Summer 2025
CORNERSTONE MESSAGE FROM DEAN ALLISON S. DANELL
Here we grow again! Our portfolio of degree programs in Arts and Sciences has been further enhanced with the addition of new majors to meet student, societal and workforce demand, like environmental studies. Our undergraduate and graduate degree programs span the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, as shown to the right. And, with our award-winning faculty leading the lectures, labs, field experiences, research, study abroad and other curricular activities that make up a highquality and life-changing East Carolina education, we are excited to keep moving forward in our strategic plan – Future Focused, Innovation Driven. As we reflect on year two of the plan, I am immensely proud of the progress we are making in meeting ECU’s mission and vision priorities. Of note is the strengthening and expanding of high-impact practices we are creating that enhance career readiness. Take, for example, the many students engaging in faculty-mentored research experiences that encourage our students to think critically, solve problems and communicate clearly. Just this decade, more than 700 research papers have been published by Harriot College faculty that were co-authored with ECU students — and we are only halfway through the 2020s! Many thanks to our University Writing Center (which celebrated 40 years in operation just last year) for supporting these researchers and writers, offering them important knowledge about AI tools and guiding them through the writing and revision process. Another goal has been to increase the number of online undergraduate degree offerings, like psychology, applied sociology and security studies. Making more educational opportunities available on campus and online can only mean one thing — more friends and neighbors can become Pirates™ like you!
Troy Quesinberry
Mathematics and Music Education dual major
Dr. Lester A. Zeager Professor Department of Economics
“What I enjoy most about ECU is the amount of quality resources provided to all diverse programs of study. All programs are equipped with the resources needed to provide a high-quality, engaging and in-depth curriculum.”
“Harriot College and my department colleagues have supported and enhanced my teaching, research and service for nearly 40 years. I also appreciate how the Voyages of Discovery series allows our students to experience stimulating speakers.”
R Provides leadership and service to the ECU student body as a
R Expert in the fields of poverty and inequality, growth and
R Earned multiple merit scholarships at ECU, including the Ji & Li
R Conducting collaborative research to examine economic,
Resident Advisor, helping to build relationships and community in ECU’s residence halls
Family Foundation Scholarship for students majoring in mathematics
R Traveled abroad to Marktoberdorf, Germany, as part of ECU’s
Chamber Singers, experiencing world-class music and cuisine, and enjoying getting to learn new customs and seeing beautiful rural European scenery
R Dreams of giving back to the next generation of students through a career in teaching
R Has his sights set on earning his MA degree in mathematics at ECU after graduating from college
development and refugee negotiations, and passionate about international affairs
education, health and crime metrics for all 100 counties in North Carolina that may indicate disadvantaged and deprived areas, track vulnerabilities to see where intervention is most needed, and capture how regional transformation improves overall well-being
R Oversees the bachelor’s degrees in economics, including
recruiting and welcoming students and ensuring programs support the university mission and vision
R Serves as vice-chair of the ECU Honors College Faculty Advisory Committee