Meet ECU’s Class of 2026
On Friday, May 8, East Carolina University will confer 4,145 degrees and certificates to 4,006 students. Grounded in ECU’s motto of Servire, to serve, the Class of 2026 leaves prepared to strengthen communities, lead with purpose and create meaningful impact. Through experiential learning and a commitment to service, these graduates are ready to advance by doing and answer the call to serve others.
Dylan Pruett
Dylan Pruett, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. (Contributed photo)
When starting at ECU, Dylan Pruett was already working in law enforcement and looking to deepen his understanding of policing, policy and people.
His path was anything but traditional. Influenced by his own career, Pruett returned to the classroom to sharpen his critical thinking and communication skills, and to better understand the justice system.
“(ECU) gave me a stronger understanding of the ‘why’ behind the work, not just the ‘how,” Pruett said.
His advice to fellow Pirates is simple, “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that if you put your mind to something, the sky’s the limit.”
After graduation, he plans to continue his career in law enforcement while exploring graduate school opportunities, building on the foundation he developed at ECU.
College: Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
Major: Criminal Justice
Fun Fact: Being surrounded by family in law enforcement at a young age influenced Pruett’s interest in his current career.
Keislia Spencer
Keislia Spencer, College of Business. (Contributed photo)
Keislia Spencer returned to ECU a decade after earning her first degree to pursue her MBA and graduate certificate in supply chain management. From in-person classes to distance learning, she found the same support, challenge and sense of belonging that shaped her journey the first time around.
“My professors weren’t just there to lecture,” Spencer said, “They saw and nurtured my potential before I had the confidence to claim it for myself.”
The Arthur Graduate School of Business met Spencer where she was as a professional with a decade of real-world experience and still challenged her to grow beyond what she knew was possible.
“ECU is not just a place you pass through. It’s one that stays with you, helps you grow and welcomes you back with open arms,” Spencer said.
With her emotional support animal, Zoe, by her side through every chapter, Spencer’s story reflects what makes Pirate Nation feel like home — a place you look forward to returning to.
College: College of Business
Major: MBA, graduate certificate in supply chain management
Fun Fact: Spencer adopted Zoe after her freshman year at ECU.
Morgan Eisenzimmer
Morgan Eisenzimmer, College of Nursing. (Contributed photo)
Morgan Eisenzimmer turned uncertainty into purpose, discovering her passion for nursing after exploring occupation options in healthcare. While at ECU, she built a strong foundation through hands-on clinical experiences, study abroad opportunities and leadership roles that have prepared her for her career.
“ECU has prepared me for my next steps by providing me with a strong academic foundation, hands-on clinical experiences and meaningful professional opportunities,” she said.
From growing up cheering in the stands of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium to stepping into her role as a registered nurse at ECU Health, her journey reflects the power of finding your place.
College: College of Nursing
Major: Nursing
Fun Fact: During her time at ECU, Eisenzimmer studied abroad in Guatemala.
Erick Villatoro
Erick Villatoro, College of Engineering and Technology. (Contributed photo)
After moving to the United States, Erick Villatoro was looking for a university that would not only challenge him but also set him up for success. As a transfer student, he found both at ECU.
“I wanted a degree that would truly challenge me,” he said, adding that “ECU has been instrumental in my development.”
After transferring to ECU and changing majors, he found his place in the information and cybersecurity technology program. His involvement across campus set him up for success, including founding a chapter of the student organization — the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) at ECU.
“East Carolina University allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, providing me with the leadership experience necessary to transition confidently into the workforce,” he said.
Villatoro will move to Charlotte to begin a full-time IT position, carrying with him the resilience and community he built throughout his time as a Pirate.
College: College of Engineering and Technology
Major: Information and Cybersecurity Technology
Fun Fact: Villatoro is a first-generation college student.
Taylor Hodges
Taylor Hodges, Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. (Contributed photo)
What started as a personal mission for Taylor Hodges ultimately turned into a professional passion, guiding her to build a career focused on advocating for others.
“Coming from a divorced family myself, I developed an early awareness of how family dynamics can influence emotional development and mental health,” she said.
Throughout her time at ECU, Hodges developed the skills to prepare her for her next steps as a law student and future attorney. She credits her professors and advisors for their support.
“My professors and advisors have provided me with the tools and support needed to succeed. I am truly grateful for their guidance, resources and confidence in me,” she said.
This fall, she will begin an accelerated program at Elon University School of Law, where she plans to build a career advocating for children and adults navigating custody and divorce.
College: Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
Major: Psychology
Fun Fact: Hodges has completed two internships, both solidifying her interest in pursuing a career in law.
Nicole Cerezo Santana
Nicole Cerezo Santana, College of Business. (Contributed photo)
Nicole Cerezo Santana accelerated her path at ECU, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management with a certificate in data analytics in just three years while serving as president of ECU’s chapter of the American Marketing Association. She continued her journey in the College of Business immersive MBA program, gaining real-world experience through study abroad, national competitions and industry partnerships.
“None of these opportunities would have been possible without ECU and the incredible support from the College of Business,” she said.
An entrepreneur since high school, Santana founded and continues to run her custom apparel business, Raw Republic.
From studying abroad in Australia to leading on campus and building a business, her journey reflects the impact of making the most of every opportunity.
College: College of Business
Major: Immersive MBA
Fun Fact: While at ECU, Santana secured four internships and four jobs.
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