OUTSTANDING SENIORS
I speak often about return on investment. How we show our supporters, who are integral to our success, that we are not only using their gifts wisely but developing high-impact programs and opportunities for COB from
students, faculty and staff.
This issue’s cover story is literally about ROI. As you’ll read, thanks to a transformational gift, the new Blacksail Fund will be a student-managed investment fund under faculty oversight. The goal is for the investment returns to pay for student travel experiences and experiential learning opportunities.
When Paige and I are on the road we share many stories, like the ones you’re about to read, that showcase how we are serving our students and helping transform our region and beyond.
I hope you enjoy the read.
Michael Harris, Dean
BLACK SAIL FUND
Story By Michael Rudd
A new gift to the College of Business (COB) will allow students to gain first-hand experience managing a multi-strategy financial portfolio whose proceeds will pay for high-impact travel and other activities outside the classroom.
The gift by COB accounting alum Sanford Bailey will be allocated in three ways:
1 Establishment of the Blacksail Fund, a financial investment portfolio to be managed by students that will elicit returns and pay for student travel to national and international financial hubs.
2 Purchase of a Bloomberg terminal that, according to Bloomberg Professional Services, will give students access to news, data, insights and trading tools to help with financial decisions.
3 Initial funding for future travel opportunities.
Photo By Steven Mantilla & Grace Faller
From left, Pierce Elwell, Matthew Slate, Greg Sharafinski
The Blacksail Fund will be managed and operated by a hierarchal student structure. A faculty advisor with real-world experience in financial modeling and portfolio management will work with the student team and teach them core concepts for successful portfolio management. A select group of alum advisors will also provide students with mentorship on trading and asset management.
Mr. Bailey’s generous investment will provide experiential learning opportunities for ECU students, especially in the College of Business. When donors support our mission and strategic plan priorities in the way Mr. Bailey has, our entire university benefits. This innovative learning opportunity will help prepare graduates for success at ECU and beyond.
– Chancellor Philip Rogers
The origins of the Blacksail Fund do not check the boxes of how traditional, donor gifts come into ECU and the College of Business. Since the fall of ’23, COB student leaders and Arthur School immersive MBA students have visited New York City twice and San Francisco. All three visits were funded by the generous support of COB alums and supporters, one of which was Bailey. Two rising seniors, Pierson Elwell and Gregory Sharafinski, took part in the New York City trip and the San Francisco trip. They and the other COB students shared their experiences with Bailey, who funded the New York City trips.
What blossomed from those trips was the idea of a gift to help current and future students. That gift took shape on a cross-country flight from Raleigh to San Francisco.
“Pierson and I sat next to each other and hammered out an initial guide on how the gift could be used and how it could operate,” said Sharafinski. That proposal would eventually lead to the Blacksail Fund.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” said Matthew Slate ’96, Blacksail Fund faculty advisor.
Along with being the fund’s faculty advisor, Slate is a COB faculty member who teaches financial markets and institutions. He’s also much more than an instructor.
Slate brings more than 28 years of experience in the financial services industry, most of which are focused on the markets and risk management. Slate also serves on the ECU Foundation investment committee. He plans to borrow from that experience and apply it to the Blacksail Fund.
“We’ve got a roadmap to lay out bylaws, investment policy statements, and how we can think about setting up the fund,” said Slate.
“If we can set it up to correctly mimic what you would see in an asset management firm, the students will have stories to tell future employers,” said Slate.
“There is going to be an advanced curriculum in investment strategy taught by experienced faculty with a background in investment management,” said Bailey, whose gift was set up to be a perpetual investment that will provide funding for future travel opportunities.
Bailey and COB leadership hope that the Blacksail fund will be an opportunity for others to give and support business students.
That hope is already proving to have dividends. One anonymous donor has already given to the fund. A fall New York City trip is already in the works.
“What an amazing opportunity this presents for our students interested in investing,” said Brenda Wells, COB’s Department of Finance and Insurance chair. “I’m thrilled that we are bringing this to Pirate Nation, and I deeply appreciate the Baileys’ generosity.”
Recent gifts to the College of Business, e.g, Twilley Sales Academy and the Arthur Graduate School, have focused on programs and coursework designed to make COB students more competitive as they pursue their careers. The Blacksail Fund, according to COB Dean Mike Harris, provides students with transformative
opportunities that combine their classroom knowledge with business destinations and opportunities to meet with successful alumni and business leaders.
“The return on investment the Fund will provide the College is two-fold,” said Harris. “Obviously, the financial return on the initial and future funding will support high-impact travel experiences for our students. Additionally, the hands-on professional experience and mentoring the students receive from operating the fund will have them well prepared for their future career choices.”
The return on investment the Fund will provide the College is two-fold. Obviously, the financial return on the initial and future funding will support high-impact travel experiences for our students. Additionally, the hands-on professional experience and mentoring the students receive from operating the fund will have them well prepared for their future career choices.
– Mike Harris
COB students visited New York City in spring of 2024. The new Blacksail Fund will help finance future student travel opportunities.
A CAPITAL IDEA
Fielding Miller's hunch led to a leading investment firm and a school of entrepreneurship at ECU
Story By Patricia Earnhardt Tyndall
Fielding Miller ’84 is the founding partner, chairman and CEO of CAPTRUST. The company launched as an entrepreneurial start-up in 1997 and has grown to be the nation’s largest independent financial advisory firm with thousands of clients, representing more than $1 trillion in assets. Miller, who is serving in his third term on the ECU Board of Trustees, and his wife, Kim ’83, have been involved in giving back to ECU in numerous ways. In 2015, they made a gift to the university establishing the Miller School of Entrepreneurship in the College of Business (COB). For nearly a decade, the Miller School has served as a regional hub that prepares students to take an entrepreneurial mindset and skill set into their communities.
Photos Submitted By CAPTRUST
What is CAPTRUST?
