View from Spilman

Pirate Strong

What a year it’s been for our university.

You already know I derive a great deal of Pirate pride from the success of our students and the work we do in our region. And while I may be outcome-oriented, today my latest source of pride is the level of effort I see this institution making under the most trying of circumstances — fighting the spread of the coronavirus.

Our faculty and staff are teaching and working online. Our alumni have modified their businesses to produce protective gear. Our health care professionals are caring for the sick. And our scientists are answering the questions that could lead to a treatment and vaccine. History will look back with astonishment at what we have done over the past weeks and will do in the months ahead. And I’m sure we’ll learn new ways to work, learn and serve that will pay long-term dividends.

We are undeterred in our drive to succeed in academics, research and service. Campus is quiet, but don’t let that fool you. ECU is working as hard as any university in the country to get through this pandemic.

We Pirates are a gritty bunch that just won’t quit. Best wishes for your health and safety, keep in touch, and keep wearing your purple with pride!

Ron Mitchelson, Ph.D.
Interim Chancellor