Area Clergy Gather at K.E. White for Annual ECSU Breakfast

Chancellor Karrie Dixon addresses area clergy during the annual Clergy Breakfast held Tuesday, Jan. 8. Dr. Dixon emphasized the economic impact of ECSU on the region, citing the last report at $231.5 million.

The message is simple: Elizabeth City State University’s star is rising and community support is crucial for future growth. That was, in part, Chancellor Karrie Dixon’s message to area clergy during the annual Clergy Breakfast held at the K.E. White Center Tuesday, Jan. 8.

“It is important to have the support of the community and clergy, who are praying for success,” said Dr. Dixon during her address Tuesday morning.

The room at K.E. White was packed with members of the clergy from across the region. The annual breakfast had been anticipated, said Dr. Dixon, but was especially important since it was her first official breakfast event since being named chancellor by the UNC Board of Governors last month.

“I am grateful for the broad support I have received from the community at large,” said Dr. Dixon.

During her breakfast address, Dr. Dixon outlined for clergy members her vision for the future of ECSU, and the immediate work she has tasked her staff with to move the university to its next phase of growth. Over the course of the next six months, ECSU will be working, she said, on a new strategic plan, addressing several key questions.

“Who are we? What is our purpose? How will get there?”

Dr. Dixon then quoted the Bible’s Book of Proverbs: “Where there is no vision, people perish.”

Clergy is a direct link to the community and the message at the breakfast extends to their congregations as well. Dr. Dixon emphasized that ECSU is an economic engine for the region, and while that impact can extend beyond Northeastern North Carolina, the last report for the region states that the university has a $231.5 million impact.

“This is how important this institution is to Northeastern North Carolina,” she said. “It cannot be denied, or overlooked that ECSU is an economic engine for Northeastern North Carolina.”

Dr. Dixon emphasized the status of many of ECSU’s programs, including the signature aviation program. She also outlined much of the current work on campus, beautifying the grounds and buildings, and addressing infrastructure needs.

Following Dr. Dixon, Interim Provost Farrah Ward, the director of enrollment, Dr. Althea Riddick, and ECSU’s athletic director, George Bright, all made presentations.