Marnie Oursler '01, President of Marnie Custom Homes and host of DIY Network's Big Beach Builds has been named the 2022 Custom Builder of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders. Click here to read the article from ECU News Services
Nash Community College has announced Dr. LaToya McCurdy will deliver its 2023 spring commencement address. The college will hold a nurses’ pinning ceremony on Thursday, May 11 and drive through and traditional graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 12. Click here to learn more.
Congratulations to Becky Alley '97. She has been appointed as the new Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Children's Home Society of NC. Becky will lead the CHS marketing team guiding branding and communications efforts statewide. The Children's Home Society offers a broad spectrum of programs and services including adoption, foster care, parenting education, family preservation, and youth responsibility. Click here to learn more about Becky and CHS.
Dr. Lilla Holsey came to ECU in 1974 as the 11th Black faculty member. She stayed at ECU for 34 years and she was inducted into the ECU Educators Hall of Fame in 2008. Dr. Holsey's hometown is honoring her along with other incredible educators during Black History Month. Click here to read the article and learn more about Dr. Holsey's many acheivements.
Megan Sanders '06, has been awarded a 2022-2023 Charleston County School District Teacher of the Year Award. Megan, a kindergarten teacher at Oakland is in her 17th year teaching, 8th with CCSD.
The Pittsboro, NC native earned her bachelor's degree in Birth through Kindergarten Education from East Carolina University. She continued her education at the University of Phoenix where she was awarded a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction.
Her teaching philosophy:
“I believe in creating strong relationships with my students and families. We create a family within my classroom. I feel like my students do their best when they feel safe and excited to come to school!” Click here to learn more about Megan's CCHC Teacher of the Year Award
Fans of author Thomas P. Gill's novels should take note that he has a seven-day beach series of books available called Maddy's Week at the Beach. These books are an amazing collaboration of ECU talent. The author, editor, illustrator and photographer are all ECU Grads! You can search for them by title on Amazon: Mondays are for Mermaids, Tuesdays are for Turtles, Wednesdays are for Whales, Thursdays are for Thunderstorms, Fridays are for Fish, Saturdays are for Seashells, and Sundays are for Sandcastles.
Congratulations to ECU graduate Kate Doctor for winning a Teacher of the Year 2023 award for Chesterfield County schools in Virginia! Kate is a teacher at the Health Professions and Therapy School at Monacan High School and she has been an amazing inspiration for her students, click here to read more about Kate and this amazing award.
Joseph Patrick Temple of Asheville, NC passed away on May 27, 2022, after a short illness. Patrick graduated from Reidsville Senior High School in 1960, where he was a star basketball player, he went on to study at Hargrave Military Academy and then East Carolina University. After graduating from ECU Patrick started his first job at Kimberly-Clark as a sales representative, kick-starting a long and successful career in sales and management.
In 1981, Patrick met Zada Robinson of Asheville and they later became married. Zada has been a loving and faithful wife and stepmother to Patrick’s 4 adult children for almost 40 years.
Upon retirement, Patrick spent his time driving military recruits to their entrance processing from Western North Carolina to Charlotte’s Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), a job which he was so proud of. His obituary may be found at www.grocefuneralhome.com/obits/joseph-patrick-temple
Rich recently became the inagural Director of Development for CurePSP after spending 13 years working in higher education fundraising. CurePSP is an organization based out of New York City that raises awareness and funding for rare neurological diseases, like PSP. Rich's father battled PSP, so this is an incredibly personal and passionate position for him and the entire Spain family.
Robert (Bob) Spencer Parker, 71, passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2022, surrounded by his family. If you wish to share condolences or obtain information on memorial services, please visit www.andrewsmortuary.com/obituary/robert-bob-parker
Jeffrey Parker Castleberry, Jr. (an ECU student) passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022, at the age of 23 and is now at peace in heaven; his forever home. Memorials in honor of Parker may be made to Big Rock Foundation. For his obituary please visit www.rousemortuary.com.
Dr. Calvin Mercer (ECU, 1997, MA, Clinical Psychology), along with coeditor Tracy Trothen, have had published in book form, Ethics, Religion, and Spiritual Health: Intersections With Artificial Intelligence or Other Human Enhancement Technologies (November, 2022), a reprint of their coedited theme issue of the journal, Religions. Mercer’s contributions included the article, Mental and Spiritual Health Needs of Cognitively Enhanced People: A Therapeutic and Spiritual Care Model for Responding, and coauthoring the book’s preface.
Patty Torr, graduate of East Carolina University, has been featured in the Pharmaceutical Executive May issue titled, “Rising to the Tasks” along with a special episode of the Pharma Exec Podcast congratulating the 11 leaders recognized on the list. Patty’s feature discusses how she’s built the Idorsia US organization from the ground up during the pandemic with quotes about her leadership style and accomplishments. It also highlights the R&D journey and approval of QUVIVQ as well as current marketing initiatives.
Click here to read Rising to the Task
Shemika attended ECU from 1998-2002 and graduated with a major in social work. She received her master's degree in counseling from Mercy College in 2006. She has been employed in the child welfare sector for 18 yrs.
