needs when public buildings were erected; …As luck of fate would have it, Mrs. J. G. Fearing, secretary to the State Normal School Board of Trustees, was NYA county supervisor. She was in position to contact P. S. Randolph, state supervisor, to seek the services of a proposed vocational program for boys from seventh grade up in eastern North Carolina counties. It was through her that terms of agreement relative to the NYA project were inaugurated.“ Article Written by Jean Bischoff, University Archivist

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

years ago

May 1963

Governor Terry Sanford addressed the 69th graduating class of Elizabeth City State College. Sanford urged the new graduates to: “Apply education and reason, not ignorance and emotion, in reaching out for a solution to the diﬃculties of diﬀerent people living together. Racial tolerance cannot be ordered. No proclamation can do away with prejudices and discrimination, but these things can be achieved…through education and communication between people, which leads to human understanding. “You here have a special responsibility, you must be better leaders and better citizens. We look to you to and to graduates of other institutions for leadership in creating better understanding.”

years ago

March 3, 1988 President Walter Nathaniel Ridley was installed as ECSU’s third President-Emeritus by Chancellor Jimmy R. Jenkins. Dr. Ridley was the first African-American to earn a doctorate from a southern institution (University of Virginia) and served as president of ECSU from 1958 to 1968. During his administration, ECSU advanced from a small black teachers college into an interracial, fully accredited institution oﬀering a rich diversity of career majors. Leonard Ballou, in Educational Architects: Sketches of the Founders and Chief Executives of ECSU, wrote: “As fate would have it, in spite of programmatic, faculty, staﬀ, student, building, acreage, equipment and budgetary improvements and increases, President Ridley came to a crossroads with State [of North Carolina] powers that be. Nationwide civil strife did not help circumstances.

Nevertheless, Dr. Ridley did yeoman service to keep the social revolution from immobilizing the campus…. he was a forceful administrator, if not always a publicly appreciated one…. He transcended limitations, real or imaginary, and brought the college closer to long-standing hopes for greater institutional advancement.” On the occasion of his elevation to President-Emeritus, Dr. Ridley said: “I believe God’s purposes are being achieved through us. On these beliefs I am anchored. I pledge that I will do all that is within my power to promote the welfare of ECSU. “

Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

NATIONAL ALUMNI CHAPTER PRESIDENTS REGIONAL DIRECTORS MID-ATLANTIC REGION Dr. Stephanie Johnson 1546 Curlew Court Chesapeake, VA 23321 757-488-0176 johnssde@cps.k12.va.us SOUTHERN REGION Mr. Wytella Ford 6202 Autry Road Rocky Mount, NC 27803 252-443-2787 wytella@aol.com EASTERN REGION Mr. Melvin Norman 743 Marriner Road Roper, NC 27970 252-793-4089 normanm23@mchsi.com _________________________

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS A. P. LESTER Mr. William Johnson 201 White Street Williamston, NC 27892 252-792-3024 johnson201@suddenlink.net ATLANTA METRO Mr. Otis Strong 140 Neola Lane College Park, GA 30349 770-756-9325 strong_talk@yahoo.com

DURHAM AREA Mr. Eddie Davis 405 Stinhurst Drive Durham, NC 27713 919-484-9034 (h) eddiedavis1949@aol.com

J. T. DOLES Mrs. Arnetha Garner 186 Garner Road Garysburg, NC 27831 252-535-3502 arnethagarner@charter.net

ROSA B. RIDDICK (INACTIVE) Rev. Lygurcus Harrell P.O. Box 254 Gatesville, NC 27938 252-357-1052 carlacharrell@embarqmail.com

E. A. JOHNSON Mr. James Spence P.O. Box 327 Dinwiddie, VA 23841 919-989-2081 espence327@nc.rr.com

KINSTON/LENOIR Ms. Maxine Cooper 2839 Daly Waldrop Road Kinston, NC 28504 252-527-5390 maxcooper1@embarqmail.com