We are a financial advisory and investment firm headquartered in Raleigh, representing private clients, corporations and nonprofit organizations. Our founding vision was based on an opportunity we saw to compete in a way that would differentiate us from other advisory firms. The idea was to serve clients in a fiduciary capacity, which means we are legally bound to always put our clients’ interests ahead of our own. Sounds logical, but the financial industry was, and still is, dominated by large brokerage firms that are not fiduciaries. Thus, when investors are searching for an advisor, and learn about the higher standard we are bound to, they understand and value the difference.
CAPTRUST recently announced a partnership with Carlyle, which invested a substantial amount for a minority stake in the company. How does this relationship benefit CAPTRUST?
When we launched the firm, we funded it with our personal capital and a small amount of debt. As our model began to gain traction, we decided to expand our operation beyond North Carolina by acquiring smaller firms, primarily in the Southeast.
Initially, we funded our acquisitions primarily with our cash flow, but as the volume of transactions increased, we needed more capital. At this point we had three choices: Slow down our pace of transactions, borrow more money or bring in an equity partner to inject more equity capital.
Since we did not want to slow down our transaction tempo, and we did not want to over leverage the business, we decided our best path was to bring in an equity partner. We interviewed several private equity firms to find a partner that would meet our specific requirements: minority ownership with no path to majority, a seven-year minimum investment period and a valuation that reflected our leadership position in the market. Through this process, we partnered with GTCR, a Chicago-based firm with deep expertise in financial services, in 2020.
With the new capital, our growth continued to accelerate and we completed 40 transactions within
the next three years. By 2023, we needed more capital. So, we went back to the market, and that fall we partnered with Carlyle with almost identical terms as the GTCR transaction.
As one of the most successful private investors in the world, Carlyle has a vast array of resources and subject matter experts with whom we can engage. We have already benefited from their expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning, digital marketing capabilities, risk management and more.
What do you believe are the keys to CAPTRUST’s growth?
Two drivers. The first being the fiduciary model and the second being the tremendous team we have assembled. We are loaded with hard-working, talented professionals who are aligned in a positive, ethical and collaborative culture where every employee has a path to equity ownership that is awarded, not purchased.
In terms of what we have been able to accomplish, I will offer up a few bragging points. Since its inception 26 years ago, our employee count has grown from 13 to over 1,600, and our locations have increased from one to 82. We have clients in every state, our client retention rate is 98% and our employee turnover rate is among the lowest in our industry. Our employee-led and run community foundation, the CAPTRUST Community Foundation, invests seven figures each year in children’s charities across the country. All of this was accomplished while growing at a compounded rate of 23% per year. As I said, we have a tremendously talented team, and they bring it every day.
How has CAPTRUST’s growth broadened the company’s capabilities to meet client needs?
As we have increased our size and scale, we have more capital to invest back in the business. More recently we have added new services and capabilities ranging from new investment portfolios, technologies, tax advisory and more. With each new offering, we have increased our value to our clients and created more compelling reasons for new clients to join us.
What inspired your commitment to leading the effort to start an entrepreneurship school at ECU?
I had a wonderful experience at East Carolina. It was the right school for me at the right time and, best of all, I met my lovely wife, Kim. Over the years we made various financial contributions, but we wanted to do something more impactful.
I had several conversations with (former dean) Stan Eakins, mostly when he would corner me at a football game tailgate to discuss fundraising for the business school. I explained that we were interested in investing in a program that we (ECU) can be genuinely great at, a program that would differentiate ECU from other schools in the state.
That is how we landed on entrepreneurship. We could create the first named school of entrepreneurship in the state, and we could help fulfill the university’s mission to support regional transformation by educating job creators. And nothing is more vital to the future success of eastern North Carolina than creating good jobs.
Has the school fulfilled your expectations?
I do not even know what my expectations were. It was more of a vision than a specific plan. Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Eakins and later Mike Harris, the program flourished from the very beginning. We were thrilled to learn we were ranked in the top 50 programs in the U.S. (Princeton Review’s list of entrepreneurship programs), and this was before we had been approved for a formal degree: Bachelor of Science in entrepreneurship. Since then, we have made that list each year and have been moving up in the rankings; we are currently ranked 37th.
What are the highlights so far?
It was clear that we were on to something when we held the first Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge. I was stunned to learn that after seven years this competition has featured over 550 teams from more than 50 different majors across the campus and provided over $900,000 in cash and in-kind prizes
for the winning teams. I recall the big smile on Mike Harris’ face when he said, “This entrepreneurship idea might have some legs after all.”
If CAPTRUST were a case study for students in the ECU College of Business or the Miller School, what would be the most important thing students would learn?
Entrepreneurship is a mindset. Instead of seeing problems, you see opportunities to fix problems. In many cases, entrepreneurs identify an opportunity stemming from a problem that is not being addressed within the company you are working for. You notice the company is losing customers or not gaining new customers due for some specific reason – a reason they are not willing to change. Be patient. Most successful entrepreneurs launch their businesses at age 37. Success often comes from experience learned from your own failures or your observance of how others have failed.
What
are your hopes for the
impact of the Miller School for years to
come?
We had hoped that once the school was established, it would resonate with other entrepreneurs to engage and invest. Thanks to other graduates, such as Van Isley, who founded the Isley Innovation Hub, and Matt Crisp, who funded the Crisp Small Business Resource Center, and many others that have stepped up to enhance and grow the program. In terms of impact, my hope is the Miller School will be a key catalyst to economically revitalize the eastern region of North Carolina.
In terms of impact, my hope is the Miller School will be a key catalyst to economically revitalize the eastern region of North Carolina.
- Fielding Miller ’84
Focus on culture
One of my favorite business quotes from Peter Drucker is, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” You cannot overemphasize the importance of building a team that is fully committed to building and perpetuating a positive and collaborative culture.
Plan for the best but prepare for the worst
Any business is going to face adversity, and that is when the power of a strong and collaborative culture pays off. You need to create an environment where people are not fearful of adversity but instead are energized by the opportunities that come from it.