Wilson Barnes '61, Jo Ann Hooks Barnes, and Jennifer Barnes Owens, '92 show their Pirate spirit at an ECU vs JMU football game. They are a dedicated ECU family with Pirate pride dating all the way back to 1925! Wilson's mother Grace Blowe Brown (deceased) attended the East Carolina Normal School in 1925 to 1926. We hope to see even more generations of Barnes' Pirates in the future - Go Pirates!
Fred Doyle West, (Buster) age 80, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, October 14, 2022. Born in Nash County, NC on December 13, 1941, he was the son of the late Fred Thomas West and Grace Herring West. Fred was proud to serve his country in the United States Army. He Graduated from East Carolina University with a Master’s in Psychology. Fred was a true servant to his Lord, his family, his church, and to others all around him. He was a hard-working man and a great role model to his girls and all that knew him. Fred was an animal lover of all and a whisperer to horses and dogs, he loved life to the fullest, he was a family man, he was funny, but most of all he was selfless. In addition, Fred was an enthusiast of exotic cars, especially corvettes, he was an avid member in the Corvette Club for many years, A loving and dedicated husband, father, brother, and dear friend to many. Fred will be dearly missed and never forgotten. Fred is survived by his wife of 41 years, Brenda Bryant West of Greenville; his daughters, Grayson West Barrett and husband, Randy of Burgaw and Alyson West Sparks and husband, Joseph of Greenville; his sister, Faye West Ethridge of Battleboro; and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service to celebrate Fred’s life will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Charles Taylor and Kenneth Mullen officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Fred’s memory to Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 S. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
George Baskerville Chinn Jr., '65 passed away on October 12, 2022.
George was born on July 17, 1941 in Washington DC, the son of George Baskerville Chinn and Alice Frances Greene. Being the son of an Army officer who served in WW2 and Korea, he spent much of his childhood moving from place to place until his family eventually settled in Northern Virginia. While in high school he worked as a lifeguard and swim coach at Vienna Woods swimming pool where he developed his love of coaching and working with kids. After graduating high school he attended East Carolina University where he was an active member of the KA fraternity. He also served as an artilleryman in the national guard. Following his time at ECU he returned to Northern Virginia to pursue his love of teaching and coaching and went to work for the public school system. He served in various capacities including school administration, coach of multiple sports, teacher, mentor, and counselor. He loved his job and spoke often about the kids he coached and how he truly enjoyed making a difference in their lives. He was well known in the community and could usually be found attending or coaching high school sporting events in support of his students and athletes. This was also where he met his first wife, Fran. They had one son, Neale and although they eventually divorced, George remained close to Fran and Neale. Even though he lived apart from his son, he remained a constant presence in his life. He never missed an event and they spent many weekends together at his house on the Rappahannock River boating, skiing, playing golf, and eating crabs. He loved the northern neck of Virginia and all the recreation it provided. He later met his second wife Pam who had two children of her own, Kristy and Jeremy. They lived together in Fairfax Virginia where they remained close friends even after deciding to divorce. George eventually retired from Fairfax County Public Schools in 1995 after 25 years of service. He remained in close contact with his students, athletes, and colleagues up until his death.
George loved life and lived the motto “let the good times roll.” He treasured his family and friends above all else. He had an extensive network of friends ranging from colleagues, fraternity brothers, and high school classmates all over the country. He literally never met a stranger. After his retirement he spent much of his time traveling, attending social gatherings, and spending time with his grandchildren Kaylie and Taylor. They were his pride and joy. He was an avid runner and competed in many races. He loved all sports. Especially Washington Redskins and ECU football. He was a Redskins season ticket holder for years and had some epic stories about attending games with his crew back in the good old days at RFK Stadium. He was caring, kind, compassionate and would do anything to help someone in need. He had an incredible sense of compassion for the less fortunate and every year made it a point to take his granddaughters shopping for Christmas presents for those in need. He had an amazing ability to see both sides of an issue or problem and come up with a solution. He loved talking about politics and embodied traditional family values.
Several years ago he was diagnosed with macular degeneration and congestive heart failure and eventually began to lose his eyesight and mobility. After consulting with his family he decided to move to Surfside Beach South Carolina to be closer to them. No matter how difficult his situation in life was, he always maintained a positive attitude. Doing things for others became his passion. His commitment to his son, daughter in law, and grandchildren was unparalleled. He loved to watch his “girls” compete in dance and gymnastics. He attended every event he could even when it was painful for him. Geoge passed away peacefully on October 12,
2022 after a brief hospital stay. He leaves behind a sister Frances “Candy” Cloud, brother Byron Neale Chinn, son Neale Chinn, daughter in law Kara Chinn, granddaughters Kaylie and Taylor Chinn, and countless others he impacted through his kindness, compassion, and mentorship during his lifetime. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. RIP dad and thank you for everything. We love you.
Linda Kaye Davis Workman passed away on October 9, 2022.
