May 17,
2013
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE----– Elizabeth City State University Chancellor Willie J. Gilchrist, who
has led his alma mater for nearly seven years, informed the campus community
today that he is resigning his position and plans to formally retire from the
University on June 30. Gilchrist said his decision is in the best interests of
ECSU, the University of North Carolina system, and his family. UNC President
Tom Ross will soon name an interim chancellor to lead the campus during the
search for a permanent successor.
“It has been
an absolute pleasure to lead this university, its faculty, staff and students on
a path that continues to “Elevate Higher and Emerge Stronger,” Gilchrist said in
announcing his decision to step down. “While I am grateful for the opportunity
to have served over the last seven years, I am eagerly anticipating and look
forward to spending more time with my family, along with the other opportunities
that retirement will bring.”
ECSU’s many
achievements during Gilchrist’s tenure include:
•
Ranked among the Top Baccalaureate Colleges in the South by U.S. News &
World Report in its “America’s Best Colleges” issue
(2010);
•
Launched successful academic program in aviation, acquiring 2 airplanes and a
state-of-the-art traffic control system, flight radar system, and flight
simulators for student instruction;
•
Constructed state-of-the art Education Complex, Pharmacy Complex, and a new
residence Hall;
•
Achieved clean financial audits (2010-11 and 2011-12);
•
Achieved full reaccreditation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
with “no findings” (2010);
•
’School of Business and Economics, Department of Music, and Department of
Engineering and Technology achieved national
accreditation;
•
Implemented Chancellor Young Voyagers program (2008);
•
Nearly doubled grants and sponsored program funding, from $8 million to $15
million (2006-2012);
•
Executed memorandum of understanding with University of
Zululand;
•
Executed 44 memoranda of understanding with North Carolina community
colleges;
•
Increased private giving and alumni participation; and
•
Won CIAA championships in men’s basketball, bowling, and volleyball, and well as
the 2012 Pioneer Bowl in football.
A 1973
graduate of ECSU, Gilchrist has devoted his 40-year career entirely to public
education. He served as a classroom teacher, counselor, principal, and school
superintendent before entering higher education administration. He was named
interim chancellor of ECSU in September 2006 and has served as chancellor since
March 2007. He also served on the UNC Board of Governors from 2001 – 2006 and
has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to education
and his service to children.
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Kesha
Williams
Director
of Media Relations| University Relations and Marketing
Elizabeth
City State University
1704
Weeksville Rd. | Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Phone:
252.335.3686 | Fax: 252.335.3769
Email: kdwilliams@mail.ecsu.edu | www.ecsu.edu
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