Share the rewards of your success
Everybody at CAPTRUST has a path to ownership. The concept is simple: The more colleagues we have walking the halls, thinking and acting like owners, the more successful we will be.
Fielding Miller speaks at the 2022 U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference in Raleigh. The organization recognized him with the John E. Hughes Award for Entrepreneurial Achievement.
Fielding Miller, second from left, meets with faculty, alumni and students of the College of Business. Also pictured are Dean Michael Harris, left, and former Dean Stan Eakins, in the gray jacket.
Above, the lead story in the April 21, 1983, issue of The East Carolinian includes Miller's reappointment as general manager of the paper. Hes pictured on the top left. Right Miller talks in his Raleigh office.
Stan Eakins accepts the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from Rep. Gloristine Brown during the College of Business’ End-of-Year Social and Retirement Recognition Ceremony April 23.
Distinguished Award
Story By Michael Rudd | Photo By Chad Winstead
Dr. Stanley Eakins has been named by Gov. Roy Cooper to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his 30-plus-year commitment to providing exceptional contributions to ECU and eastern NC.
Rep. Gloristine Brown of North Carolina’s 8th District presented Eakins the award during the COB’ End-of-Year Social and Retirement Recognition Ceremony April 23. “Dean Eakins, you are so deserving, and we appreciate your leadership and service to the state of North Carolina,” said Brown.
Eakins served as the dean of the COB for more than eight years between 2010 and 2018, including his time as acting dean. Eakins came to ECU in 1990 after receiving his doctorate from Arizona State University. Before entering academics, he was a bank vice president and a chief financial officer for a multimillion-dollar construction and development company.
Considered among the highest honors the governor can confer, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award recognizes citizens for their exemplary service to the state. “Stan has impacted so many students who have gone on to become successful business leaders, many of whom live and work in North Carolina,” said COB Dean Mike Harris. “His lifelong commitment as a scholar, mentor and leader has been truly exceptional.
As dean, Eakins’ goals for the college centered on three areas: enhancing the leadership program, engaged learning and building an entrepreneurship program. During his tenure, Eakins led the efforts to accomplish those goals, and the results led to the first-of-its-kind Professional and Leadership Development Curriculum; collaborative workspaces, including the redesign of classrooms and the opening of the Student Technology Center; and the top 50 ranked Miller School of Entrepreneurship, home to the Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge, Isley Innovation Hub and the Crisp Small Business Resource Center. Those initiatives lead to student success, public service and regional transformation.
“Stan’s legacy will always be linked with the three goals he put in motion,” said Harris. “His influence continues to guide the college today and well into the future.”
Dean Named
Story By Michael Rudd | Photo By Rhett Butler
The ECU Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Michael Harris as dean of the College of Business (COB) during its June 18 meeting. Harris served as interim dean of the COB since July 2022, replacing Dr. Paul Schwager, who was dean from 2019-2022.
“The opportunity to lead the COB, an institution that’s given me and others so much, is both humbling and exciting at the same time,” said Harris. “I’m excited to continue working with colleagues who share the same vision and drive to be the best. It’s our duty to build leaders who will impact eastern North Carolina and beyond, and students who look to us must know they have 30,000-plus alumni who are lifting them up and supporting them.
“We’re raising the bar at the COB. I’m thankful to be a part of it.”
As interim dean, Harris continued to advance the COB and its role in serving the region and its students. He helped lead efforts in the naming of the Twilley Academy of Sales Leadership, which was made possible by a $4.5 million commitment by
Richard G. Twilley. The Twilley Academy focuses on advancing world-class sales education and providing executive educational programs.
Harris also continued efforts to re-engage COB Pirate Nation. Since 2022, he traveled more than 20,000 miles and visited eight states to meet with alumni, industry partners and friends of the COB. Working with COB leadership, he helped structure the Thomas D. Arthur Graduate School of Business and the recently launched Office of Expert Services. He also worked to complete the building and the grand opening of the Isley Innovation Hub.
To give COB students real-life experiences extending beyond Greenville and North Carolina, Harris worked with the Business Advisory Council to provide travel opportunities for students, complementing the classroom experience and allowing students to meet with alumni and learn more about exciting career pathways.
“Dr. Harris is committed to continuing to propel our College of Business forward,” said ECU Provost Robin Coger. “I am confident of his ability to lead with vision and also collaborate well with key stakeholders in ensuring the college’s bright future.”
Harris received his Bachelor of Science in business administration and Master of Business Administration from the COB. He earned his doctorate at N.C. State University then moved into the role of assistant professor in ECU’s Department of Management in 2004. He was named associate professor in 2010 and full professor in 2015. He served as chair of the Department of Management from 2014 until 2017, when he was named director of the Miller School of Entrepreneurship, North Carolina’s first named school of entrepreneurship.
As director of the COB’s Small Business Institute from 2000-2019, Harris worked with student teams
to complete consulting projects for small business clients. He also served as editor of the Small Business Institute Journal and co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Small Business Strategy. Harris is a Fellow in the National Small Business Institute and the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, the Miller School launched the nationally-ranked Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge, the Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship degree, the Crisp Small Business Resource Center, and the Isley Innovation Hub.
As dean, Harris will also hold the W. Howard Rooks Distinguished Professorship in the COB.
COB leaders such as Joe Tomkiewicz and Stan Eakins helped shape my career. I’m honored to be a part of a passionate COB team that will move the college forward to new heights.
– Mike Harris
Pirates Ahoy
Alumni gifts provide students opportunities to visit Silicon Valley companies
Story By Michael Rudd | Photos by Emily Leach
In the fall of 2023, student leaders in the College of Business (COB) joined the Arthur School’s Immersive MBA students on a trip to New York to learn more about the business world outside of North Carolina. Businesses were visited, and networking opportunities were aplenty.
