Rogers: Senior administration personnel updates
It is my pleasure to update you on three personnel decisions related to senior administrative roles at ECU.
Today ECU’s Board of Trustees approved the appointments of Stephanie Coleman as vice chancellor for administration and finance and Paul Zigas as university counsel and vice chancellor for legal affairs based on my recommendation. They will begin their permanent roles on Aug. 1.
Stephanie and Paul have served this university well for many years, including most recently as interim vice chancellors. Both are long-time employees with institutional knowledge that will be a tremendous asset as we move toward the future. I am grateful for their dedication and know their leadership will make a substantial difference.
Stephanie has served as the interim vice chancellor of administration and finance since January 2021. Previously, she was the associate vice chancellor for budget and athletics fiscal affairs. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration at ECU. She started her professional career with the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor before coming to ECU in 2004, where she has served in several capacities related to the university’s financial operations.
Paul will lead the Office of University Counsel as university counsel and vice chancellor for legal affairs after serving in the interim role since September 2019. He has worked in the Office of University Counsel since 2004, when he joined ECU as assistant university attorney. He also served as interim university attorney (former title for university counsel) in 2007-2008 and has served as senior associate university attorney since 2010. Paul received bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and history from N.C. State University in 1998 and his Juris Doctor degree from the UNC School of Law in 2002. He also earned a master of toxicology degree at N.C. State in 2003.
In addition to their appointments, LaKesha Alston Forbes, ECU’s associate provost for equity and diversity and Title IX coordinator, will report directly to the Office of the Chancellor in her role as Chief Diversity Officer. It is my responsibility as chancellor to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are top of mind as we move toward a successful future for ECU and our region. I am committed to making strides in these areas and LaKesha will help advise me and other leadership on the most effective ways to make ECU a more diverse, equitable and inclusive place.
Please join me in congratulating these leaders and extending our collective best wishes as we work to advance ECU’s mission in the days ahead.
— Chancellor Philip G. Rogers