2024 John H. Bias Society Sponsor - $25,000

ECSU National Alumni Association, Inc.

Affiliated Chapters

A. P. Lester

Atlanta Metro

Bertie County

Down East

Dr. Herman G. Cooke

E. A. Johnson

Elizabeth City Area

Eva J. Lewis

Goldsboro-Wayne

Greater Charlotte Chapter

Greater Triad

J. T. Doles

John H. Bias

Kinston-Lenoir

Peninsula

Portsmouth

Raleigh-Durham-Wake

Richmond

Roanoke-Chowan

Robert E. Harvey Tri-State

Rosa B. Riddick

Tri-County

Virginia Beach

Washington County

Washington, DC Metro

William T. Bowser, Sr.

Wilmington

2024 Harold Trigg Society Sponsor -Tier I - $15,000

Second Episcopal District AME Church

2024 Harold Trigg Society Sponsor -Tier II - $10,000

Leo Model Foundation

2024 Sidney D. Williams Society - $5,000

Mr. Emmanuel Harris and Mrs. Jeri Harris

Mr. Jordan Hennessy

Hockmeyer Equipment Corporation

2024 Walter N. Ridley Society Sponsor - $2,500

A Better Chance A Better Community (ABC2)

Carolina Furnishing + Design

First Citizens Bank

PNC Bank

Sentara Healthcare

Dr. Joy and CAPT Anthony W. Swain (ret)

TowneBank

Truist

2024 Chancellor's Society Sponsor - $1,000

Ms. Ziner J. Alexander, in memory of Myrtle L. Johnson

AT&T

Retired Col Randy B. Bell and Mrs. Carol D. Bell

Dr. Sadie J. Carter

Ms. Bernadine Cobb

Cognosante Foundation

Dr. Saundra S. Copeland and Mr. Robert L. Copeland

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Elizabeth City Alumnae Chapter

Dr. Karrie G. Dixon and Mr. Devi D. Dixon

Mrs. Diana Gardner and Mr. Douglas S. Gardner

Mr. Alyn Goodson

Mr. Walter Hamlin

Mr. Keenon M. James

Dr. Stephanie D. Johnson

Captain Warren '97 and Mrs. Angela Judge

Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Ms. Joyce E. Long

Ms. Justina M. Long

Dr. Claudie J. Mackey and Dr. Lenora J. Jarvis-Mackey

Dr. Paul A. Norman and Mrs. Patricia Norman

Mr. Edward A. Porter

Rev. Jerry W. Spruell

Dr. Stuart M. Squires and Ms. Wilshawnda S. Squires

Dr. Kevin J. Wade

Dr. Farrah J. Ward

Ms. Lisa J. Westbrook

Word Tabernacle Church, Inc.

2024 Dean's Gold Society Circle Sponsor - $500

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Kappa Omega Chapter

Mrs. Shelva W. Banks and Mr. Ricky L. Banks

Beta Zeta Alumni Association- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Robin D. Brown

LTC Tyron W. Eason and Mrs. