COASTAL LEADER

Corbett named Coastal Studies Institute director

East Carolina University has named Dr. Reide Corbett as its new dean of integrated coastal programs and director of the Coastal Studies Institute.

Corbett, a Pirate since 2000, has served as head of CSI’s Coastal Processes Program since 2012. He has also served as chair of ECU’s Coastal Strategic Planning Committee, tasked with developing a comprehensive strategic plan for the university’s involvement in coastal research, instruction and outreach, including economic development, over the next decade.

Dr. Reide Corbett (Contributed photo)

He earned his bachelor of science in chemistry, as well as his master of science and doctorate in chemical oceanography, from Florida State University. Corbett’s research focuses on topics such as sedimentary and geochemical processes in coastal environments, the discharge of groundwater into the coastal zone, and coastal hazards and resilience. He was one of the founding faculty in ECU’s Coastal Resources Management doctoral program.

“I am excited and honored to accept this leadership role at ECU,” Corbett said. “Together with our world-class faculty, dedicated staff, vibrant student body and engaged community, we are poised to lead the nation in addressing complex problems along our coast.

“ECU’s focus on its coastal enterprise, including resources at the Coastal Studies Institute, shows its continued commitment to the East. This commitment truly resonates with me, having grown up along our coast and having studied this system for the last two decades.”

Nancy White, the founding executive director of the Coastal Studies Institute, stepped down from the role in 2017.

“After an exhaustive national search, we are pleased that one of ECU’s own, Dr. Reide Corbett, has accepted our position as dean of integrated coastal programs and director of the Coastal Studies Institute, located on Roanoke Island,” said Dr. Ron Mitchelson, ECU provost. “Dr. Corbett’s leadership skills will be crucial as we build ECU’s instructional and research capacities in this regionally important area. Our integration of social, natural and engineering sciences will be devoted to solving important issues at the coast as we work with coastal communities to secure a prosperous future.”

Chancellor Cecil Staton said, “For almost two decades Dr. Corbett has played an important role in developing ECU’s coastal programs, and he has impacted the lives of many students. I am proud of his efforts and look forward to seeing the results of his leadership as we continue to grow the Coastal Studies Institute and build new collaborations for the study of the unique coastal systems of our great state.”

Members of ECU’s Board of Trustees look at a wave tank located in the Coastal Studies Institute during a tour prior to a spring meeting. (Photo by Cliff Hollis)