Following their trip, those same students met with the trip’s benefactor, Sanford Bailey, and provided him with their reflections on the trip. Word spread in the COB community about the trip’s benefits, or what dean Mike Harris calls “return on investment.”
So much so, a donor reached out to the COB and asked if it would be interested in taking students to the technology center of the United States, i.e., Silicon Valley, and if so, that donor would fund the trip.
Fast forward to May 2024, when COB sent out another entourage of 18 students, this time to San Francisco and San Jose, California.
“There is no substitute for face-to-face interaction with successful companies and
innovative people to stimulate students’ views of the world and open their minds to the possibilities of what they can achieve,” said the donor, who wishes to be anonymous. “We are happy to play a small part in the future of the COB students.”
Angela Furniss ‘93, chair of the COB’s Business Advisory Council, also appreciates the importance of these types of trips in a student’s college career.
“When Paige (Hill, COB’s director of outreach) mentioned the COB students were going to the San Francisco area and were looking for host companies, I immediately thought of Rodney (Turner) and Cisco,” said Furniss. “Rodney is a loyal Pirate and has led a very successful career at Cisco.”
“I have a passion for helping early-in-theircareer individuals who are willing to work hard, take challenges and push barriers,” said Turner, a senior director with Cisco. “This (trip) was a natural way for me to help give back to the school and the top talent at East Carolina.”
Professional engagement
“It’s clear that COB’s alumni want to help,” said Harris. When Harris hits the road to speak with alums and donors, two items tend to percolate to the top of their discussions: “Please keep telling your story” and “How can we help?” Time, talent and treasures are usually discussed, but recently, experiences have been getting the attention of those who want to give back.
“Sanford’s gift has had exponential benefits,” said Harris. “Not only did the students receive professional engagement with visionary companies, but it (the gift) led to other gifts so those experiences can continue.”
By all accounts, Immersive MBA student Jenna Mallberg took advantage of the situation, owned the Cisco visit, and demonstrated how COB Pirates are ready to take on the business world.
“I knew going into the trip that I wanted to lead a company where I am most aligned with careerand culture-wise,” said Mallberg. “Once I found out we were attending Cisco Systems I jumped right on that opportunity.”
“To prepare for this visit, I consulted the students to see what they wanted to focus on in the conversation: early career, emerging technologies and trends, and culture,” said Mallberg. “Once I had an idea of what everyone was thinking, I jumped on a call with our host and Pirate alum, Rodney Turner.”
From Raleigh, Turner scheduled the Cisco visit, which included tours, lunches, presentations and a Q&A session.
“These experiences provide a perspective and level of realization that the classroom cannot,” said Turner. “Students need to see the humans behind the logos, the personalities they can relate to, and an example of how the real world looks.”
Turner admits there are benefits to Cisco engaging students at this level, as well.
“Engaging with top talent in the university environment is key to Cisco as we look to attract new intelligence, energy and talent into the company.”
Connections
Cisco engaging with the students was the result that Furniss hoped would happen. As the director of national accounts for Dexcom, she understands the importance of connecting and networking for future benefits, whether professionally or personally. But would a student understand? A COB student did.
“I saw his name pop up on LinkedIn, so I reached out and asked if our group of 20+ students could visit his office and learn more about CoStar,” said Greg Sharafinski, a rising finance senior in the COB. “He said yes without hesitation.”
That name was Dan Clark, an account executive with real estate company CoStar Group/LoopNet.
“I noticed a LinkedIn post where someone liked a post by the COB,” said Clark, a 2018 ECU political science graduate. “I commented and (let them know to) feel free to use me as a resource.”
As with Cisco, this new connection resulted in tours, presentations, lunches and Q&As.
“The students were super interactive throughout our time together,” said Clark. “If there was one thing I’d like for them to have learned, it’s that achieving something is possible if you put your mind to it. You never know what you’re going to see.”
For the trip, students also visited Parthenon Capital, Zoom, Google and Databricks.
“These trips directly impact the learning experience of our students,” said Harris. “And we’re not done. We’re hard at work pursuing new destinations for our students to visit so they can broaden their perspectives and meet with other successful COB Pirates.”
Armel Agbodjan (ECU chemistry alum), left, speaks with marketing major Nicole Cerezo Santana at a COB networking event in California.
Ocean c V ctory
Seventh annual Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge finds winning idea … in the ocean
Story By Michael Rudd | Photo By Steven Mantilla
ccording to a National Library of Medicine article, limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) is an extract found in the blood of the Atlantic horseshoe crab and helps keep injectable
the horseshoe crabs is an “ecologically unsustainable practice,” states the article. That practice could change, thanks to Limulus Biomedical, a business venture that will design, construct and maintain aquacultural systems of the American horseshoe crab to create a sustainable medications and vaccines bacteria-free, making them safe for patients. The current process of “bleeding”
Payton Cottrell, left, and Tyler Hodge discuss how the sustainability of the American horseshoe crab can lead to safer medical injections. Their team, Limulus Biomedical, won the seventh annual Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge April 10.
environment for crabs and the harvesting of the LAL found in them.
Limulus Biomedical won the seventh Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge, held April 10 in the ECU Main Student Center. ECU entrepreneurship student Tyler Hodge of Morehead City and Payton Cottrell of Carteret Community College now have $15,000 in cash prizes to grow their venture, which started as two friends who wanted to make the results of an aquaculture research project a reality.
“He (Cottrell) came to me in November of 2022 … with the idea,” said Hodge, who is on an insulin pump, which gives him a personal stake in the idea. “He was looking for somebody that would really help him out with it, really get him going. I said it’s right up my alley. I have an entrepreneurial spark. I have the resources from East Carolina University, and I said, ‘Let’s get this ball rolling.’”
Limulus Biomedical is also getting the attention of other pitch competitions. The night before the Pirate Challenge finals, Hodge and Cottrell walked away with $5,000 after winning the Blue Economy Pitch competition hosted by the ECU Office of Licensing and Commercialization.
