ECSU Recommends Campus Improvement Projects to Working Group

In its ongoing effort to set Elizabeth City State University on a solid foundation for the future, the ECSU Phase 2 Operational Team, headed by Chancellor Thomas Conway, and University of North Carolina System Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Karrie Dixon, is making recommendations to the Working Group for campus improvements and investment in new university priorities.

Among the recommendations, improvement to the university landscape and campus facilities top the list of priorities.

“We were asked by the Board of Governors to make recommendations that would make an immediate and significant impact to ECSU students, faculty and staff,” said Dixon.

The effort includes the creation of a new Campus Master Plan, campus safety and capital priorities such as a new library, the full renovation of a residence hall, and hangars for the Viking aircraft fleet, located at the Elizabeth City Regional Airport.

Currently, ECSU staff members are executing and making plans for the beautification of the campus. A facilities budget increase will also be considered to maintain the grounds and facilities now and in the future. Other priorities include upgrading the campus ID Card Access system for dormitories and other student buildings, and installing and upgrading the campus-wide surveillance system.

Under academic requests, the Working Group will be looking at a feasibility study for offering Allied Health and Nursing programs, and sustaining the current Stabilization Plan for Aviation and Education.

“There’s not a better time to paint a picture and see the success we can have,” said Board of Governor Harry Smith at Wednesday’s meeting.

Improving campus facilities and upgrading the grounds, and enhancing student safety measures are just some of the pieces in place to enhance the student experience at ECSU. Student recruitment and retention are served not only by ECSU’s solid academic record, but also the environment in which students engage day-to-day.

Much work has been done to enhance ECSU since UNC System President Margaret Spellings announced the creation of the first working group in early 2017. For more than a year now, progress has been made on a number of issues, setting up a solid foundation for the future of the university, according to Spellings.

In the last working group meeting, held on Feb. 7, Spellings told the group that efforts are on track to build a stronger university.

The next meeting of the working group will be held on March 21, at 10 a.m., inside the Chancellor’s Board Room on the third floor of the Thorpe Administration Building on the campus of ECSU. View the ECSU calendar for future meetings.