Educators Hall of Fame honors 10 faculty, alumni for their dedication
An induction into the East Carolina University Educators Hall of Fame signifies that you left an indelible mark on others. This was especially true for Dr. Marjorie Campo Ringler, former chair of the College of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership, who was sponsored by 31 colleagues, family members, friends and former students who wished to honor her years of service and leadership.
Dr. Marjorie Ringler, center, was inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame by 31 colleagues, family members, friends and former students.
“This ceremony is special because it recognizes educators who work selflessly to improve and develop the love for learning and leadership skills for all students,” she said. “I do my work out of love and to serve. This celebration made me reflect on all that I have done and affirms that I made a difference and that I was a part of their education and leadership journey.”
Ringler was one of 10 people honored during the 26th annual Educators Hall of Fame ceremony on March 14. The Hall of Fame recognizes the service of individuals who have extensively contributed to the field of education and had a decisive impact on the lives of others. Honorees are nominated through a $1,500 gift that is placed into a Hall of Fame scholarship endowment for merit-based education scholarships.
“It is an honor for the College of Education at East Carolina University to recognize these outstanding individuals who have impacted many lives through their devoted service in the field of education,” said Dr. André Green, College of Education dean.
During the ceremony, attendees heard firsthand from first-year Educators Hall of Fame scholarship recipient Carmen Coble and sophomore College of Education and Honors College scholarship recipient Erynn Shallington.
“On days when motivation is hard to find, I remind myself of my future classroom and students, and it reignites my passion for learning,” Coble said. “The Educators Hall of Fame scholarship is helping make that dream a reality. This scholarship has provided opportunities for so many aspiring teachers before me, and it will continue to empower those who come after me.”
Dr. Phyllis Broughton, adult education teaching assistant professor, was also honored by her friends and colleagues for her work in advancing the profession of education.
“Education has always been the cornerstone of my life — both as a lifelong learner and as an advocate for student success,” she said. “To be recognized by fellow educators who share this passion is truly meaningful.”
While most inductees are faculty, staff or alumni of the College of Education, the Educators Hall of Fame also highlights the work of faculty and staff beyond the college, such as inductee Dr. Katherine Ford, associate dean of the Honors College and director of the Brinkley-Lane Scholars program.
“Throughout my career, my greatest joy has been guiding and supporting students as they grow into thoughtful scholars and engaged leaders,” Ford said. “Education is a powerful force for change, and I am fortunate to work with incredible students who inspire me daily with their dedication and passion. This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the support and encouragement I’ve received from colleagues, mentors, and friends like Pat and Lynn Lane, who believe in the transformative power of learning.”
Dr. Maria Pharr served as the keynote speaker. She is a College of Education Professional Advisory Board member and ECU alumna as well as the Pitt Community College president. She praised the inductees for their dedication to education.
“The honor of being inducted into the ECU Educators Hall of Fame is not simply about what you have accomplished,” she said. “It is about the legacy you are building. The ripples of your influence will extend far beyond these walls, shaping students, communities, and futures for generations to come.”
Since 1999, the initiative has honored more than 600 educators and raised more than $700,000 toward an endowment goal of $1 million for scholarships.
2024-2025 Inductees
Jerry Whitley Bobbitt
Bobbitt graduated from ECU with her Bachelor of Science in education in 1975. She spent many years as a public school teacher, working with Cumberland County Schools in Fayetteville and Beaufort County Schools in Washington. She also served as a coach for girls’ basketball, softball and track, as well as a mentor for new teachers. Bobbitt was sponsored posthumously for the award by the Bobbitt and Ezzell family.
Phyllis Jernigan Broughton
Broughton graduated from the former Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1972 and began her career as an educational media specialist at the newly opened ECU School of Medicine. She received her master’s in adult education from ECU and her Doctor of Education in adult and community college education from North Carolina State University. She worked at both Pitt Community College and Martin Community College before becoming a teaching assistant professor in ECU’s Department of Interdisciplinary Professions. Broughton is an award-winning researcher, writer and presenter as well as an active member of North Carolina’s Delta Kappa Gamma.
Marvin Connelly Jr.
