Pirate Profile Archives

A woman wearing a gold top with black pants sits in a huge letter ‘C’ that is part of the E-C-U letters in front of East Carolina University’s Main Campus Student Center.
Feb 03, 2025
  • Crystal Baity

Staff: Audra Thomas

Audra Thomas has mentored hundreds of students in her 25 years at East Carolina University, working to ensure they feel like they belong and can find support to succeed in...

A smiling student with straight, brown hair poses in front of shelves displaying orange and black 3D printers.
Jan 31, 2025
  • Alondra Martinez

Student: Hannah Blackburn

Hannah Blackburn, an East Carolina University senior, has accomplished a lot during her time on campus. From being involved with the ECU Honors College, a STEM scholarship recipient, founding a...

Assistant professor doctor Andrea Buenaño leans against a railing with football stadium bleachers in background.
Jan 17, 2025
  • Ronnie Woodward

Faculty: Dr. Andrea Buenaño

Dr. Andrea Buenaño can relate to the challenges faced and balancing required of college students. Buenaño is a former collegiate student-athlete who had myriad experiences then, and later professionally, in...

Woman posed in front of trees on campus.
Dec 16, 2024
  • Alondra Martinez

Student: Dayana Allison

Transitioning to college can be a whirlwind experience, but for East Carolina University freshman Dayana Allison, it has been a time filled with endless opportunities. Allison is an Honors College...

A woman in a white shirt and brown sweater stands in front of a building and bushes.
Dec 13, 2024
  • Ken Buday

Staff: Ashlee Lancaster

Level Cross is known as the home of NASCAR racing legend Richard Petty. But for Ashlee Lancaster, her hometown means a little more than that. “I’m related to most of...

Cole Miller, a male with dark hair and dark eyes smiles at the camera while wearing a white button up shirt and blueish black suit jacket while standing in front of ECU’s Joyner clocktower.
Nov 25, 2024
  • Michael Rudd

Student: Cole Miller

Over the past four years, there has been a constant presence at numerous College of Business events available for students. He's no wallflower at these events, sheepishly standing alone, unsure...

Nov 13, 2024
  • Ken Buday

Faculty: Dr. Katie Ford

Sometimes, parents do know what’s best. “My dad told me to study Spanish because he said it would be more useful,” said Dr. Katie Ford, associate dean and director of...

A college age woman wearing a brown top smiles as she sits on East Carolina University’s campus.
Nov 06, 2024
  • Alondra Martinez

Student: Ilaria Noonan

When Ilaria Noonan began her college search four years ago, it was an unexpected invitation to join East Carolina University’s Honors College that changed her path. Now, the graduating senior...

Sam Huffman poses in a purple polo shirt with arms crossed and a smile with blurred trees and Joyner buildings visible in the background.
Oct 14, 2024
  • Alondra Martinez

Student: Sam Huffman

For many students, choosing a college is about academic programs or campus life. For Sam Huffman, it was about finding the right support. When trying to find his home for...

Jessica Doyle-Mekkes grips a microphone, holds her hand in the air and smiles while wearing a black shirt and white jacket in front of the McGinnis Theatre building.
Oct 01, 2024
  • Ken Buday

Faculty: Jessica Doyle-Mekkes

Those who believe silence is golden have never heard Jessica Doyle-Mekkes. The teaching assistant professor in East Carolina University’s School of Theatre and Dance strives to give her students a...