With their recent winnings, Hodge and Cottrell hope to “keep developing feed that’s used specifically for the horseshoe crab,” said Hodge.
“You would think feed is very simple, but to keep these guys healthy enough to bleed sustainably, we have to develop our feed, which is not on the market.”
Everybody’s a winner
For the first time in the challenge’s history, all participants walked away with cash prizes, in-kind services, or both, totaling almost $200,000.
Entrepreneurship student Gage Palmer won second place and $10,000 for PALMQUATICS, a business that works with boat dealerships and private owners to provide mobile repair services specializing in fiberglass and gel coat repair. Amber Faircloth, a doctoral candidate in rehabilitation sciences, won third place and $5,000 for her idea, Talkative, a virtual reality speaking environment that assists stuttering patients with real-world situations. Crossfit Greenville Kids and Surf Stick took fourth and fifth, and thanks to Robert Gluckman of Treasure Coast Urgent Care and Treasure Coast Primary Care, won $2,500 and
$1,500, respectively. The Crisp Small Business Resource Center awarded $500 each to Iuvo and Horizon Shield, who tied for sixth place.
This years esteemed group of judges included:
Director, Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers, Rice University
Jamerus Payton
2022 PEC winner, owner of Carolina Chicken and Waffles, MBA candidate
Van Isley ’85
Retired executive, ECU Trustee, namesake of the Isley Innovation Hub
President and CEO of East Carolina Angels and the Pirate Entrepreneurship Fund
Isley is no stranger to the PEC. He’s been to almost every Pirate Challenge, with the April 10 finals being the second time serving as judge.
“They (finalists) were very impressive,” said Isley. “They are very competitive, smart and comfortable up there with their pitching”
About Limulus, Isley said, “They have a very viable concept, and it’s well thought out. It will be fun and exciting to see how they do.”
“The fact they’re producing something so critical to everyone’s life is something that we (judges) saw as an opportunity to help them,” said Wdowik, whose Pirate Entrepreneurship Fund is providing Limulus access to an equity investment in the company up to $15,000.
New to this year’s challenge is the Rural Community Impact Award, sponsored by
Holly DeArmond
Mark Wdowik
First National Bank. Winning the award was PALMQUATICS, a mobile boat repair venture. The team took home an additional $10,000 to help grow the business in rural North Carolina.
“I’m so excited for PALMQUATICS,” said Ashby Tarkington, FNB’s Greenville market executive. “They truly do cover all of eastern North Carolina and our rural communities.”
According to the Miller School’s David Mayo, organizer of the Pirate Challenge, the Pirate Challenge’s goals are to create a culture of entrepreneurship across campus, mentor entrepreneurs in a low-risk environment, and provide funding to help entrepreneurs create highimpact startups.
“We are all here tonight because we believe that entrepreneurship is a tool that can positively impact our students and communities,” said Mayo. “And that impact is reflected in the almost $800k in cash and services we’ve awarded since the inaugural Pirate Challenge in 2018.
Mentors for this year’s finalists included Kate Wiggins of NC Idea, Tyler Lumley of the Small
Business Technology Development Center, Vin McCaffrey of PrestoSports, April Kelly, entrepreneur and founder of Greenville-based Sure!, and Tee Steinberg, banking executive and an entrepreneurin-residence at the Miller School.
Wiggins mentored Limulus. She was impressed when she saw Hodge and Cottrell pitch in the second of the Pirate Challenge. As a mentor, she helped refine their pitches and brought in individuals from the entrepreneurial ecosystem in North Carolina who provided feedback on the presentation and offered advice.
“Tyler and Payton listened intently, and what you saw tonight was a slam dunk,” said Wiggins.
“What we witnessed tonight epitomizes what we’re trying to do at the Miller School of Entrepreneurship,” said Chip Galusha, acting director, Miller School of Entrepreneurship. “We want to give ECU students opportunities to cultivate and unleash their ideas to benefit eastern North Carolina, the state and maybe the whole country. The Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge has become the signature event of that mission.”
The Eighth Annual October 22 12 – 2 p.m.
Pirate
Entrepreneurship Challenge
IMBA students set sail for regional companies
Story By Michael Rudd | Photos By Rhett Butler
Eleven students in the East Carolina University
Immersive Master of Business Administration (IMBA) pathway have been paired with North Carolina companies, putting them one step closer to completing their one-year graduate journey.
In August 2023, the College of Business and the Thomas D. Arthur Graduate School of Business introduced the inaugural cohort of the IMBA pathway. The participating students embarked on a journey that would see them complete two
semesters of MBA coursework and then get paired with partner companies who would provide the cohort internship opportunities.
Those pairings were announced during the Arthur School’s first Set Sail ceremony on April 1, where Carter Cunningham (Hyster-Yale Group), Ashley Dickerson (Hyster-Yale Group), Josh Furlough (Catalent), Jewel Herlong (CAPTRUST), Andrew Kerry (TowneBank), Jenna Mallberg (Internet2), Isaiah Rutledge (Fastenal), Jenna Scott (Nordstrom),
From left front row, Carmen Smith, Jewel Herlong, Jenna Mallberg, Matthew Blount, Ashley Dickerson and Andrew Kerry. From left back row, Ted Sielatycki, Jenna Scott, Isaiah Rutledge, Grant Smith, Joshua Furlough and Carter Cunningham.
Ted Sielatycki (Fastenal), Carmen Smith (Hyster-Yale Group) and Grant Smith (ThermoFisher) learned where they are to intern during summer 2024. One IMBA student, Matt Blount, elected to pursue a physician’s assistant degree.
Last leg of a journey
The structured internship saw the students work in an environment where they can put into action what they’ve learned during the prior two terms. When Mallberg joined the nonprofit Internet2, she knew she was prepared to close out her experience successfully.
