Notable Alumni and Historical Milestones of Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) stands as a beacon of education and opportunity in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. As a public historically Black university, ECSU has a rich history and a legacy of producing accomplished individuals across various fields. This article delves into the lives and achievements of some of ECSU's most notable alumni, while also highlighting key milestones in the university's history.

A Legacy of Leadership: ECSU Presidents and Chancellors

The leadership of ECSU has been instrumental in shaping its growth and development. The university has been guided by several dedicated individuals who have served as presidents and chancellors:

Principal Moore: The Normal Light, ECSU's first yearbook, was dedicated to Principal Moore in June.
Dr. Walter N.
Dr. Jimmy R.

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Dr. Marion Dennis Thorpe: He became the sixth President on July 1. Chancellor Thorpe died on April 28 after an extended illness.
Dr. Mickey L.: Appointed Chancellor on September 1 by UNC President C. Dixon Spangler Jr. following Dr.
Dr. Willie J.: Installation of Dr. Willie J. occurred in October.
Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon: Received the William C.

Notable Alumni: Champions in Athletics

ECSU has a strong tradition of athletic excellence, and many of its alumni have gone on to achieve great success in the world of sports.

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Football Stars

Jethro Pugh Jr.: (July 3, 1944 - January 7, 2015) was an American football defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys for fourteen seasons.
John Walton: Played college football at Elizabeth City State University in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) for four seasons (1965-1968). During his senior year (1968) he completed 114 of 204 passes for 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns and led the Vikings to an 8-1 record.
Reggie Langhorne: Reginald "Reggie" Devan Langhorne (born April 7, 1963), is a former professional American football player. He played in the NFL for 9 seasons from 1985 to 1993, playing for the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts during that time.
Bobby Futrell: Bobby Futrell (August 4, 1962 - June 1, 1992) was a professional American football player who played cornerback for five seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Futrell recorded 4 career interceptions, 19 passes defensed, and 134 career tackles in his time with the buccaneers. He also played in the USFL for three teams.

Basketball Legends

Gale: After graduating from Philadelphia's Overbrook High School, Gale, a 6'4" guard, played college basketball at Elizabeth City State University. He was drafted in the third round of the 1971 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls and by the Kentucky Colonels in the 1971 American Basketball Association draft. Gale played in the National Basketball Association and American Basketball Association as a member of the Kentucky Colonels (1971-1974), the New York Nets (1974-1975), the San Antonio Spurs (1975-1980), the Portland Trail Blazers (1980-1981), and the Golden State Warriors (1981-1982). He tallied 6,203 career points and 3,146 career assists, and he won the 1974 ABA Championship while with the Nets.

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Kenny Williams: Kenneth Ray "Kenny" Williams (born June 9, 1969) is an American former professional basketball player, most notably with the National Basketball Association's Indiana Pacers. He was known for his stellar leaping ability and off-court problems. In 1989-90, Williams attended Elizabeth City State University, where he did not play basketball.
ECSU Men's Basketball Team: ECSU Men's Basketball Team became 2007 CIAA Champions in March.

ECSU Mr./Ms. Representing the University

The Mr./Ms. serve as ambassadors to the ECSU community and the broader community, supporting initiatives and ensuring the continued success and legacy of ECSU. The official coronation ceremony takes place during Homecoming. The following individuals have held the title of Mr./Ms.:

John H.
William T. Bowser, Sr.
A.P.
J.T.
Rosa B.
Robert E.
Robert E.
Dr. Herman G.
E.A.
Margaret M.
(Jan. 1, 2022-Dec.
(Jan. 1, 2024-Dec.
Dr. (Jan. 1, 2022- Dec.
(Jan. 1, 2022-Dec.
Keith O. (Jan. 1, 2022-Dec.
(Jan. 1, 2023-Dec.
Dr. (Jan. 1, 2024-Dec.
Dr. (Jan. 1, 2024-Dec.
Shalon Hawkins Sharpe ’99(Jan. 1, 2023-Dec.
Dr. Edward Newsome, Jr. (Jan. 1, 2023-Dec.
Barbara B. (Jan. 1, 2019 - Dec.

Historical Milestones: A Timeline of Growth and Transformation

ECSU has a rich and storied history, marked by significant milestones that have shaped its identity and mission.

March 3, 1891: Elizabeth City State University was established.
1891-1937: The institution was known as the State Colored Normal School at Elizabeth City.
1937: The school transitioned into a four-year teachers college and was officially named Elizabeth City State Teachers College. Student newspaper renamed "Compass" succeeding the State Normal Banner and STC Newsletter.
December 1961: The college gained membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
1961-1969: The institution was known as Elizabeth City State College.
1963: Its name was changed to Elizabeth City State College.
1969: The name was changed to Elizabeth City State University to reflect expansion and the addition of graduate programs. ECSU became one of sixteen constituent institutions of The University of North Carolina (UNC) system and title of "President" changed to "Chancellor". First SGA President to become an ex-officio Trustee (Darryl E. to hold such office at any NC institution of higher learning.
January 13 -20: ECSU participates in first nationwide observance of birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
March 3: Founders Day - First designations of Trustees Emeriti - John C. Bias '26; J. B. Fraiser; Clifford B. Jones Sr.; Fred P. Markham III; J.
Diamond Jubilee: Celebrations included four Presidents: Dr. Trigg, Dr. Williams, Dr.
December: ECSU addressed by Mrs.
March: ECSU Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program hosts inaugural Drone Expo at the university’s UAS Pavilion next to the K.E. White Graduate Center. ECSU Athletics launches the inaugural “50 in 50” fundraising initiative for student-athlete scholarships and more.
April: Alumnus Major General Richard A.

Campus and Community Engagement

ECSU's campus encompasses 200 acres (0.81 km2), mostly flanked by residential districts. This also includes the Elizabeth City State Teachers College District, including the campus quadrangle, Principal's House, Moore Hall G. R. Little Library (now H. L. Trigg Building), Bias Hall, Butler Hall, and Practice School Building.

Students can choose to be involved in various on-campus organizations, including fraternities, sororities, the radio station WRVS-FM, the campus TV station, and intramural sports. Students are able to join the Student Government Association to help make campus life more interesting for students continuing to enroll here.

Recognition and Rankings

ECSU has received recognition for its commitment to academic excellence and student success.

ECSU ranks third #3 among the top, public Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCUs) Green Initiatives.
News and World Report ranked ECSU #6 on U. S.
Washington Monthly ranked ECSU among Best Bang for the Buck Institutions.
#1 HBCU in the Nation: Helping students from lower-income households achieve economic success (Third Way).
ECSU’s student enrollment is highest count in eight years (FY23).

Recent Developments

ECSU continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its students and the community.

ECSU became a regional site for COVID-19 testing & vaccinations.
October: ECSU and North Carolina Civil Rights Trail unveiled first-of-its-kind Historic Marker in Elizabeth City honoring Civil Rights Student Activists from 1960 sit-ins. ECSU and National Votes for Women Trail dedicated Historic Marker in Elizabeth City honoring Annie E.
May: Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon received the William C.

A Tragic Event

April 27, 2025: A shooting occurred on campus during a school event.

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