Linda was born in Peoria, Illinois as the only child of Dean and Doris Davis. Linda enjoyed helping her parents as they worked in the hotel business and moved around frequently from job to job. During her early educational years, she could be seen working in the hotel kitchen before school, during lunch and after school. Linda describes her childhood positively, always surrounded by people who appreciated her work ethic. Losing her dad at age 12, she continued to do whatever was needed as she and her mother obtained work and made homes in the hospitality business. In 1959 Linda graduated from Peoria High School and studied at Western Michigan University from 1959 - 1961. She then moved to North Carolina to attend East Carolina University. Her children and grandchildren heard many stories of fun college days. Linda was constantly surrounded by friends and despite having to work hard to put herself through university, she always made time for others. Linda could often be seen driving her convertible Corvair to one of many social events. Linda graduated from East Carolina University in 1964 with a degree in accounting. Post graduation, she spent time working in accounting offices in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina. It was in Raleigh where she met the handsome widower and single father, Dick Workman and the two married in 1967. Linda adopted Jean Capps Workman and the family of three became a family of four when son, Mark Workman was born in 1971. Most of Linda's life found her working long days during every tax season. She claimed to enjoy the 85 hour weeks helping repeat clients who had become friends. A passion that she shared with the whole family was selling Christmas trees during the holidays. During the rest of the year, Linda and Dick could be found planning the next party for neighbors and friends wherever they lived. In 2000, Dick and Linda moved high up in the mountains to Lansing, North Carolina after falling in love with a piece of property on the New River. They designed and built their dream cabin and spent summers playing and floating the river. Linda actively volunteered in the community and could be found helping at Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church. Even though Linda professed to love Christmas the most, she really enjoyed Thanksgiving because it was often a time that was spent with many friends and family. She was well travelled, having gone to many places with her mom, spending time on a solo trip to Europe post high school and visiting her son in the military, wherever he moved around the globe. Those who love Linda will always think about her extreme love of animals. Throughout her life she was an avid horse rider and devoted dog and cat mom. Linda will be remembered as a loyal wife, a loving mom, a doting Grammy, a great friend and an incredible lady who made the world a better place. She will be missed and is survived by husband Dick, daughter Jean Travers, son-in-law Bill and grandsons Sean and Kevin, son Mark Strawn, daughter-in-law Mary-Kate, granddaughter Bridget and grandson Patrick, son Mark Workman, daughter-in-law Jan, grandson James and granddaughter Molly. A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held in the spring of 2023.
Dr. Ruby Nancy has been selected as a recipient of the University of Minnesota’s 2022 Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Award. This competitive system-wide award honors faculty who have done significant research, teaching or service/leadership to advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion at the University of Minnesota, in the person's field of study, or in our broader community. Dr. Nancy is a faculty member in the Labovitz School of Business and Economics at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where her DEI curriculum enrichment work has been funded and recognized with a Dean’s Cup award. She chairs LSBE’s Teaching & Learning Committee and teaches courses in business communication. Dr. Nancy is a member of the Association for Business Communication and the Coalition of Feminist Scholars on the History of Rhetoric and Composition, and she serves on the board of directors of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial in Duluth, Minnesota.
Dean Gough '18, is the Security Supervisor for the College of the Albemarle Currituck Campus
Ken Ashley '90 is VP of Marketing and Sales for Armstrong Telecom in Greater Pittsburgh, PA
Are you looking for a terrific book to read? Then check out The Other Dr. Gilmor by ECU Grad Dr. Benjamin Gilmer '06. This is "a powerful true story about a shocking crime and a mysterious illness that will forever change your notions of how we punish and how we heal."
The Other Dr. Gilmer
Calvin Mercer (MA, Clinical Psychology, 1997) was an invited guest speaker, along with coauthor Tracy Trothen, for a joint December 2022 podcast project of the New England-Maritimes Region of the American Academy of Religion and the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Academy of Religion. The focus of the podcast was on Mercer and Trothen’s recent award-winning book, Religion and the Technological Future: Biohacking, Artificial Intelligence, and Transhumanism.
Click here to listen to the podcast (look for Episode 6).
Emily Sauers '10, '06 is now an Associate Professor at Our Lady of the Lake University, President-Elect of MARC-ACSM
Jessica is the recipient of East Carolina University 2022 Outstanding Alumni Award. She also received the University of Arizona's Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Council of Alumni and Friends 2022 Professional Achievement Award.
Visit the ECUAA 2022 Award Recipients Page
Perry Studevent '11, has founded Mesa Education Planning LLC to help students and families apply, enroll, and pay for their undergraduate and graduate degrees with strategies to reduce student loan debt.
Retired in July 2022 and moved to Greenville to support my Pirates!
Her new book, "An Instrument for Florenda" by Brown and Christopher Smallwood received a warm literary welcome by one of the largest online book review and award contests - Readers' Favorite. Tomeko's book is available on Amazon.
As President of Chatham Economic Development Corp, Smith led the team that announced the largest project in the history of NC, and EV (electric vehicle) manufacturing that will hire 7,500 and invest $4 billion in Moncure, just outside of Raleigh.
Robert (Bob) Spencer Parker, 71, passed away on Feb. 6, 2022.
Truliant Federal Credit Union has promoted Tricia Beeker to the role of vice president of marketing. She is now responsible for all aspects of marketing at Truliant, a $3.9 billion credit union. In her new role, Beeker adds oversight of digital marketing and community engagement teams and initiatives, including the Truliant Foundation.
Jennifer '06 and George '09 & '13 Ansell have a future Pirate, ready to follow suit and become a Pirate. Happy 1st birthday to Bodhi!