“The IMBA teaches you the true definition of Pirate grit and resilience,” said Mallberg. “The program, while very opportunistic for networking and your career, comes with a challenging course load, much travel, a graduate assistantship and professional leadership development. All of these combined might seem daunting, but it pushes your limits and lets you expand your perspective on what you can and can’t handle.”
“The cohort-based nature of the program has enhanced my teamwork capabilities to a higher level than I could have ever predicted,” said Sielatycki. “The ambiguity of the IMBA has given me a keen ability to pivot and consider alternatives when things go awry … preparing me for any challenge or adversity that arises in both the summer internship and the rest of my professional life.”
What’s expected
Hyster-Yale Group hosted two IMBA students — Dickerson and (Carmen) Smith — in what Ruth Anne Harrell calls an immersive experiential learning opportunity. Harrell is the talent acquisition manager for the Hyster-Yale Group. She said the students engaged in diverse projects like price segmentation and sales, aftersales customer analysis, and HR compliance, all with the goal of giving the new interns “broad exposure to our organization,” which included professional development opportunities led by the company’s talent management team.
“We expect them to bring innovative ideas, passion and that Pirate Pride to these projects while enhancing their professional network,” said Harrell. “Their summer will conclude with a presentation summarizing their learning and journey at HysterYale Group.”
Both Dickerson and (Carmen) Smith are now working full time at Hyster-Yale Group.
Moving forward
Dr. Linda Quick, assistant dean of the Arthur School, said the IMBA pathway was established for two reasons: to provide companies with talent committed to leadership and sustaining growth in eastern North Carolina and to give high-achieving, less professionally experienced students an accelerated route to substantive work experience. While most of the Arthur School’s MBA students are in professional jobs taking classes 100% online, another advantage of the pathway is to provide a strong network when the students’ careers begin upon pathway completion.
“The first class of the IMBA students helped us shape this new pathway and blazed a trail for the 2024-25 cohort,” said Quick. “It has been a joy to watch them grow and develop through their coursework, travel, networking events and other cocurricular activities. I’m excited to see them launch their professional careers in fantastic internships with our partner companies, and I trust they will represent the Arthur School well in all their future endeavors.”
After the inaugural cohort completed their internships, they presented their experiences to Arthur School leadership.
“Your time is limited and is better spent being thankful for where you are now and where you are going,” said Mallberg, who has words of advice for the second cohort. “Soak up every moment you can and find learning opportunities during your time in the program.”
COB delivers leadership skills for the individual, the region
Story By Michael Rudd | Photo By Rhett Butler
The Office of Expert Services in the College of Business (COB) debuted its 21st Century Leadership Series on Feb. 23. The non-curricular, learning workshops will provide 17 participants with opportunities to grow their leadership skills with the tools needed to lead employees and their companies strategically.
Over the next seven months, workshops will include lectures, case studies and opportunities for
participants to apply what they’ve learned to their circumstances and challenges as a leader.
The Office of Expert Services (OES) launched in November. It is designed to work with eastern North Carolina businesses and their leadership to ensure organizations remain relative and dynamic in North Carolina’s economic landscape.
The leadership series is the first microcredential opportunity to be launched through ECU’s new
Dr. Andy Herdman, of the College of Business Office of Expert Services, kicks off workshop No. 1 of the 21st Century Leadership series, a microcredentialed program that focuses on helping individuals build their leadership capabilities.
microcredential approval process and is offered through the ECU Office of Continuing and Professional Education. The seven-course series focuses on developing critical capabilities that help participants grow as leaders. Those capabilities include: self-leadership; communication and vision-casting; influence and negotiation; coaching and people development; motivating and engaging people; leading teams; building an inclusive culture.
The participants bring a broad spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives and come from numerous private and public organizations from counties surrounding Greenville.
“I was happy to see the attendees had a general thirst to meet with like people and talk about common challenges, their shared experiences,” said Dr. Andy Herdman, organizer of the series. “The energy found in the room helped kick things off on a strong note.”
Herdman said the participants have a strong sense of awareness; they know how to recognize challenging issues, are willing to learn and then act on what they learned.
“Each workshop will cover one or two leadership topics that will allow the participants to apply to their personal and business lives,” said Herdman. “The plan is to give them the understanding and tools they can implement the day they walk out of each workshop.”
Personal Transformation
“The lesson plan subjects are on target for what I feel I need to grow in 2024,” said Waightstill “Wade” Morehead Scales IV of Sound Partners, a financial advising firm in Greenville.”
Scales and one of his business partners are participating in the workshop for several reasons, e.g., “understanding how to best set a vision/course” that will benefit his company. Additionally, he has participated in workshops conducted by Herdman.
“His ability to relate to his students, show sincere interest in me and my success, and give me practical and focused action steps toward achievement made this class a no-brainer,” said Scales.
Like Herdman, he looks forward to being among other professionals with varying backgrounds.
“I’m excited to … learn from the other participants in the cohort,” said Scales. “Our group’s
diversity of experience, race, gender, industry, history, etc., coupled with how open and honest we were with each other right off the bat in that very first meeting, was infectious.”
Rachel Whitten is the vice president of sales and services at Visit Greenville, North Carolina. After graduating with a business degree (with a marketing concentration) from ECU in 2002, she continued her lifelong pursuit of education by obtaining a level 1 Cicerone certification, graduating from a Lean Six Sigma Champions Course, and earning her certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credentials. Annually, she attends at least 35-40 hours of continuing education and professional development through industry associations and events. She’s not done.
“(The 21st-century leadership) program description offered a more comprehensive, indepth study of the tools and skills needed to excel in a leadership role in the 2020s,” said Whitten. “By attending these workshops, I’m hoping to refine the leadership skills I have learned so far in my career … and let go of any (skills) that no longer belong or serve me and the teams I lead.”
Regional Transformation
“We want to position the university’s microcredential portfolio in a way that’s going to be relevant and competitive for industry as well as adult learners interested in gaining new skills or sharpening existing ones that will make them more competitive as applicants and more valuable as employees,” said Sharon Paynter, ECU’s acting chief research and engagement officer. “Doing this will help ensure there is a strong workforce pipeline to support business and industry in eastern North Carolina, as well as other places.”
