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On Deck with Student Affairs February 1, 2023 Edition

Table of Contents

  • Message from Vice Chancellor Frye
  • Polar Bear 2023
  • Nominations Open
  • >>Centennial Awards for Excellence
  • >>Creed Awards
  • >>Diversity & Inclusion Awards
  • >>Servire Society
  • >>Talton Leadership Award
  • Updates and Reminders
  • >>SA Development Open House
  • >>Green Zone Training
  • New Hires, Promotions, Separations and Retirements

From the Desk of Vice Chancellor Brandon Frye

Hello Pirate Nation!!

It’s my honor and privilege to be the next Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at ECU. Today (Feb. 1) is my first official day and I am excited to be in Greenville and to be a member of Pirate Nation.

I am aware of the big shoes I have to fill, and I am very appreciative to Dr. Virginia Hardy for all her work and commitment to ECU, the Division of Student Affairs and, of course, our Pirate students over the last three decades.

For those who weren’t able to attend my interview sessions here is a little bit about me. Prior to joining ECU, I served for two years as the Vice President of Student Affairs at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, TX. Throughout my 23 years working in higher education, I made stops at Appalachian State University, the University of Georgia, Auburn University, and the University of West Florida and my roles have included duties in fraternity and sorority life, student conduct, Title IX, dean of students office, and senior administrative roles in student affairs, enrollment management and academic engagement.

I believe my progressive track in higher education and my commitment to personal and professional growth puts me in a prime place to move back to North Carolina with aspirations of taking ECU and Student Affairs to newer and greater levels. Dr. Hardy has built a great foundation, and I am thrilled that I have amazing SA professionals in our division for all the work ahead.

The SA Executive Council is working with me to create a comprehensive transition plan over the next couple of months which will involve me visiting with staff in each department as well as touring facilities and learning as much as I can about this great division.

I hope you will make plans to attend the French Fry(e) and Ice Cream Social on February 10th at 3:30pm. It will be a fun and relaxing way to wrap up the week.

Once again, I am excited to be joining the Division of Student Affairs at East Carolina University. Go Pirates!

Polar Bear 2023

Submitted by Jenny Gregory, Campus Recreation and Wellness

ECU’s 27th Annual Polar Bear Plunge took place on Thursday, January 19th. Over 1100 jumpers came out to take the plunge this year while more than 1600 came to take part in all the other activities CRW had going on. The three local news channels joined for the very first jump at 6:28pm which was live streamed at the end of the 6:00 WITN news segment.

This year’s theme was playing cards and most students who jumped received a traditional polar bear t-shirt and a 100% customized polar bear deck of playing cards. As students lined up in the indoor pool to jump, many tried out key log rolling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Shivers even made his appearance and had fun with students. While talking to students, you really felt the tradition many cared deeply about.

One student said this was her fourth and final year jumping, and she has all shirts to prove it. It was important for her to get this fourth t-shirt for her collection.

CRW had over 60 organization take part in the Student Organization Fair where they shared everything about their club and worked on recruiting new members. The CRW Leadership and Programs team lead giant trivia on the courts running a game every 15 minutes with almost 600 players throughout the night. ECU’s Tabletop and Gaming Society provided board games and card games for students to play as well and let’s not forget Aramark showcasing their talents on great food and birthday cake!

“Polar Bear Plunge is my favorite event of the year and we could not have made this event as successful without the help and support of our campus partners. Thank YOU!” - Jenny Gregory

Nominate a Student Affairs Colleague

Centennial Awards for Excellence

The Centennial Awards for Excellence represent the highest awards given to ECU faculty and staff for excellence in each of the following areas: Service, Leadership, and Spirit.

The Centennial Awards for Excellence are given annually with up to three individual recipients and one team per category. The four recipients for each of the three categories will represent one staff member (SHRA or CSS), one faculty member, and one Administrator or EHRA non-faculty member, and one team. The selection process will be the result of peer nominations and selection by the Centennial Awards for Excellence Committee. Please refer to the website for selection procedures and guidelines.

Nomination form, letter of nomination and letter of support for the 2023 Centennial Awards for Excellence must be submitted by Friday, February 17, 2023.

Creed Awards

Deadline for nominations is Friday, March 3, 2023.

Diversity and Inclusion Awards

The Office for Equity and Diversity is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the Diversity and Inclusion Awards.

These four annual awards will recognize demonstrated significant achievements of full-time faculty, full-time staff, and full-time undergraduate or graduate students. Additionally, academic units, administrative units, university organizations or university committees may be nominated for recognition. The awards will complement the development of a university community that is culturally diverse and reflective of inclusive excellence.

Nomination applications and supporting documents for the 2023 Diversity and Inclusion Awards must be received via Qualtrics no later than midnight on Monday, February 13, 2023.

Servire Society

he Servire Society acknowledges and commends faculty, staff, and students who embody our university’s motto, Servire, or “to serve.” Eligible nominees must have demonstrated a commitment to service by volunteering 100 or more hours of their time and talent in a calendar year.

Nominations for service performed during the 2022 calendar year are due by Friday, February 3, 2023.

Talton Leadership

The Talton Leadership Award was created to honor the servant leadership of the late James R. Talton Jr. ('65). A servant leader is someone who serves others in his/her work through collaboration, empathy, trust, and the ethical use of authority. These characteristics are applicable to roles that you have in your work at East Carolina University and can be applied at any level position within an organization.