SANDHILLS CHAPTER (INACTIVE) Mr. James Hand 116 James Hand Road Rockingham, NC 28379 910-895-5022 910-997-7780

ELIZABETH CITY Mrs. Sheila Simpson 706 Laurel Street Elizabeth City, NC 27909 252-335-4775 ec_ecsu@yahoo.com

NEW YORK/LONG ISLAND Ms. Ella Baker 214 Hancock Street Brooklyn, NY 11216 718-638-7452 (h) msb24e@aol.com

TRI-COUNTY Mr. Nathaniel Grant, Jr. 4610 Saint Andrews Drive Wilson, NC 27896 252-234-9051 que610@yahoo.com

EDENTON/CHOWAN/PERQUIMANS Mr. John W. Jordan 110 Winborne Lane Edenton, NC 27932 252-482-2108 johnwjordan@mchsi.com

NORFOLK (INACTIVE) Mr. Elwood “Coach” Williams 554 Stuart Circle Norfolk, VA 23502 (h) 757-464-2280 (w) 757-545-5963 elwood@ssbgc-contelbdb.com

VIRGINIA BEACH Ethel Cox 5349 Albright Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-479-4531 ecox48@aol.com

EVA J. LEWIS Ms. Mary Cates 1004 Colonial Avenue Greenville, NC 27834 252-758-5039 GOLDSBORO-WAYNE Mrs. Arzie Mason 802 Harris Street Goldsboro, NC 27530 919-736-1331 arzie43@aol.com

BEAUFORT COUNTY (INACTIVE) Mr. Melvin Boyd 1312 Washington Street Washington, NC 27889 252-946-6915 melena1@suddenlink.net

GREATER CHARLOTTE CHAPTER Mr. Landon R. Miales, III 5840 LaGrande Drive Charlotte, NC 28269 704-948-1669 (h) 704-649-2351 (c) lmiales@schoollink.net

BERTIE COUNTY Ms. Linda Peele P.O. Box 276 Powellsville, NC 27962 252-332-5340 lindapeele@embarqmail.com

GREATER TRIAD Mr. Timothy Bellamy 3935 Mossyrock Road Greensboro, NC 27406 336-509-1235 Trb7781@yahoo.com

CAPE FEAR – FAYETTEVILLE (INACTIVE) Marilyn Godette 432 Crystal Drive Fayetteville, NC 28311 910-488-7487 mpgodette@embarqmail.com

DR. HERMAN G. COOKE Mr. James Cherry, II 7702 Stone Wheat Court Alexandria, VA 22315 703-313-4856 jwcherry02@msn.com

MILITARY Cynthia M. Clayton CPT Bobby Burrus CMR 420 Box 2371 APO, AE 09063 011-49-06221-739-2753 bobby.burrus@us.army.mil bobbyburrus@hotmail.com

JOHN H. BIAS Mr. Matthew Coates P.O. Box 26856 Baltimore, MD 21212-4014 301-498-1466 ecsu_jh.b1891@yahoo.com

PENINSULA Ms. Margaret Jones 145 Pine Creek Drive Hampton, VA 23669 757-851-3915 boobie4040@verizon.net

WASHINGTON COUNTY Rev. Harry White 3078 NC Hwy 45 South Plymouth, NC 27962 252-793-3127 harrywhite80@gmail.com

PORTSMOUTH Mr. Alphonzo Harrell 945 Flintfield Crescent Chesapeake, VA 23321 757-488-4682 eharr16113@aol.com

WASHINGTON DC METRO Mr. Julius M. Riddick P.O. Box 92226 Washington, DC 20090 202-399-0404 (h) 202-320-4593 (c) j.riddick@comcast.net

RALEIGH-DURHAM-WAKE Mrs. Jacquelyn Wooten 303 SE Maynard Rd. Cary, NC 27511 919-469-9498 (h) rdw-ecsu@nc.rr.com

WILLIAM T. BOWSER, SR. Mrs. Delores McClain P.O. Box 93 Severna Park, MD 21146 301-868-7844 dajem4@aol.com

RICHMOND Mrs. Gloria Burke 2822 Griffin Avenue Richmond, VA 23222 804-321-1756 glr_burke@yahoo.com

WILMINGTON Mr. Harris McIntyre 109 Spring Creek Lane Wilmington, NC 28405 910-686-4757 hmcintyr@nhcs.k12.nc.us

ROANOKE-CHOWAN Mr. Lee Stephenson 3036 Tanya Terrace Midlothian, VA 23112 804-920-9870 lee.stephenson@dce.virginia.gov ROBERT E. HARVEY TRI-STATE Ms. Ella Ivory P.O. Box 16972 Philadelphia, PA 19142 610-259-8241 emivorymezzo@yahoo.com

Order Your CollEgiate License Plate Today! www.ecsu.edu Viking Plates are available in North Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (252) 335-3224 for more information.

In Memoriam Ruth Law James, ’25 Johnnie Dell Jones Collins, ’39 Clara G. Jones, ’40 Emeline Bazemore Manson, ‘41 Vivian Spence Perrimon, ‘42 Carrie S. Newkirk, ‘44 LaVerne P. Yeldell. ’44 Edna G. Randolph, ‘45 Irene Miller McCoy, ’49 Mary Magdalene Rudd Boone, ’51 Mary W. Jones, ’56 Vonnie Harris Johnson, ‘57 Eugene E. Stallings, ‘58 George Clifton Gray, ’60 Evelyn Louis Byrd Scott, ‘60 Jean Brothers Coleman, ’61 William Edwards Teel, ‘62 A.O. Davis, '63 Jasper D. Evans, ‘63 Alice Beatrice Jones Wesley, ‘63 Victoria William Kendale '63 Doris Brantley, ’64

Lucy Coburn Teel, ’64 Audrey Slade Bond, ‘65 Fondella Scott Green, ’65 Marjorie Mitchell Riddick, ‘65 Leona A. Simons, ‘65 Margerene Worsley Munn, ‘67 Martha Loraine Brothers Slade, ’69 Celvin Webster, ‘69 Reginald H. Johnson, Sr., ‘70 Willie Lee Brown, Sr., ‘71 Shirley Alexander Ryan, ’71 Sandra Coley omas, ‘71 Rossi Lee Tyler, ‘71 Raymond Carmichael, ’72 Elva Newborn Haynes, ‘73 Janice Vail orne, ’73 Franklin Montague, ’74 Glendale Moore, ‘75 Arthur L. Warren Bettye McKee Charles Hardesty, ‘77 Michael C. Lilley, ’77 Clayton Curtis Peele, Sr., ‘77 Patrica Mercer-Harris, ‘77 Calvin C. Maddox, Jr., ‘84 Horace Christopher “Teddy Bear” Pendergrass, ’84 Benjamin Tillman, ‘85 Antonio Bellamy, ’86 Jonathan G. Williams, ‘92 Ta-shonda N. Harney, ‘06 Eddie Felton, '14 Edna Faye Brown Anthony Frances Etta Geraldine Eason Cash Leamon S. “Binky” Pearce Madelaine M. Wilson Catherine Daughtrey Jones Janie Ann Privott Williams Marvin E. Barrett

Correction: We regret listing Mildred ornhill Savannah, '73 in the In Memoriam section of the ECSU Magazine (Spring/Summer 2011 issue). Dr. Savannah will be celebrating her 40th Class Reunion during Homecoming 2013.

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

ATHLETICS

fabulous

season for the

Lady Vikings Lady Vikings Post One of the Best Seasons in School History lizabeth City State University’s women’s basketball head coach has been named CIAA Women’s Coach of the Year as voted by the CIAA Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. Under Coach Alico J. Dunk, the Lady Vikings have won two division titles during his four years at the helm of the program. Led by All-CIAA players Shatara Jackson and Stephanie Harper, the Lady Vikings cruised to a 24-4 overall record this season, capturing the CIAA Northern Division title with an unblemished 100 record in division play. ey finished the season with a 15-1 mark against CIAA opponents and rode an impressive 14-game winning streak into the semi-finals of the 2013 CIAA Basketball Tournament. e Lady Vikings also posted the best overall grade-point average of all ECSU athletic teams, with an average of 3.154. “To watch them grow into good basketball players is great. But to see them mature into productive young adults and compete in today’s society is even more impressive,” Dunk said. “I couldn’t ask for a better experience.” Dunk attributes his success with the team to the enthusiastic support oﬀered from all sectors of the university.

“e enthusiasm shown towards women’s basketball is unbelievable. Chancellor Willie J. Gilchrist and the athletic administration work diligently to ensure we have the resources needed to be successful,” Dunk said. “I’m also surrounded by faculty and staﬀ who are very supportive of the women’s basketball program. Not a day goes by without someone commenting on how proud they are of the program, or mentioning how excited they are about the upcoming season.” Dunk talked about the team’s major strides under his leadership, from being picked last in the CIAA to contending for division and conference titles. “e bar has been set high and we expect to continue to excel at that level,” Dunk said. “In the next three years, we hope to win multiple CIAA championships and become a household name competing on the national level” in a NCAA Tournament. A native of Ayden, N.C., Dunk was an early winner on the court. At Ayden-Grifton High School, he garnered All-Conference recognition in football and basketball, with All-State honors and a McDonald’s All-American nomination coming during his senior year in basketball. Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

He attended the University of Tennessee on a basketball scholarship, transferring after his first year to East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. ere, he served as the basketball team captain his junior and senior seasons and earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science in 1999. Initially, Dunk taught at Hertford County High School, where he coached girls’ basketball for one season in 2001-02. He played professionally in Asia for a year before joining ECSU as the assistant coach for the men’s basketball team in 2003. He was named interim head coach of the women’s team in March 2009, taking the reins permanently the following year. He said coaching 16 female players can be “a roller coaster ride.” “ey wear their hearts on their sleeves,” Dunk explained. But tied up in the emotion, he said, is their desire to do well and not to let him down. ey are “dedicated, hardworking, passionate and loyal,” he said of his team. “As a coach, that’s all you can ask for in a student-athlete.” He said the team has become like a family, with the young women knowing that “the life challenges they face don’t have to be dealt with alone.” “ey have a coach that sincerely cares about their well-being outside of basketball,” he said.

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

alico Dunk

n March 27, boxes of Pioneer Bowl championship rings lay atop a table on the stage of the Floyd L Robinson Auditorium. Members of the football team and the coaches would finally wear the rings that signify the final victory for the 2012 season. e Vikings toppled Tuskegee University 28-13 on December 1 at AJ McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Ga. April Emory, sports information director, says the game will be remembered for some key accomplishments: A ll-American tailback Daronte McNeill scored two fourth quarter touchdowns in route to Pioneer Bowl XIV MVP honors as the Elizabeth City State University Vikings toppled Tuskegee University 28-13 On December 1, 2012 at AJ McClung Stadium in Columbus, GA. e victory over the Golden Tigers marks the first post season football win for the Vikings since their lone CIAA championship back in 1971. Before Saturday, the Vikings were 0-3 in the NCAA playoffs (1981, 2006, 2011) and lost in their only other Pioneer Bowl appearance back in 2009 to Tuskegee 21-7. Daronte McNeill, Brad Davis, Nigel Rios, Vincent Maene, were all instrumental in the win (members of the 2012 All-CIAA First Team) Waverly Tillar, head football coach, said the victory was truly sweet for the team and a dedicated coaching staff. “We had a great season last year. e efforts of the kids alone helped us make a solid run through the (CIAA) conference. It was a tough loss to Winston Salem State at the championship game. We knew we had to return ready for the Pioneer Bowl in Columbus.” “We went into the game optimistic and the guys pulled off a winning effort. Again we thank the alumni, fans and other donors who supported us all season. anks to WRVS FM 89.9 for live broadcasts. We really thank the donors for contributing toward the cost of these championship rings.” Dr. Angelia Nelson, interim athletic director said these student athletes have so many reasons to be proud of their season. “I am so proud of our Mighty Vikings, and this Pioneer Bowl win. e accomplishments of this team fill me with pride as I recognize the durability that allows them to excel as athletes is the same durability that allows them academic success.” “e hours put in on the field, followed by the hours put in the classroom can seem like an insurmountable task to the undisciplined. However, I am grateful that we are able to provide balance and produce quality leaders.“

Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

Pictured left to right: Dr. angelia nelson, interim Director of athletics, Chancellor Willie J. Gilchrist, Coach Shawn Walker, angelo Sharpless.

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

THE POWER OF BLUE AND WHITE! And The Award Goes To... THE 2012-2013 MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS BASEBALL

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRy Derek Gore Communications Willingboro, NJ

Curtis Vinson Business Administration Ahoskie, NC

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRy

TENNIS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

FOOTBALL

Lee Person Criminal Justice Louisburg, NC Jasmine Whitehurst Physical Education Elizabeth City, NC Angelo Sharpless Physical Education Plymouth, NC

BOWLING

Paneisha Eure Communications Portsmouth, VA

CHEERLEADING

Asia Long Louisburg Pharmacy

SPECIAL AWARDS Thomas Caldwell Award

Nigel Rios Washington, DC Major: Business

Thurlis & Brenda Little Award Jairus Wilkins Winston-Salem, NC Major: Communications

Ralph & Joyce Cole Award Jasmine Whitehurst Physical Education Elizabeth City, NC

Mariah Powell Psychology Fayetteville, NC

GOLF

Samantha Craig Co-MVP Special Education Elizabeth City, NC

DaRont’e McNeill Offensive MVP Physical Education Elizabeth City, NC

Valerie Edwards Co-MVP Aviation Science Whiteville, NC

Brad Davis Defensive MVP Business Administration Charlotte, NC

SOFTBALL

Brett Symonds Special Teams MVP General Studies Temecula, CA

VOLLEyBALL

Scholar-Athletes of the Year Set example for success off and on the field Valerie Edwards Aviation Science Women’s Tennis Highest Overall GPA (3.882) Whiteville, NC

2012-2013 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

Highest Team G.P.A (3.154)

Danielle Horn Mathematics Elizabeth City, NC Morghan Stallings Biology Elizabeth City, NC

Elizabeth City State University 2013 Co-Male Athletes of the Year Angelo Sharpless (Men’s Basketball) Physical Education Plymouth, NC Brad Davis (Football) Business Administration Charlotte, NC

Elizabeth City State University 2013 Female Athlete of the Year Paneisha Eure (Women’s Bowling) Communications Portsmouth, VA

2012-2013 Pepsi Award Winners FOOTBALL Namon Jones Sports Management Brandywine, MD

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRy Deon Rice General Studies Detroit, MI

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRy De’Rya Wylie Criminal Justice Salisbury, NC

VOLLEyBALL Kelsey Smith Accounting Cascade, VA

MEN’S BASKETBALL Dominique Byrd Business Administration Fuquay-Varina, NC

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Stephanie Harper Physical Education Charleston, IL