Milt Sherman ('74 & '79) and Jane Reel ('70 & '78) teamed up to win the Senior Games Nationals championship in badminton mixed doubles May 18-20 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Milt also won the 70+ singles championship and Jane was the bronze medalist in women's doubles. (Milt is also a member of the ECU Athletics HOF.)
Ina Josephine Cariño '17 is the recipient of the prestigious $50,000 Whiting Award. They are the winner of the 2021 Alice James Award for Feast, forthcoming from Alice James Books in March 2023. In 2021, Ina was selected as one of four winners of the 92Y Discovery Poetry Contest. In 2019, they founded a reading series, Indigena Collective, centering marginalized creatives in the community.
Meredith Lawrence Chisenhall '10 joined The Simplified Island team as Lead Organizer. The Simplified Island is owned by Caroline Roberts '07, MBA. The team helps Eastern NC families declutter and organize their homes!
Caroline is a professional organizer and a certified KonMari Consultant. She just reached the bronze level of certification. Through her business, The Simplified Island, her team serves families in Eastern North Carolina by decluttering and organizing.
Chad Hannon '95, CLCS, was promoted to Market President for Owens Insurance Agency's home office in Greer, SC. In this role, Hannon will focus on continuing to grow the commercial side of the business, which accounts for about 70 percent of the agency’s client mix. He joined Owens Insurance as Executive Vice President of the Commercial Division seven years ago.
Active in the community, Hannon belongs to Business Networking International (BNI) Greer, participates in the Greater Greer Chamber, and regularly serves as a Meals on Wheels volunteer through Greer Community Ministries.
I was honored to receive the 2021 CAPT Hildrus A. Poindexter Award for exceptional service. The Hildrus A. Poindexter Award was established by the Black Commissioned Officers Advisory Group (BCOAG) in 1990 to recognize a Public Health Service (PHS) officer or civil service employee for outstanding service contributing to enhancing the health of communities within the U.S. and/or abroad.
Relocated from Holden Beach NC to West End NC.
Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry is pleased to announce the election of Mr. Line Dempsey as President-Elect for the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR). CLEAR is an association of individuals, agencies, and organizations that comprise the international community of professional and occupational regulation.
Line Dempsey is the Chief Compliance Officer for Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry (RAFD), a DSO with over 50 practices in North Carolina and Virginia. Before joining RAFD, Mr. Dempsey was the Senior Investigator for the NC Dental Board for 16 years.
Dr. Henry D. Brown, Assistant Principal at Rocky Mount Middle School, was selected as 2021 NC TRIO Achiever and was recognized at the NC TRIO Annual Conference.
Dr. Brown participated in the SAU Upward Bound Program (now Upward Bound Classic) as a student who attended Tarboro High School from 1994-97.
My book, Church Health For The Twenty-First Century was published in 2017.
Graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with a M.Div. in 1983, and returned to graduate with a Doctor of Ministry in 2001.
Annie Y. Patrick earned a Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in December 2021.
Named one of 2021’s 40 under 40 in Wealth Management by the American Bankers Association.
After over 30 years working in the technology field, I recently obtained an Ed.D. Higher Education Executive Leadership.
Calvin Mercer has coauthored (with Portia Bright Pittman) a children's book (ages 6-9), There Ought to Be a Law: A Bright Day at the Capitol. With Activity Book. The book won the Reader’s Favorite 5-Star Award.
https://brightbooks.org/
Dr. Nicholena Etxegoien Richardson '17 graduated from Carolinas Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Class of 2020.
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Dr. Donna Mizelle '00 has started a new job as a Family Medicine Physician at Tandem Health.
Dr. Mizelle has over 15 years of medical experience. Her primary interests are in Family Medicine. She graduated from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and completed her residency at Self Regional Healthcare’s Family Medicine Residency program in Greenwood, SC.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas and Pinehurst Surgical Clinic are recently announced that Taylor McCauley, M.D., is now seeing OB/GYN patients four days a week in Lee County.
McCauley, who earned her Doctor of Medicine at East Carolina University’s (ECU) Brody School of Medicine in 2013, has worked for Pinehurst Surgical Clinic since 2018.
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Theresa Nellis is a veteran educator and teaches an exceptional group of military-connected students. She recently moved from Japan to Kentucky with her faithful rescue dog, Sadie Mae.
She received a Psychology Degree from the University at Albany, a Master’s Degree in Education from East Carolina University, and a Ph.D. in Education from North Central University.
Theresa is the author of, Keeper of the Mirror. Learn more about Theresa and her book on her website: https://theresanellis.com/
My short story "Curtain of Memories" is being published in Chicken Soup for the Soul's Navigating Elder Care and Dementia. Release date for the book is June 22, 2021. More information about the book can be found on my blog and social media pages.
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Employment- Began Work at Duke University Medical Center in December of 2020. Psychiatry Dept. -Emergency Dept. 24 years in the field.
I've recently published my 3rd book. This one is actually about health and our healthcare system. Take if from me, it's a good read! Go Pirates!
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I have just completed 41 years in my education career---starting in 1980 as a teacher at the Eastern NC School for the Deaf. I have been a teacher, Asst. Principal, an Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal in my career---I retired twice, but came back again and currently serve as the Senior Director for Talent Acquisition in the HR Office of the Wake County Public School System. After 41 years I'm still loving my career!
My second book will be released on August 3. Men's Journal included it as one of the best 20 new books of 2021.
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Calvin Mercer was interviewed by LongeCity about his research and new book, RELIGION AND THE TECHNOLOIGAL FUTURE: BIOHACKING, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, AND TRANSHUMANISM (Palgrave Macmillan, 2021).
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Martha West, M. A., CFRE, welcomed her grandson, Tripp, in June 2020. He's pictured alternatively in his Pirate golf-shirt onesy with Martha's son, Mike, who is Tripp's Dad.
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Bonny Skinner '01 was married on September 21, 2020.
I earned my Associates in Applied Science degree from Wake Tech in the early 90’s, but decided to go for my BS in the mid 2000’s after having four kids. I wanted this degree for years and never could find the time until I just went for it. Showing my kids that it’s never too late to pursue your degree was also important. I finished in July of 2020 at 50! It was an awesome feeling when the class of 2020 was recognized this year. Keep going for your dreams and never stop learning.
After graduation, I was promoted to Application Specialist\Architect with Atrium Health in Charlotte. I am now working on assisting departments with new applications they are looking for to support non-clinical functions. I have also been successfully working from home since March 2020 in this role and have found it to more productive than in the office. Still miss the team mates but like the ability to focus without interruption.
Flew aircraft in USAF after graduation for 8 years. I served as a Special Agent in the FBI for 24 years until retirement in 2012. My wife and I now own a cattle ranch in Oklahoma.
n August, 2021, I am beginning a PhD program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Vermont. My research agenda will focus on the relationships between social movements and educational institutions, such as interventions to address rape culture on college campuses, special education program relationships with disability rights movements, and reconciliation efforts at land-grant universities, which received grants of unsold Native American lands. I am a product of the Guilford County Public Schools and earned my BA in Mathematics and Economics from ECU in 2012. After graduation, I taught in Louisiana, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania, and I earned an MA in Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind from Louisiana Tech University. My experiences at ECU—the courses, faculty, student organizations and activism, academic enrichment experiences, and school spirit—continue to fuel my love for higher education.
Dr. Frank Taylor '98 was awarded a Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Chowan University on May 8, 2021.
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Dr. Rasheeda Monroe '05 lead the charge in chipping away at vaccine inequities in North Carolina's hardest hit ZIP code. Monroe is one of six African American doctors from WakeMed Health and Hospital who call themselvesThe Sister Circle.
Monroe said they found "overwhelming demand" in African American communities. "We found that people were desperate for the vaccine."
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An experienced orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Huff is the Medical Director of Huff Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. Recognizing the value of a close-knit community, he settled on Sampson County in Clinton, North Carolina as the location for his practice.
Raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dr. Huff attended medical school at East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, graduating with the highest honors. He completed his internship and a five-year orthopaedic surgical residency at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Florida. He then completed an additional fellowship year of training in arthroscopy and joint replacement at The Florida Knee Center in Clearwater and opened his practice in Clinton in June of 1998.
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Recently a new obesity medicine physician joined Northern Light Medical Weight Management, Anna Welcome, MD, FACOG, FOMA, ABOM.
Dr. Welcome participated in a pre-med program at University of North Carolina at Wilmington and earned her medical degree from East Carolina University – Brody School of Medicine in North Carolina. Dr. Welcome completed an Internship and Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the University of Rochester – Strong Memorial Hospital, Highland Hospital in New York.
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East Carolina University recently selected Dr. Moree as a recipient of their 40 under 40 leadership award. She also voted as the Best Medical Provider in the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce Best of the Rock Awards.
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Dr. Lee Ann Garner '10 was featured in "I’m Every Woman: The Many Stages and Aspects of Women’s Health" which was presented for the YMCA's Talk on Health by the YWCA Lower Cape Fear in partnership with Wilmington (NC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Garner was raised in Duplin County. She majored in biology at Meredith College in Raleigh, taught high school science at James Kenan High School in Warsaw, and was admitted into the Brody School of Medicine at ECU. She completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency in Charlotte and currently practices at Glen Meade Center for Women's Health in Wilmington.
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In North Carolina’s central Piedmont, as throughout the Old North State, Tommy Edwards was a bluegrass music legend. A founding member of The Bluegrass Experience, Edwards was a prolific songwriter and lightning-fast guitarist whose vigorous downstrokes imbued his songs with power and tone, earning him World Champion Guitarist trophies at the 1970 and ’71 Union Grove Fiddlers Convention.
Edwards passed away the morning of May 22, 2021, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 75. On Friday, May 21st, Governor Roy Cooper awarded Edwards the Order of the Longleaf Pine. The state’s highest honor is “awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina.”
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I currently live in Huntersville, NC and have joined Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor.
www.edwardjones.com/melissa-king
Kelli Russell '05, '08 is serving as COVID-19 Contact Tracing Coordinator for ECU.
BOLTGROUP is proud to announce the appointment of Jamey Boiter as its CEO. Jamey's career with BOLTGROUP spans 30+ years, and he has led Brand Strategy and Design Innovation programs for world-class brands such as Kobalt Tools, Coca-Cola, Kraft, and IZOD, as well as start-ups like matchwell, Little Burros and Comfort Revolution, just to name a few. As CEO he looks to continue BOLTGROUP's 35 year passion and drive for design innovation in product, brand, digital and service design and experiences. In addition to numerous design awards, honors include being a Business Journal “40 Under 40” and Graphic Design USA’s People to Watch recipient. After attending Clemson University, Jamey received his BFA in design from East Carolina University’s School of Art and Design.