Paynter oversees ECU’s Office of Research, Economic Development and Engagement, which includes the office of continuing and professional education. Its role is to lead the microcredential programs, which includes a review process and committee that assesses variables like market needs and the university’s capacity to meet them.
“Microcredentials are designed to be nimble and quick, often faster to complete than a traditional academic degree or certificate program,” said Paynter. “(It gives) learners the opportunity to sharpen or add skills that will make them more competitive in a workforce environment.”
Meet LUCKY XUE
Story and Photo By Reed Wolfley
Yajiong "Lucky" Xue is on a mission to educate, empower and inspire children in rural NC to care for their mental health. She is the Robert Dillard Teer Distinguished Professor in the College of Business.
Xue is an essential player in the recent $3.2 million partnership between ECU and the United Health Foundation.
This grant focuses on children and adolescents, and Xue and her students are working on a project involving a virtual reality video game and a knowledge-management system to aio collaboration among mental health professionals, family members and community partners in eastern NC. It also offers students the opportunity to apply their coursework knowledge and skills in system development.
"We need to find innovative approaches to reach children," Xue said. "So, we are building a virtual community house where they will be invited to enter as avatars, providing them with a sense of anonymity, making them more comfortable to speak out." This virtual community house offers a wide range of activities, from sports and dancing to peer-to-peer support, and incorporates mental health education into all its programs.
Mental health is a significant concern in North Carolina. Out of 100 counties, 92 are considered lacking in mental health care providers, said Xue.
This virtual setting will expand access to care for children and youth across the state.
For Xue, her project has a threefold mission.
"First, we educate children about mental health care resources and knowledge. Second, we empower them with different capabilities and strategies to address their problems.
Third, we inspire them to seek excellent resources when needed."
It's no small task, but Xue is passionate about the work. "It's very exciting to see these kids enthusiastic about having a virtual space with no barriers. They can not only play but also help themselves, addressing their mental health issues while enjoying their playtime."
Carter CUNNINGHAM student spotlight
Story By Michael Rudd
Photo By Steven Mantilla
On a warm, early evening in late May, East Carolina University graduate student Carter Cunningham stepped onto an empty Lewis Field at Clark-LeClair Stadium for a photo shoot, the first of two scheduled for the day. He was two days removed from the kickoff of the Greenville regionals, but he showed up after a heavy day of practice with a broad smile and plenty of energy left in the tank. Understanding baseball — no matter the level — is driven by history, traditions and superstitions, one was afraid to wish Cunnigham any sort of good luck because of any superstition or jinx that may be associated with it. “I used to believe in all that, but I don’t know anymore,” said Cunnigham. “My faith guides what I believe.”
Since arriving at ECU more than two years ago from Florida Southwestern State College, Cunningham’s faith has driven his actions on and off the field, and in and out of the classroom. Cunningham is a graduate student in the immersive MBA program in ECU’s College of Business after earning a bachelor’s in business management in 2023.
Out of the Classroom
One of Cunningham’s first achievements was rekindling the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at ECU. The FCA had been inactive, and Cunningham’s efforts to revive it provided a valuable support system for student-athletes, promoting fellowship and spiritual growth. During a fall networking event sponsored by the College of Business (COB), Cunningham connected with Jacob Parrish of ECU Health. That connection led to a tour of the hospital, including the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital. Why? Something was pulling Cunningham to act.
“I shadowed him (Parrish) that day, and we’re walking around doing a tour of the hospital, and we walk into the children’s hospital,” said Cunningham. “Essentially, God smacked me in the face and said you need to do something about this.”
What initially started as Pirate baseball teammates donating Christmas gifts for children resulted in the establishment of Homers that Help Foundation, where people pledged $300 and then added another $100 for every home run that the Pirates hit during the season. To date, almost $30,000 has been raised.
In the Classroom
In April, Cunningham was named an ECU 2024 Outstanding Scholar Athlete, and he’s currently enrolled in the Arthur School of Business’ inaugural immersive MBA pathway, an accelerated, three-term MBA experience designed to get high-achievers into positions of leadership quickly.
“Carter epitomizes the Pirate spirit, and I’m proud to share his story with alums, donors and friends of the college. His successful approach to both his baseball and college career serves as an inspiration to many.”
– Mike Harris
On the Field
Cunningham’s roster biography describes how he was a five-tool player during his three years as a Pirate. Words like ‘belted,’ ‘nearly perfect, ‘multihome run,’ and ‘hitting streak’ can be found in an impressive haul of statistics that led to conferencewide recognitions: American Athletic Conference Player of the Week, AAC Player of the Year, and AllConference First Team. And he’s not done yet.
Cunningham has positioned himself for numerous opportunities once he leaves ECU. Prep Baseball Report listed Cunningham as the No. 5 first baseman available for the most recent Major League Baseball draft. He and teammate Trey Yesavage were named semifinalists for the Dick Howser Trophy.
He would tell you that all the Howser Trophy traits are something to be proud of, but moral character strikes at something special to him because it’s intrinsically tied to what guides him daily.
“Just looking back at everything that happened in my life, God could only have done this,” said Cunningham.“It’s not my doing.”
Editor's note: Carter Cunningham was drafted in the 10th round by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Roz BURGESS student spotlight
« Story By Michael Rudd
« Photos By Kristen Martin and Courtesy of Roz Burgess
Eighteen-year-old Roz Burgess of Raleigh, North Carolina, has been named a 2024 Brinkley-Lane Scholar. “I opened the envelope from Dr. Ford, and when I heard that music coming from the letter, I started jumping up and down and shouting. My mom and I hugged each other tightly because we knew how much I wanted to be a Brinkley-Lane Scholar.”
