HIGHLIGHTS OF AN ERA
Staff and faculty gather to reflect on Chancellor Ballard’s tenure and university’s future
It was not the past accomplishments of one man but the collective future of a university that was the focus of a reception for outgoing East Carolina University Chancellor Steve Ballard at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Tuesday.
“This is not a retirement event,” said Chris Locklear, the chancellor’s chief of staff. “We’re focusing on what we’ve accomplished together over the past decade-plus, but also looking to the future.”
The event gave staff and faculty a chance to converse with Chancellor Ballard before he steps down July 1. Since he became ECU’s tenth chancellor in 2004, Ballard has worked to make ECU a leadership university, all while emphasizing teamwork and public service.
Posters around the room displayed various university accomplishments from the past 12 years, including the establishment of the School of Dental Medicine, the move to the American Athletic Conference, and SECU Partnership East, a $2 million grant to educate teachers in rural communities.
“Thank you all for a great 12 years; it has gone by quick,” Ballard said. “In leadership, it’s all about the teams you put together. All of you are the team. Your work has made it possible for us to advance and to do things that make a difference for our state and make a difference for our students.”
Chancellor Steve Ballard and his wife Nancy smile in response to remarks given at Tuesday’s reception to discuss ECU’s past accomplishments and future.
“Over the past 12 years, students have had unprecedented access to the chancellor,” said Mark Matulewicz, student body president. “These dialogues have resulted in increased resources and support for the student body at ECU. From the construction of two student centers to increasing support for communities such as student veterans, Chancellor Ballard has laid a foundation for not only our present but also our future.”
“I was glad for the opportunity to express appreciation to Chancellor Ballard for his ongoing support of community service to the people of our state,” said Carol Brown, an associate professor in the College of Education.
“I’ve seen the results of this service at the grass roots level in our public schools, after school programs, public health facilities, and numerous nonprofits across Pitt County,” she said. “The Engagement and Outreach Scholars Program has made it possible to both serve and engage in scholarship through rigorous research projects, which are being reported through national publications. This is a lasting legacy for Dr. Ballard, one that has impact on many lives in our community.”
Ballard has provided steady leadership for ECU through four presidents of the University of North Carolina system. The reception coincided with the first official day for incoming president Margaret Spellings, who has announced plans to visit all UNC system campuses early in her tenure.
Both faculty and staff praised Ballard for his commitment to listening and valuing their input, particularly through positive relationships with Faculty Senate and Staff Senate.
East Carolina is going into its chancellor search from a position of strength, according to associate professor John Stiller, chair of the faculty and member of the search committee.
“We’ve accomplished a number of amazing things,” Stiller said. “Our next chancellor needs to take that foundation and build on it, not tear it down or remodel. Whoever takes over the wheel of this Pirate ship will have a tremendous tail wind at their back.”
Chancellor Steve Ballard poses with James Regan, an ECU staff member and master’s student, as Nancy Ballard takes a photo at a reception in the club level of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on Tuesday.