Stan Eakins, former dean of the College of Business, receives the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award
Dr. Stanley Eakins has been named by Gov. Roy Cooper to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his 30-plus-year commitment to providing exceptional contributions to East Carolina University and eastern North Carolina.
Rep. Gloristine Brown of North Carolina’s 8th District presented Eakins the award during the College of Business’ End-of-Year Social and Retirement Recognition Ceremony April 23.
“Dean Eakins, you are so deserving, and we appreciate your leadership and service to the state of North Carolina,” said Brown.
Eakins served as the dean of the College of Business for more than eight years between 2010 and 2018, including his time as acting dean. Eakins came to East Carolina University in 1990 after receiving his doctorate from Arizona State University. Before entering academics, he was a bank vice president and a chief financial officer for a multi-million-dollar construction and development company.
Considered among the highest honors the governor can confer, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award recognizes citizens for their exemplary service to the state.
“Stan has impacted so many students who have gone on to become successful business leaders, many of whom live and work in North Carolina,” said College of Business Interim Dean Mike Harris. “His lifelong commitment as a scholar, mentor and leader has been truly exceptional.
As dean, Eakins’ goals for the college centered on three areas: enhancing the leadership program, engaged learning and building an entrepreneurship program.
Stan Eakins accepts the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from Rep. Gloristine Brown during the College of Business’ End-of-Year Social and Retirement Recognition Ceremony April 23.
(photos courtesy of Chad Winstead)
During his tenure, Eakins led the efforts to accomplish those goals, and the results led to the first-of-its-kind Professional and Leadership Development Curriculum; collaborative workspaces, including the redesign of classrooms and the opening of the Student Technology Center; and the top 50 ranked Miller School of Entrepreneurship, home to the Pirate Entrepreneurship Challenge, Isley Innovation Hub and the Crisp Small Business Resource Center. Those initiatives lead to student success, public service and regional transformation.
“Stan’s legacy will always be linked with the three goals he put in motion,” said Harris. “His influence continues to guide the college today and well into the future.”