BOWLING Melissa Borum Criminal Justice Portsmouth, VA

CHEERLEADING Tonieka Lassiter Sociology Ahoskie, NC

TENNIS Tyra Spell Elementary Education Winterville, NC

SOFTBALL Patricia Jackson Graphic Design Washington, DC

GOLF Bobby Harmon Mathematics Windsor, NC

BASEBALL JerQuan Riddick Engineering Elizabeth City, NC

Carmichael inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame L

eonard Carmichael, a guard for the 1968-1969 championship Vikings basketball team, is elated about his induction into the 2013 Class of the CIAA McLendon Hall of Fame. He was one of six individuals and one team inducted back in March. e induction ceremony caps Carmichael’s journey to the South that began when he was a 20-year-old Army veteran from Trenton, N.J. A friend, Marvin Trotman from nearby Princeton, N.J., encouraged Carmichael to enroll at what was then Elizabeth City State Teacher’s College. Trotman liked the university so much that he assured Carmichael he, too, could achieve there. Carmichael was reluctant but considered the suggestion. After a persuasive conversation with his dad, Lennon Carmichael, the young Leonard decided to enroll. His father, who worked two jobs to support the family, never had graduated from high school but realized the value of education. He dropped oﬀ Leonard at the school, advising him to make the most of the opportunity. He told Leonard he was welcome to return home each summer to work, but only if he passed his courses. If not, he said, Leonard would have to return to the military. Carmichael earned the best of grades his freshman year and was eager to share the good news with his parents. He also joined an outstanding team of athletes with whom he enjoyed playing and traveling. e coach, Robert L. Vaughan, and the university’s professors clearly explained what was expected of student athletes — regular class attendance and their best performance. In those days of segregation, black college teams stayed on the campus of their competitors rather than at hotels. Carmichael said it allowed players to form friendships with the young men they would later face on the basketball court. Carmichael recalls the CIAA, at the time, was comprised of 18 teams. Talent was plentiful. Keen competition was assured. e loud cheering of students and supporters from the community nearly raised the gym roof. When the Vikings clinched the 1969 CIAA championship, they marked achievements, secured awards and earned a higher level of respect from peers who played for larger institutions. e team finished the season with a record of 29 wins and four

losses. Best of all, the Vikings had bragging rights that lasted for decades. e next Viking teams to win the CIAA title in basketball were in 1981, and again in 2007. Carmichael, an avid fan, said they were long but celebrated victories. ECSU athletes, however, had won championships in other sports, such as football and wrestling. As a student athlete, Carmichael also began a 25-year career in the National Guard. He and his wife, George Ann, married when he was a junior. After graduating, he worked as an educator and coach for three years in Florida and 29 years in New Jersey. While Carmichael and his wife raised two sons and a daughter in New Jersey, he always dreamed of returning to North Carolina for retirement. His wife, a North Carolina native, supported his vision. Carmichael returned to ECSU to coach crosscountry track in 2011 and will begin coaching track in 2013. Yet, Carmichael declares that 2011 was the worst year of his life. He had a heart attack in February of that year, a stroke later in May, and lost his caring mother in October. Today, he maintains a regular schedule of physical therapy. He is careful to eat healthy foods and follow the advice of his health care providers. He is determined to prevent the 55 pounds he recently lost from returning to his frame. He chuckles when he recalls weighing 175 to 180 pounds as a student athlete. Carmichael is grateful that the stroke didn’t impact his memory. He can recall numerous stories from those years on the basketball team. He takes pride in the number of times his dad faithfully drove from New Jersey to attend his basketball games and to see his brother’s football games. He learned lessons at ECSU that set the course for a busy life. “As a student athlete, I learned time management skills. I learned the value of being on a team. It was the team’s success. I learned public speaking skills,” Carmichael said. “When I arrived, as a student, I knew I had to buckle down, study on Friday before I did anything else. When I made straight As my freshman year, I felt really good about coming to Elizabeth City. e professors were great and didn’t take excuses,” he said. “It was great seeing so many people at the induction ceremony—family, friends, teammates, coaches, alumni and guys I played against. People have called to congratulate me and I really, really appreciate all the support.” Carmichael joins his coach, Robert L Vaughan, and fellow alumni and friends Marvin Trotman and Michael Gale, his college roommate and teammate, in the CIAA John McLendon Hall of Fame. Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