Kenneth Bowen, EdD. has started a new position as Director of Partnerships at BetterLesson. BetterLesson empowers K-12 teachers to build a modern classroom: learner-centered, culturally responsive, and personalized. BetterLesson supports educators in a way that’s personalized and continuous -- using a mix of remote 1:1 coaching, remote team coaching, remote workshops, and in-person workshops, all supported by the BetterLesson Lab software. We match each educator with a world-class coach and then leverage our technology to suggest customized strategies, to measure impact on student learning, and to improve teaching practice continuously through rapid iteration. This process leads to off-the-charts teacher love, high administrator engagement, and, most importantly, dramatic teacher and student growth. BetterLesson has raised over $30M of venture capital and grant funding, serves over 400 school districts, sees 850K+ monthly active users accessing our online lessons and strategies, and is expanding quickly.
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I am a new author and my book, Reach Higher in Life and Love is available now on Amazon!Visit www.keshareed.com to order your copy today.
Transitioned from working directly with the Department of Defense, after 26 years, to entering fully into the private sector. Putting my cyber operations skill set to use now with SGS North America, where I will be building a new cyber operations facility here in the US (San Antonio, TX). We will be providing various cyber security services to include but no limited to penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, compliance auditing, training, and threat hunt assessments.
Jim Matheny was named Midsouth Region Emmy winner (North Carolina, Tennessee, Northern Alabama) for best news writer, best video journalist and best general assignment report within 24 hours, on February 27, 2021.
Winners are posted at the Emmy region's website:
https://emmynashville.org/
Matheny is currently media specialist for Knox County Tennessee government housed at the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville, where he creates videos for the county historical collection, mayor's office, parks, libraries, engineering and public works, and any other county services.
Previously, he was a national Edward R. Murrow Award and multiple Emmy Award-winning reporter and photographer for East Tennessee's NBC affiliate.
Matheny was ECU School of Communication Distinguished Alumnus in 2020.
One of the most accomplished women in the history of Ole Miss Athletics, Lynnette Johnson is tying a bow on her illustrious career with the Rebels. Johnson has announced her retirement effective May 1, concluding a 32-year tenure with the university. She spent her first nine years as an athletic trainer and the last 23 as the senior woman administrator, including the final three as deputy athletics director.
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Sympathy to Mike Sherrer at the death of his dad (James W. Sherrer, Sr) on Dec. 12, 2020
Dr. Cheryl Harris Curtis is featured in a Marine Corps Leadership Command national campaign to promote educational partnerships. Dr. Curtis is the director of Educational Enhancement Services/Dedicated Veterans Advocate for Johnson C. Smith University, a private HBCU in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Curtis was instrumental in the inaugural establishment of JCSU SVA (Johnson C. Smith University Student Veterans of America) and serves as staff advisor. Dr. Curtis is an active member of NC STRIVE (Student Transition Initiative for Veteran’s Education), the North Carolina Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families, and she was elected to The Piedmont Veterans Coalition Board (a policy advocacy group). Dr. Curtis is also a member of the Working Group, funded by SAMSHA to prevent suicide among Service Members/Veterans, and their Families. Dr. Curtis is part of an independent research project facilitating the successful treatment of Veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
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Taylor Whaley, class of 2019 and current ECU graduate student, and Bryce Fleming, class of 2020, got engaged December 12, 2020 right in front of Wright Fountain!
Tricia ('00) and Chris ('99) celebrated 20 years of marriage in October 2020.
Tiffany Porter '20 graduated from ECU in May 2020
James H “Buddy” Hyatt, III passed away on January 11, 2021
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This year my project People of Greenville successfully shared more than 70 stories of interesting people in our community. Find us on Facebook or Instagram to share your story.
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Celebrating 2 years of marriage in May of 2021.
Joined my family's business, S.G. Wilkerson & Sons, Inc., as the first 5th generation family employee.
Graduation for ECU's Master of Arts in Sociology. Class of 2020
James Bryan '79 serves as Deputy Director at the NC Department of Justice in the Medicaid Investigations Division
Robert Pittman '19 was married on February 5th, 2021.
David Baird '92 was recently elected President of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA), a non-profit organization dedicated to training, supporting, and promoting the water and wastewater professionals that serve small and rural communities across the country. NRWA provides training and technical assistance through 49 affiliated State Rural Water Associations that currently have over 31,000 utility system members. Rural Water training and technical assistance covers every aspect of operating, managing and financing water and wastewater utilities.
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Beverly Tetterton-Opheim, BA 1971, was recently recognized by the Wilmington Star-News, with a lifetime achievement award for her work as a librarian/archivist and author. She has guided many researchers, and continues her work even in retirement.
In 2018, Edward Barnes '66 was inducted into Virginia Lawyer Hall of Fame.
Janet Carson Ricciarelli (BSBA Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1980; MBA East Carolina University, 1987) recently reinstated her real estate license and has joined Aldridge and Southerland Realtors in Greenville, NC, a local agency established in 1974. She and her husband, Paul (BSBA 1980, MBA 1988) have been members of the Pirate Club since 1980.
