Governor Pat McCrory is the speaker for ECSU’s 160th commencement ceremony

Kesha Williams
April 20, 2015

Chancellor Stacey Franklin Jones is pleased to announce Governor Pat McCrory as Elizabeth City State University’s 160th commencement keynote speaker. The commencement ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on May 9 in Roebuck Stadium. McCrory was sworn in as North Carolina’s 74th governor on January 5, 2013 following a seven-term tenure as mayor of Charlotte, N.C., (1995 – 2009). He served on Charlotte’s City Council from 1989 to 1995. Under his leadership, Charlotte made the kind of strategic advancements-economic development, transportation, job creation, infrastructure- that made Charlotte one of America’s most promising metropolitan cities for business advancement, career development and quality of life. During the years he served Charlotte, President George W. Bush appointed McCrory to serve on the United States Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) (2002-2006). McCrory, retired from Duke Energy after 28 years of employment before becoming governor. Since taking that office, he signed historic tax reform into law that was designed to place money into the paychecks of North Carolinians by reducing personal and corporate tax rates. The governor also reformed North Carolina’s unemployment insurance system and streamlined the state’s workforce development programs to provide higher skilled workers in less time. McCrory has emphasized efficiency and better customer service among state agencies. He enacted bipartisan transportation reform that will now fund projects based on need, safety and economic development. McCrory’s focus on community service reflects his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of others. McCrory has served on numerous charitable boards. He also founded the Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance in 1995. McCrory earned degrees in education and political science from Catawba College. He and wife, Ann, have been proud to call North Carolina home since they married in 1988. They will join the ECSU Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and university supporters in applauding the May 2015 graduates of Elizabeth City State University on May 9. # # #