Chancellor Philip Rogers on ECU’s role in making the region and state a better, stronger, healthier place.
In ECU’s new strategic plan, Future focused. Innovation driven., the university reaffirms its mission to be a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation. In addition, ECU established three vision priorities centered on social and economic mobility, workforce success, and rural health and well-being. We asked Chancellor Philip Rogers to talk about some specific examples of ECU’s leadership in these areas.
What are some partnerships or collaborations that have contributed to economic development and community well-being in the region?
One is the partnership between our School of Dental Medicine and the Roanoke-Chowan Community Health Center in Ahoskie. It’s the only place in North Carolina where a dental
In ECU’s new strategic plan, Future focused. Innovation driven., the university reaffirms its mission to be a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation. In addition, ECU established three vision priorities centered on social and economic mobility, workforce success, and rural health and well-being. We asked Chancellor Philip Rogers to talk about some specific examples of ECU’s leadership in these areas.
What are some partnerships or collaborations that have contributed to economic development and community well-being in the region?
One is the partnership between our School of Dental Medicine and the Roanoke-Chowan Community Health Center in Ahoskie. It’s the only place in North Carolina where a dental center and a local public health agency partner to improve outcomes and well-being for rural residents. Another is RISE29, where students work with business partners in places such as Bertie, Hyde and Martin counties to find innovative solutions to the challenges and problems they face. And a new project I’m confident will lead to significant benefits is NCInnovation. This organization is supporting universities in transitioning research and inventions into commercial products and services. ECU is one of four hubs across North Carolina and the lead hub for the eastern region.
What’s one way ECU is addressing the mental health challenges in the region?
That’s a great question. In November, we broke ground for a new 144-bed behavioral health hospital, a joint venture between ECU Health and Acadia Healthcare. The hospital will provide treatment, hope and healing that patients and families need when dealing with complex behavioral health issues. It also will have the first inpatient beds specifically for children and adolescents with behavioral health needs in our 29-county service area. And it will be an excellent teaching hospital for our medical, nursing, social work, family therapy and other students. That’s a big step forward.
Lastly, how is ECU contributing to cultural and social enrichment in the region?
Our theatre, dance and music students and faculty provide so many incredible, innovative and, frankly, very affordable — if not free — shows and concerts for our region. I attended those as a kid growing up here and now take my own family. We also bring nationally known speakers to campus through our Voyages of Discovery series, speaking about the vital issues of today. And in just a few weeks spring sports will be underway. It’s great to see the community come out and support our programs. Go Pirates!