Zigas named interim university counsel
Zigas
Paul Zigas has been appointed interim university counsel and vice chancellor for legal affairs for East Carolina University effective Sept. 16, pending approval by the UNC Board of Governors.
Zigas has worked in the Office of University Counsel since 2004, when he joined ECU as assistant university attorney. He served as interim university attorney (former title for university counsel) in 2007-2008 and has served as senior associate university attorney since 2010. He received bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and history from N.C. State University in 1998 and his Juris Doctor degree from the UNC School of Law in 2002. Zigas also earned a master of toxicology degree at N.C. State in 2003.
“I am honored to be chosen to serve as the interim university counsel and vice chancellor for legal affairs for East Carolina University,” Zigas said. “I truly believe in ECU’s mission of public service, student success and regional transformation, and I will ensure that the Office of University Counsel continues to provide high-quality legal services to the university community in support of that mission.”
Zigas will succeed Donna Gooden Payne, who has served as chief legal counsel for ECU since 2008 and was recently named university vice president and general counsel for the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York.
“ECU has been extraordinarily well served by Donna Gooden Payne,” said ECU Interim Chancellor Dan Gerlach. “Donna provided broad legal expertise, work ethic and commitment to mission at all times, and the University of Rochester is fortunate to have her services.
“I am also pleased that Paul Zigas, one of our most experienced staff attorneys, has agreed to serve as interim university counsel. The office will certainly maintain its high level of assistance to the university under his leadership.”
Zigas will lead a team of attorneys and support staff that is responsible for providing comprehensive legal counsel to ECU by advising the chancellor, board of trustees, senior administrators and, through them, faculty and staff. The office provides counsel on the legal implications of proposed policies, compliance with federal and state laws and administrative regulations, draft and review contracts, and legal support for a variety of matters including employment proceedings, student disciplinary appeals, health care regulations, and transactions involving real, personal and intellectual property interests.
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