Connelly is the superintendent of Cumberland County Schools and began his career in education as a special education teacher assistant after serving in the United States Army. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degrees in special education and school administration from N.C. State and a doctorate in educational leadership from ECU. Throughout his career, Connelly has received numerous awards and accolades, including Sandhills Regional Superintendent of the Year, the N.C.A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of the Year, Raleigh/Wake Citizens Association Lifetime Achievement award, the Felix Barker Council for Exceptional Children Excellence in Leadership Award, and N.C. State University School of Educator Distinguished Alumnus.
Katherine Ford
A professor of Hispanic studies and the Linda E. McMahon Distinguished Professor in Foreign Languages, Ford serves as the associate dean of the ECU Honors College and director of the Brinkley-Lane Scholars, the most prestigious scholarship offered at ECU. Ford studied Spanish and women’s studies at Bowdoin College as an undergraduate, later earning her master’s degree in Spanish from Middlebury College, and her doctorate from Emory University. Ford is a recipient of the ECU Centennial Award for Excellence in Service, was a nominee for the Five-Year Achievement in Research and Creative Activity Award and is a First-Year Faculty Advocate Award winner.
Bonnie B. Glass
A master teaching instructor in the Department of Mathematics, Science, and Instructional Technology in the ECU College of Education, Glass embodies the characteristics of a true Renaissance person. She earned a bachelor’s in chemistry and French from Meredith College, and a master’s in science education from the University of West Alabama. She started her career as a chemistry teacher at Fuquay Varina High School and has taught in Carteret County Schools, Asheboro-City Schools and Piedmont Community College. She joined the ECU faculty in 2013 and has led numerous study abroad experiences to destinations including Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico and more. She has designed and implemented two programs in the college: the science education specialist certificate and the elementary science concentration for elementary education majors.
Richard Alan McMahon
McMahon obtained three degrees from ECU: a bachelor’s in political science, master’s in education and an education specialist degree. He began his career as the baseball coach and social studies teacher at Southern Nash Senior High School. His leadership roles include serving as principal of Benvenue Middle School and Southern Nash Junior High and superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Schools, where he received the Bob McRae Superintendent of the Year Award. After retirement, he continued to volunteer with the United Way Tar River Region. His induction was conducted posthumously with his wife, Shirley, daughter, Katie and son, Patrick representing him.
Chad O’Neil Moore
Moore received a bachelor’s in middle grades education from ECU and a master’s of school administration from N.C. State. Throughout his career he worked as a teacher in Pitt County Schools, Nash County Schools, Franklin County Schools, Rutherford County Schools and Wayne County Schools. He was an assistant principal at C.B. Martin Middle School and a clinical teacher, science department chair and science fair coordinator at Farmville Middle School. Moore also has coached football, girls’ and boys’ basketball, softball and baseball. He has received numerous awards including the Daily Reflector Best Middle School Teacher, 2003 North of the River Community Teacher of the Year, Farmville Middle School Teacher of the Year and the 2024 Winterville Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year award.
Marjorie Campo Ringler
Ringler earned her bachelor’s in mathematics education at Florida International University before pursuing her master’s in education leadership and Doctor of Education in higher education administration. She joined the ECU faculty in 2005 and served as chair of the Department of Educational Leadership since 2017. During her tenure as chair, the department secured over $32 million in external funding, completed comprehensive curriculum revisions, and developed a doctoral-level certificate in dual-language leadership.
Freddie Williamson
Williamson is the superintendent of the Public Schools of Robeson County. He has served in numerous leadership roles in Hoke County Schools, Scotland County Schools and Sampson County Schools. Williamson received a bachelor’s in agricultural education and master’s in educational leadership from North Carolina A&T University, an educational specialist degree from ECU and his Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Fayetteville State University. He has received numerous awards including the 2016 and 2024 A. Craig Phillips Superintendent of the Year, the 2011, 2015 and 2024 Sandhills Region Superintendent of the Year, and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor in the state.
Paul Zvonkovic
Zvonkovic currently serves as the pre-award grants director for the ECU College of Education. He received a bachelor’s in American government from the University of Virginia and a Master of Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University. He has had a long career of public service spanning from Binghamton, New York to Portland, Oregon. After 30 years in public transportation planning, he transitioned into research development and administration at the Virginia Tech School of Education until joining ECU in 2018.
The College of Education recognized 10 educators during the induction ceremony for the Educators Hall of Fame.