Chancellor Rogers' Message, April 2025

April 4, 2025

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As we enjoy the emergence of spring across our campus—a season defined by renewal, growth and fresh beginnings—I find it fitting to pause and reflect on where we are as a university and where we are headed together.

Our strength lies in our people—our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners—who live out our mission, vision and values. We are a university committed to student success, public service and regional transformation. Those commitments remain our steady compass.

In February, ECU reached a milestone that speaks volumes about who we are and where we are going: our designation as an R1 research institution, which places ECU among 5% of institutions in the nation recognized for having the highest level of research activity. This recognition affirms the caliber of our scholarship, the impact of our innovation and the growing role ECU plays in shaping the future of eastern North Carolina and beyond. It’s a testament to the tireless work of our faculty and staff, as well as the curiosity and drive of our students.

On April 2nd, it was an honor to host Ted Mitchell, the President of the American Council on Education. His visit recognized this significant milestone in the life of our campus, but it also provided an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to impactful discovery and innovation. These initiatives are designed to address real problems and enhance the lives of those we serve, and they are the driving force behind the reimagining of the Carnegie designations. “The institutions that made it in the R1 space are where research is not separate but really is a part of how you think about teaching, a part of how you think about community service. And that for me is really joyful because it’s an indication that we can recognize institutions that are bringing research back to the people,” President Mitchell said during the R1 celebration.

We did not pursue a designation solely for the sake of a label; instead, we pursued our mission, upheld our values, and continued to leverage our assets to make a positive impact. Our approach exemplifies the highest standards in higher education, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who contributed to reaching this momentous occasion. Thanks to all who attended and participated in this week’s exciting celebration.

Our narrative, grounded in our mission, permeates all aspects of our institution. At ECU, we are committed to providing a high-quality, accessible, and affordable education that is both meaningful and transformative. We equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead fulfilling lives and pursue their aspirations. Additionally, we harness the power of our research and creative endeavors through collaborative partnerships with industry and the communities we serve to address pressing global challenges and enhance the well-being of humanity.

While we celebrate the R1 achievement, we also look forward—with the energy of spring behind us—to new ideas, bold initiatives, and the continued pursuit of excellence. Just as the season calls the earth back to life, it calls us, too, to re-engage, reimagine and recommit. Let us plant new seeds of progress and innovation, knowing that ECU’s roots are deep, our academic brand is on the rise, and our future is bright.

Sincerely,

Philip G. Rogers
Chancellor
East Carolina University