Eleven Students Named to Next Class of EC Scholars

Published May 21, 2010 by
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GREENVILLE, NC — Eleven first-year East Carolina University students have been named by the university as the EC Scholars Class of 2014.

This four-year merit scholarship is the flagship merit scholarship awarded by the university. EC Scholars receive a scholarship for four years of study plus a stipend for study abroad, worth approximately $45,000. Each year, ten to 12 incoming first-year students are selected from a highly competitive group of applicants to enter the program the following fall semester. In addition to strong academic qualifications, applicants must also demonstrate intellectual curiosity, meaningful extracurricular involvement, leadership abilities and a commitment to civic engagement.

The following incoming first-year students have been named EC Scholars:

  • Sarah Gurganus of Blounts Creek, who will graduate this spring from the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics, plans to study engineering.
  • Hannah Potter of Marshville, who will graduate this spring from Forest Hills High School, plans to major in international studies.
  • Rachel Pollard of Washington, D.C., who will graduate this spring from the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics, plans to major in biology.
  • Sandra Ross of Newton Grove, who will graduate from South Johnston High School, plans to study chemistry.
  • Megan Mehaffey of Clyde, who will graduate this spring from Tuscola High School, plans to major in engineering.
  • Mary Sanderson of Tarboro, who will graduate this spring from Tarboro High School, plans to major in biology.
  • Megan Corn of Drexel, who will graduate this spring from Jimmy C. Draughn High School, plans to major in physical therapy.
  • Kofi Monney of Greenville, who will graduate this spring from J.H. Rose High School, plans to major in biology.
  • Jessica Chirico of Havelock, who will graduate this spring from Havelock High School, plans to major in music education.
  • Taylor Lawless of Grimesland, who will graduate this spring from D.H. Conley High School, plans to major in biology and Spanish.
  • Kevin Kearney of Hampstead, who will graduate this spring from Topsail High School, plans to major in pre-medicine.

During their four years as EC Scholars, students participate in classroom, campus and community activities that foster their intellectual curiosity, personal leadership, and an appreciation of global issues.

The students live during their first year in the Honors residence hall and participate in the University Honors College. During their second year, the scholars focus on creating and implementing a civic engagement project; in their third year, the focus is on personal leadership development. Fourth-year scholars complete a Senior Capstone Project in their major discipline. Projects vary from research theses to juried recitals or shows to supervised field experiences.

The EC Scholars merit scholarship program was established in 1998 to attract students possessing the greatest potential to become scholars and leaders. Recent graduates have continued on to medical, professional and graduate programs and received Fulbright Scholarships to support graduate study abroad.

For more information on the EC Scholars Program, please contact Dr. Katie O’Connor at 252-328-5466 or oconnork@ecu.edu. For more information about the Honors College, please contact Kevin Baxter at 252-737-4079 or baxterk@ecu.edu.