Brinkley-Lane Scholars is the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at East Carolina University (ECU). The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive a fully funded education, covering the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for both in-state and out-of-state students and unique high-impact experiences, as well as the ability to explore the world with a $5,000 study abroad stipend. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with awardwinning faculty and a robust alumni network.
Building that robust alum network is at the top of Burgess's while on campus.
“I want to meet many new people and get to know my professors,” said Burgess.
Burgess has already hit the ground running regarding his studies, both business and entrepreneurship. He was recently selected as the president of the CEO student organization.
Unlike most first-year entrepreneurship students, Burgess brings experience to the classroom. His grandfather was a successful entrepreneur, and “hearing stories about him inspired me to become one,” said Burgess.
His first year of high school saw Burgess open Burgess Bakery, which grew rapidly due to its popular cake pops and elite customer base that included the North Carolina Museum of Art and one of the most followed people on YouTube. “All it takes is to put aside all the excuses and just start,” said Burgess.
It appears that Burgess is taking the same approach in his first year. Aside from establishing a strong network and getting to know his professors, being successful in the classroom is a top priority.
“I hope to make all A’s in my classes because that is very important to me,” said Burgess. “I hope to make many friends and have a tight bond with my other Brinkley-Lane scholars.”
“I want the ECU community to know I am coming strong and ready to embrace college. I am a leader who doesn’t follow the crowd.”
For his study abroad opportunity, Burgess plans to visit Brussels, Belgium.
“One of my high school teachers studied abroad for business (in Brussels), and hearing about his experience made me eager to study there as well. “I think it will be a lot of fun to get immersed in a new culture.”
Burgess plans on being a good representative of ECU. He says he wants to be a good example for people and to show them what it looks like to have drive, passion, persistence, and many other qualities of being a respected leader.
“I am excited to show ECU why I was chosen to be a Brinkley-Lane Scholar,” said Burgess.
BYRD Parker student spotlight
Weeks before he was to start his dream of being a college baseball player, Parker Byrd lost part of his right leg in a boating accident. But that’s barely slowed him on his drive toward success.
Story By Ronnie Woodward
Photo By ECU Photographers
Fall '23 was Parker Byrd’s first semester as a full-time student at ECU. That milestone did not come without challenges. Byrd has faced and defeated many as he continues to adapt since a boating accident on July 23, 2022, led to the amputation of part of his right leg and ultimately 22 surgeries to save his life. Byrd is determined to play in a baseball game someday with his fellow Pirate student-athletes. He also describes himself as “old school” with academics.
“I stick out probably a little differently than other people, because I have the (ECU baseball) book bag on and a prosthetic leg, but, thankfully, people respect each other and they don’t really come up to me much,” Byrd says. “I’ll get here, and there will be somebody come up and say they are praying for me, which is absolutely great and I love it, but typically, just living a normal college experience is pretty key.”
Byrd, 19, was a part-time student for the 202223 academic year, his first at ECU. It was his most likely option as he balanced medical appointments, physical therapy sessions and online classes.
Online learning is still part of Byrd’s daily routine, but he also enjoys being on campus and prefers learning in person. He has at least one in-person class every weekday. He drives to student parking lots and rides campus buses. One of his professors, Danica Spriggs, says Byrd is positive in interactions and active in course discussions.
The former Scotland High School star shortstop verbally committed to ECU — the alma mater of his parents, Jeff ’98 ’02 and Mitzi ’98 — during his freshman year of high school.
He is majoring in business with a minor in communication. He moved into off-campus housing with two roommates, who are childhood friends and not ECU athletes.
The upgrade to full-time student has upped his focus on time management. Byrd needs to compensate for extra time to dress. He needs to monitor for any sores or pain near his prosthetic leg area, which he encountered in September and traveled to David Rotter Prosthetics in Joliet, Illinois, for adjustments. He might need to think carefully about his path to a bus stop or class building.
As the often-smiling and witty Byrd continues to learn and navigate the student experience, he remains an inspiration to many people. Spriggs, a teaching instructor in the leadership and professional development program for the College of Business, was not aware of Byrd’s story before teaching him.
“When I discovered that he is an athlete, which usually happens weeks into the semester, I was amazed by the entire situation, especially his commitment to being a full-time student-athlete and the effort that requires,” said Spriggs.
“I do think his story is inspirational, in that he is a living example of tenacity and mental strength. His upbeat personality in the face of struggle puts many things into perspective for me, and likely his fellow classmates.”
–Danica Spriggs
The Byrd family has learned they are not alone, especially after moving from Laurinburg to Greenville following Parker’s surgeries.
Many local medical professionals have supported Parker, including at ECU Health, Youngs Physical Therapy and Sports Performance and Shane Coltrain, founder of Orthotics and Prosthetics East. Mega Pirate fan Jared Plummer ’04, a graduate in athletic training who posts in-game social media videos for a virtual snapshot into the passionate baseball fan experience at Clark-LeClair Stadium, spearheaded a Parker Byrd GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $90,000.
Plummer had no connection to the Byrd family before 2022. “They take care of their own in eastern North Carolina,” Jeff Byrd says. “We feel it. It shows how special Greenville and eastern North Carolina is.”
Parker’s positivity and determination have led to his story reaching far beyond the state, including motivational speaking requests and a TV interview with a San Diego affiliate. In conjunction with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, he participated in an interview on the MLB Network and threw a ceremonial first pitch before a Houston Astros game in April.
“He makes me better and makes our team better,” ECU head baseball coach Cliff Godwin said during the team’s media day event before the 2023 season. “Obviously it was a very tragic moment, but of all the people this could have ever happened to, he’s taken it and gone in a very positive way. He’s not only affecting our team, he’s affecting people all around the country in a positive way.”
#grit atwork
Name: Gina Rogers | Age: 58
Lives in: Hickory, NC
Occupation: North America
Regional Supply Chain Planner, for Corning Incorporated
Degree Awarded: BSBA
Supply Chain Management