Currently the Special Assistant to the President & CEO of the JPMorgan Chase Institute. I’ve just accepted a position as the Business Management Associate with the JPMChase Global Office of Diversity & Inclusion.
I’ll work with the Global Head and Chief of Staff to stand up this new global function of the firm tasked with breaking down barriers of systemic racism and advancing racial equity for Black and brown communities. And we will work to implement our firm’s $30 billion “Path Forward” commitment.
Named as General Manager for Control Technologies LLC in Conover NC, an industrial machine systems integrator.
Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz (BSSF), hires East Carolina University alumna S. Crissy Dopkowski, SHRM-CP. Crissy joined the BSSF team as an HR Generalist. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Worksite Health Promotion from East Carolina University. Crissy is located in BSSF’s Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, office. Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz is a premier advisory firm, providing accounting, assurance, tax, and consulting services to the Mid-Atlantic Region. BSSF has been named a Best Place to Work in PA, nationally ranked as a Best Accounting Firm to Work for, and received the When Work Works award for flexible work practices.
Chatham County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce that Michael Smith has been selected as President. Smith comes to Chatham County EDC with more than 20 years’ experience in economic development, most recently as Executive Director with Sanford Area Growth Alliance.
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After graduating in 2014 I became a qualified mental health professional for children. I've been a foster care worker and Family Services Specialist with Virginia Department of Social Services since April 2018. I am passionate about giving my kids a voice and advocating for them.
Beth (Burleigh) Bullard's debut novel, Tragically Beautiful, is an Amazon #1 Hot New Release. Learn more at bethbullard.com
Jacob Quinn '20 graduated on December 4, 2020 from East Carolina University's College of Engineering and Technology.
Jan Knox was recently named associate vice president of marketing, communications and the Foundation for Guilford Technical Community College. Knox will provide overall leadership for internal and external communications for the college and fundraising for the GTCC Foundation. She will work to build broader visibility, understanding and support for both the college’s and foundation’s mission, vision and goals.
Margaret (Meg) Elizabeth Sumner '11 married Jonathan Scott Clapp on August 8, 2020 in Greensboro, NC where they reside.
Graduated in 1967 and went straight into the Air Force Reserves the same week that I took my last exam. Moved to Richmond, Va. and ended up in a real estate career. My son is also a pirate and 2 granddaughters recently graduated from ECU. Have been a proud member of the Pirates Club 50 years! My company is ERA Woody Hogg & Associates located in Mechanicsville, VA.
I was married on June 20, 2020 surrounded by my parents and my best friends. The ceremony took place in the breezeway at my parents home. My friend Allison Rose officiated. Lee Ann Tharrington and Kathryn Midyette Ruiz were Maids of Honor and JD Whitmire took photographs of the festivities.
- 2019 NASW-NC Social Worker of the Year - East Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Performance’s Outstanding Alumni Award 2019 - East Carolina University Division of Student Affairs 2018 40 Under 40 Leadership Awards - East Carolina University School of Social Work Rising Star Alumni Award in 2012 - 2005 Community Service Award from the Wilson Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
I am proud to say that my husband and I are the first to bring a healthy fast casual restaurant to Eastern NC! We are the owners of Muscle Maker Grill, where we help make eating out better for you! Stop by and see what sets us apart, grab a meal, and let’s talk Purple (or Gold!).
After 29 years of being together, Kelley and I finally got married. Here we are together on our wedding day, February 14, 2020 in Laguna Niguel, California.
Working on a PhD in Theology from the South African Seminary.
ECU alumna, Christina Pacheco '16, published a children's book on North Carolina's Lumbee Tribe. "It Lumbee Homecoming Y'all! Nakoma's Greatest Tradition" tells the story of Nakoma, an 8-year-old boy who takes readers on the journey of his favorite tradition - Lumbee Homecoming.
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Appointed Police Chief in the Village of Pinehurst, NC on October 26, 2020.
Michael Aho, who serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and Joe Esparza were married on October 20. They are avid ECU supporters and are excited about their next journey—moving to Switzerland in July 2021!
Suzie Miller and Andrew Brewer, both ECU class of 2013, married on October 17th, 2020 in Charleston, SC.
Accepted a job with Interior Logic Group as a Design consultant.
Recently published children’s book, Tuesdays are for Turtles. 7 day series, Maddy’s Week at the Beach will follow in Spring 2021. Published beach novels The Bridge and Return to Emerald Isle. Published Marine Major Hebert’s memoir, Randy’s Way, A Marine’s Faith-based Journey with ALS. 1970 era racially motivated murder mystery expected out in mid 2021. Check out my linked-in page for more information.
Married Keith Bilyeu in private elopement ceremony, July 10, 2020, in Asheville, NC. Couple resides in Clayton.
On February 8,2020 I opened my own real estate firm. It has been a dream for 12 years, and this was the year. I have been a realtor for 12 years, but finally took that leap and opened Shumack Realty in the Triad. I couldn't be happier.