Nomination form (see link below), letter of nomination, and optional letter(s) of support for the 2023 Talton Leadership Award must be sent via email to Megan Ayers (ayersm@ecu.edu), Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees, by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 24, 2023. Incomplete nominations will not be considered.

Important Updates and Reminders

SA Development Open House

ECU Student Affairs Development/Parent & Family Programs have a really great new space! Hope to see you all, if you can attend.

2023 Green Zone Training - Hosted by ECU's Military and Veteran Resource Center

ECU Faculty and Staff are invited to participate in Green Zone training hosted by the Military & Veterans Resource Center taking place in February and March. Green Zone is a two-hour training focused on military-affiliated students in higher education and provides the opportunity to speak directly with a student veteran panel about their experiences at ECU.

The premise of the Green Zone program is that knowledgeable and supportive contacts throughout East Carolina University will create a more veteran-friendly environment, which will positively affect these military students' success. Click here for more information about Green Zone Training.

  • February 23rd, 1-3 pm in the Main Campus Student Center Room 253
  • March 29th, 9-11 am in the Health Science Student Center Grand Room 202

New Hires, Promotions, Separations and Retirements

New Hires

Gillian Smith – Student Services Specialist for Student Engagement

Gillian Smith joins Student Engagement in the new role of Student Services Specialist, where she will oversee all our administrative and office functions that support student organizations and programs. Gillian graduated from ECU in December 2020 with a degree in Family and Community Services and was a student leader during her undergraduate years. She and her dog Piper moved back to Greenville and she is thrilled to be a part of the Student Engagement team!

Laura Roach – Staff Counselor, Center for Counseling and Student Development

Primary duties: provide individual and group therapy, crisis support, and educational programming to students

Laura and her family moved to Greenville one year ago from Morganton NC where she worked in social work, chaplaincy and counseling through community hospice care. She has a bachelor’s degree from Gardner-Webb University in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Campbell University as well as a Master’s of Divinity degree from Campbell University.

Laura grew up in Lincolnton, NC and has lived in various places across the state ever since. She will celebrate 20 years of marriage next year with her spouse Tyler and they have 2 girls, Ella (11) and Sophie (7). They enjoy being outside, spending time with friends, singing and watching movies.

Caitlin Giannetti – Career Services Assistant Director

Caitlin Giannetti recently moved to North Carolina after living in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts area for most of her life. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Communications and a M.Ed. in Higher Education in Student Affairs from Salem State University. Caitlin has eight years of experience working in higher education including but not limited to: student success, academic coaching, student programming and leadership, and residence life. Outside of work Caitlin enjoys traveling and exploring new places, as well as spending time with her family and friends. Caitlin is excited to join Pirate Nation and begin her work with the Employer Relations team for Career Services!

Hillary Melton – Staff Counselor, Center for Counseling and Student Development

Primary duties: provide individual and group therapy, crisis support, and educational programming to students

Hillary Melton graduated from ECU in 2018 with a MS in Counselor Education focusing on mental health and a certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling. Hillary is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist. She worked at Walter B. Jones Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center for four and a half years in both their inpatient psychiatric unit and their outpatient Opioid Treatment Program (OTP). She is excited to be back at ECU working with students to help them with life’s challenges. Hillary enjoys spending time with family, going on nature walks, traveling, watching a movie, or reading a good book.

Brittany Kachalia – Staff Counselor, Center for Counseling and Student Development

Primary duties: provide individual and group therapy, crisis support, and educational programming to students

As a licensed counselor and addictions specialist, Brittany has experience working with folks who present to counseling for a variety of concerns and come from diverse backgrounds. She understands that multiple aspects of our identities, communities, social environments, and systemic influences impact our well-being. Brittany is a NC native and a proud graduate of East Carolina University where she earned a Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling. Brittany enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outside in nature, moving her body with strength training and yoga, and trying new foods!

Tony Mitchell – Campus Living Residence Hall Coordinator for Green Hall

Tony came to us from Elizabeth City State University after working at Chowan University for a year. Tony has an undergraduate degree from Chowan in Criminal Justice and a Graduate Degree in Organizational Leadership from Chowan University. In addition to working in higher education, Tony serves as a Sgt. in the NC Army National Guard as an Infantry Team Leader.

Tony is from Bertie, NC and enjoys spending time with family and traveling.

Juliann Sanfrey – Student Health Services Registered Nurse

Juliann will be a staff nurse at Student Health and is transferring to us from BSOM OBGYN. She will begin working at Student Health on February 6.

Yulisa Weaver – Student Health Services Certified Medical Assistant

Yulisa will be a CMA on staff nurse at Main Campus SHS and is transferring to us from BSOM Pediatrics. She will begin working at Student Health on February 6.

Promotions

  • Meredith Peters – Business Officer – Campus Living – January 16
  • Darlene Perry – Business Services Coordinator – Campus Living – February 1

Separations

  • Will Bullock – Assistant Director for Student Success – Campus Living – December 5
  • Hillary DodgeEvans – Staff Counselor – CCSD – December 31
  • Janel Drake – Nurse – Student Health Services – January 3
  • Savannah Price – Nurse – Student Health Services – February 3
  • Meredith Oakley – Assistant Director – Career Services – February 8

Retirements

  • Sheila Swinson – Nurse – Student Health Services – November 30
  • Andie Harrell – Student Services Specialist – OSRR – December 31
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Credits:

Created with images by Creative Services, University Photographers, SA Communications and CRW.