ECU Tech Transfer Day highlights opportunities for students

Rhiannon Holley, cybersecurity department chair at Fayetteville Technical Community College, understands the needs of the students she teaches. After all, she was in their shoes just a few short years ago.

She came to East Carolina University as a transfer student and earned her Bachelor of Science in industrial technology (BSIT) in 2022. She returned last week with some of her students for Technology Systems Transfer Day, an event that highlighted ECU’s technology programs that cater to community college students.

Academic advisor Jason Denius, a two-time ECU graduate and former transfer student, and Dr. Natalie Aman, teaching assistant professor in distribution and logistics, discuss program options for students during Technology Systems Transfer Day. (Photo by Steven Mantilla)

“I brought my students from the cybersecurity program, hoping that they see the same kind of opportunity I had,” she said. “It’s just too perfect. The classes were excellent. They fit what I was looking for, working full time and having two kids. I didn’t have anything to really worry about. I knew that I would get the education I needed and now I get the opportunity to pass that on, pay it forward if you will.”

The Department of Technology Systems has undergraduate programs in design, distribution and logistics, industrial engineering technology, and information and cybersecurity technology. Beyond that, the nationally recognized BSIT program from which Holley graduated is designed specifically for community college students with associate degrees in a technical field, allowing them to earn four-year degrees in one of seven concentrations, five of which can be completed fully online.

“I’m a non-traditional student. I started late. Nobody in my family went to college, and ECU was a perfect fit,” Holley said. “I came through here and got my bachelor’s, and that’s about the same time I became department chair, and now I’m getting my master’s.

“About 60% of our student body is prior service or military connected students, and they’re looking for a path that fits. Cyber is a natural fit, and ECU with their BSIT transfer program, specifically the cyber side, fits directly with what they want to pursue.”

More than 170 representatives from 33 community colleges across the state attended the event in the ballrooms of the Main Campus Student Center. It featured informational sessions on programs, information specific for transfers, online and face-to-face instructional options, student support information, admissions processes, a transfer evaluation table and information specific for veterans and current military service members.

Michael Lahoud, a first-year distribution and logistics student at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, plans to transfer to ECU when he graduates in late 2026 or early 2027.

“I came to learn more about the technology field of study,” Lahoud said. “Logistics has a correlation with information technology, and I really do like this college and I wanted to learn more about it.”

He heard firsthand about transfer success stories like Jason Denius, an academic advisor for the College of Engineering and Technology who guides transfer students.

“I’m a two-time graduate of East Carolina University, but my career started at Coastal Carolina Community College,” Denius said. “Coastal Carolina provided me the next step after high school and provided me with the education, the courage, confidence and direction to move after that and pursue my four-year degree. And as soon as I visited East Carolina University, I was home. These are my people. I did a tour and everybody that was here on campus said, ‘Hey, how are you doing and welcome to ECU.’”

Rhiannon Holley, cybersecurity department chair at Fayetteville Technical Community College and an ECU alumna, talks with Dr. Tijjani “TJ” Mohammed, left, chair of the Department of Technology Systems, and Dr. David Batts, program director and associate professor of the Bachelor of Science in industrial technology program, during Technology Systems Transfer Day. (Photo by Ken Buday)

Dr. Chris Buddo, ECU’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, celebrated the university’s partnership with community colleges, noting that the shared goal of student success makes the state better.

“We’re proud to collaborate with our community college partners as we work together to meet workforce needs and to transform lives in our region,” he said in his opening remarks. “ECU, led by our BSIT friends and the great folks in the College of Engineering and Technology and the Department of Technology Systems, has been a national leader in smoothing pathways for community college students. We seek to be a destination for North Carolina’s community college students, and we’re working hard every day to make sure that you have the best transition experience that we can provide.”

Dr. Tijjani “TJ” Mohammed, chair of the Department of Technology Systems, encouraged community college students to connect with ECU, to start a conversation that can lead to a life-changing decision to earn a four-year college degree.

“We want to make sure that the students in the areas where we live understand the opportunities that are available to them and make informed choices about what they’re going to do with the rest of their lives,” he said.

Dr. Stephanie George, interim dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, said ECU offers hands-on instruction in technical fields in which jobs are in high demand. She emphasized ECU’s commitment to community college transfer students.

“Our vision is simple yet powerful: to build bridges and engineer futures,” she said in her opening remarks to students. “We are committed to creating opportunities, not obstacles, so learners like you can complete your degrees, advance your career and transform your lives.

“Whether you’re joining us from another institution, returning to school after some time away or balancing your education with work and family responsibilities, you belong here. We offer flexible programs that are designed to meet you where you are. If you’re interested in coming to campus, we have a place for you. If you prefer to stay where you’re at, we have opportunities for you, too. If you’re working full time, our programs our built with your schedule in mind. So no matter your path, we’re ready to walk it with you.”

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