I graduated from East Carolina University . I finished my Master of Arts in education in instructional technology . I had a graduate Certificate in instructional system technology concentration in online learning and teaching . I'm originally from Egypt I lived in Egypt for about 13 years till high school then I immigrated to USA . I finished my bachelor at UNCC in Electrical Engineering Technology . I'm seeking to do my PHD in instructional multimedia . I’m seeking to change the educational field and I wish to make our education more fun and effective for our students.
Elected to the ECU Alumni Association Board of Directors in July 2020.
Christina Cone ‘16, administrative director of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at the Duke Cancer Institute, has received the third annual Mary Pazdur Award for Excellence in Advanced Practice in Oncology.
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Ogaga Tebehaevu ‘15, an industrial hygiene specialist in the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at ECU, received a 2020 Emerging Professional Award from the American Society of Safety Professionals.
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Dr. Jayme Stokes ‘01, '05 has joined Wilmington (N.C.) Health as a general surgeon specializing in bariatric surgery.
Stephen Fife ‘15 has been appointed president and chief financial officer of Bladen County Hospital in Elizabethtown.
Renee Dyer ‘10, a professor of business finance at Limestone University, recently won the Best Paper Award at the Academy of Business Research online conference.
Dr. Shanna Baker ‘93 is the primary veterinarian at the newest location of Vets Pets, Rolesville Veterinary Hospital at Forestville Crossing. Vets Pets is a cooperative network of veterinary hospitals in North Carolina.
Chan Howell ‘03 published his first book, "The Last Summer" in June. It’s a coming-of-age story about Little League baseball players in a small town. He and his family live in Denton, where he owns The Old Country Store.
Jared Ballew ‘14, '18 of Franklin has been selected to serve on the Internal Revenue Service’s Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee. He is government and industry liaison at Drake Software.
Stephen B. Waddell ‘93 has been named new warden of Greene Correctional Institution in Greene County. He previously was deputy warden at Central Prison in Raleigh.
In July 2015, Drew Griffin, former East Carolina University Student Body President left his Arlington, VA job at Deloitte to partner with a former colleague who had started his own company, Blake Willson Group (BWG) in 2014. BWG is a federal consulting firm dedicated to providing timely, cost-effective, and forward-thinking business strategy, accounting, and financial management solutions to the Department of Defense, and Federal Civilian agencies. Drew was the second employee at BWG, and now serving as its Sr. Vice President responsible for implementing strategies to meet company goals and objectives. In September 2020, for the second consecutive year, BWG made Inc. Magazine's annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. Drew attributes much of his success to the lessons learned and relationships developed that he continues to benefit from at East Carolina University. Go Pirates!
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Brittney Surles Chananie (c/o 2011) and Doug Chananie (c/o 2008) of Garner, NC welcomed their first child on August 7, 2020, daughter Finleigh Claire Chananie.
Photo of Finleigh Claire Chananie
Bobbi graduated in May of 2020 (virtually of course) from Columbia University's Executive Master's Program in Change Leadership and Organizational Psychology. Her education is already a game changer for her as she continues her career in the tech leadership space.
I have accepted a job with the NC Economic Development Partnership as Business Recruitment Manager. My primary role will be to work with businesses expanding or relocating to NC. I am excited to serve as an advocate for our state, including Eastern North Carolina!
Brody Franklin Keen was born 8/23/2020 in Wilmington, NC. He measured 22 inches in length and weighed 8.15lbs. His mother, Casey (05') is doing well. Brody's older Sister (Campbell) and older brother (Preston) are excited about the new addition and are already trying to get him to say ARRRGH.
After nearly 5 years in cloud sales leadership at Google, Bobbi recently left Google to join Splunk and lead a team managing the relationships with JP Morgan Chase and Prudential.
In early October I will be starting a full-time physical therapist position with PT Solutions in the DC Metro Area!
Upon my selection as a Robert H. Wright Award recipient and graduation in Spring 2019, I was accepted to ECU's Master of Business Administration program. I will graduate with my MBA and Leadership in Organization certificate in May 2021. Currently, I work as a graduate assistant for the ECU Honors College and Office of University Scholarships. After graduation, I plan to begin my career in higher education.
While traveling for work as a TV producer two years ago, Lindsay McCormick noticed the number of travel-size toothpastes she was throwing away every month. Horrified, she began tinkering with alternatives, such as jarred toothpaste powder and dried toothpaste balls piped from pastry bags. “At the time, this was just a hobby,” she says. But shortly after McCormick splurged on a tablet-making machine and began selling her chewable product via Etsy and a website, she was featured in a Women’s Health video that went viral, and sales skyrocketed.
For inventing Bite Toothpaste Bits, a sustainable alternative to throwaway toothpaste tubes, Lindsay McCormick is one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People of 2020.
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Malena Rousseau ’05 has been named program associate at the Iowa West Foundation in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She previously served as the research and evaluation coordinator for Buffett Early Childhood Institute.
Retired in June 2018 after more than 37 years working in the Internal Audit profession. The most recent role was Staff Vice President of Internal Audit for Anthem, Inc., the second largest health insurance company in the US. Stuart also acquired three certifications between 1984 and 1988 including VA Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Certified Management Accountant.
The award-winning work of art of Caroline Rust ’93, “Billie Holiday Wears a Veil Gifted by John Rawls” has been published in Curieus 6, a secondary educational curriculum book in religion, spirituality, social relevance, and personal development.
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