Karen Watkins was a member of the ECSU basketball team certificate of advanced studies in administration from Old from 1992 to 1995 after transferring from Livingstone College in 1991. She served as co-captain and captain of the team between 1992 and 1995. Her shooting percentage from the floor was above 50 percent and she was an 80 percent free throw shooter. Watkins was selected as a member of the CIAA All-Rookie team and selected to the All CIAA Women’s First Team in 1995. While at ECSU, she was selected as a member of several All-tournament Teams. Later in 2002- 2003 she played semi-pro basketball in North Carolina. Watkins earned a B.S. degree in chemistry and became a certified food safety professional. Her skills led her to positions with several major corporations. Her family includes two sons and a Yorkshire Terrier. She is an active member of Delta Sigma eta Sorority Incorporated and maintains active participation in other community service ventures.

Ernest Bell, known on campus as “Hollywood McGoo” served twice as a co-captain of the football team. Bell also served as president of the Men’s Government Association. He was selected as All-CIAA first team at Right Guard. After earning his B.S. degree from ECSU, he taught in the New Haven Connecticut public schools for 33 years. He earned a master’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Divinity from New Brunswick eological Seminary in New Brunswick, N.J. He has been a pastor of several African Methodist Episcopal Churches in New Jersey and Delaware. His family includes wife, Deirdre Lynne, one daughter and one son.

Darnell Johnson was a member of the ’71 football CIAA Championship team. He earned his B.S. degree from ECSU then moved on to the University of Kentucky where he earned his master’s in math education. Johnson had been selected as a free agent for the Dallas Cowboys but opted to continue his education. Doing so allowed him to maintain a coveted NCAA postgraduate scholarship that covered the cost of tuition at UK. He earned a

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

Dominion University and later earned a doctorate from George Washington University. He taught 13 years in Virginia’s public schools and worked as an administrator in Virginia for 17. He has worked as adjunct instructor for ECSU 17 years, an administrator and an endowed chair over the last seven years. Johnson, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, serves as a consultant and facilitator for marriage seminars, education divisions and government agencies. He and his wife are Baptists and they are frequent donors for the university. Johnson is currently the E. V. Wilkins Endowed Professor for the Dr. Helen Marshall Caldwell School of Education and Psychology at ECSU. His family includes, wife, Dr. Stephanie Johnson, one adult daughter and three granddaughters.

Phillip Smith was an outstanding running back for the football team. He was captain of the 1961 football team and a member of the Evelyn A. Johnson Choir. He lettered all four years in attendance and was one of four freshmen playing an outstanding role in the 1955-56 EIAC Championship team. In 1959 he led the team in rushing yardage, finishing the year fifth in the CIAA, receiving honorable mention. After earning his B.S. degree from Elizabeth City State Teachers College, he taught and coached football in the Smithfield Virginia public schools. He won Coach of the Year awards three times in the late 60s and the teams he coached won three state championships. Smith also taught and coached football and wrestling in the Newport News School System and the Hampton School System. An active member of the First Baptist Church East End in Newport News, Va., he maintains active memberships with several civic organizations and associations that serve the interests of educators. He is a life member of the NAACP and the ECSU National Alumni Association and an active donor for several initiatives of the university. His family includes wife, Raye Smith, two adult sons and three grandchildren.

Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

IT'S SHOWTIME.. Show Up & Show Out

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Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

ECSU MAGAZINE SPRING 2013

"UNITY"

Spring 2013 ECSU MAGAZINE

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It's Showtime... Show Up & Show Out. • • • • • • • •

Battle of Bands (New) "College Style" Community Events Prayer Breakfast Mr./Ms. Alumni Coronation Annual Block Party Rock-n-Bowl Alumni Parties Homecoming Concert

• Step Show • Football Game and Tailgating • CLASS REUNIONS: Class of 1963, 1973, 1993 • Parade • Sports Hall of Fame • Gospel Concert • And so much more…