ECU police chief receives Ph.D. at spring commencement

Published May 02, 2025 by

Lacey L. Gray

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East Carolina University’s Chief of Police Jason Sugg is a second-generation law enforcement officer and a first-generation Pirate. On Friday, he adds another ECU degree to his repertoire when he receives a doctorate in rhetoric, writing and professional communication from the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences Department of English.

Sugg, who has spent his 26-year career in law enforcement with the ECU Police Department, has served in various roles, from police officer to deputy police chief and now chief of police. He said it was familiarity with law enforcement that drove him to the profession originally.

After being hired by ECU, Sugg said the development opportunities available at the university attracted him even more, which has led him to pursue a broad arts and sciences education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in German from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures with a minor in history in 2014 and a graduate certificate in professional communication from the Department of English in 2019. Before pursuing his doctoral degree at ECU, Sugg earned a Master of Public Administration from the Pennsylvania State University in 2016.

“I was interested in branching out into English department programs,” he said. “I started with a certificate program and enjoyed that so much that I wanted to continue the work. I was fortunate to be accepted into the rhetoric, writing and professional communication Ph.D. program, and I had a great time with the subject matter and the work.”

While taking courses, Sugg said his favorite classes included any taught by Dr. Erin Clark, associate professor of English. He said the discourse analysis course taught by Dr. Nikki Caswell, professor of English, was meaningful to him and connected well with his profession. He said professors that were most influential to him included Clark; Caswell; Dr. Matt Cox, associate professor of English; Dr. Tracy Morse, associate professor of English; Dr. Wendy Sharer, distinguished professor of English; and Dr. David Smith, associate professor and chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.

“These professors, and others not listed here, were always so open and supportive and gave me every opportunity to develop as a student and a person,” he said.

Sugg added that the biggest challenge as a nontraditional student is a work-life balance.

A man in a police uniform stands with his hands crossed on his belt in front of a red brick building.

Sugg has spent his 26-year career in law enforcement with the ECU Police Department. (Photos by Steven Mantilla)

“Family comes first and that isn’t always perfect. I also commonly work about 48 hours a week, sometimes more. Sometimes it was difficult to find enough time,” Sugg said. “I was fortunate to be in a program that understood that and supported my progress as a part-time or half-time student. I also received support from my colleagues.”

While pursuing his degree, Sugg acquired a new outlook on life and his professional career.

A man in a police uniform and a graduation cap with gold tassel stands with arms crossed in a classroom with desks.

Sugg has pursued a broad arts and sciences education while at ECU. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in German with a minor in history in 2014 and a graduate certificate in professional communication in 2019.
(Photos by Steven Mantilla)

“I gained a much more thorough understanding of perspective, mediating relationships and knowledge, particularly about the police role in society. I feel like I enhanced my skills as a researcher, writer and presenter, and I developed a greater ability to communicate with others, regardless of their background and experiences,” he said.

Sugg also shared words of wisdom and advice for future ECU students.

“Set realistic goals and go after them. Knock one down, and set another one up. Make sure they are attainable and you will experience success. Some may take time, but keep at it,” he said. “Be intentional about diversifying your perspectives and experiences, especially in the classroom. Doing that will make you a more comprehensive thinker and give you more worldly insight than you think. Find your life balance and keep an eye on it.”

After receiving his degree, Sugg will continue working with the ECU Police. He also wants to pursue previous academic projects and publishing opportunities for those topics of interest. Beyond ECU, he said he may want to explore fields that relate directly to his degree, combining his professional and academic experiences.

“ECU has been a place that’s afforded me many opportunities to experience diverse ideas, people and perspectives,” he said. “The relationships that I’ve been able to build at ECU are substantial and important to me. It really is a phenomenal place to work and learn.”

From Snow Hill, Sugg is a member of multiple professional organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, the Police Executive Research Forum and the Rhetoric Society of America. He also serves on the Department of Political Science’s Master of Public Administration advisory board and has guest lectured in a few of the program’s classes. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching college sports, exercising, reading, participating in outdoor activities and traveling.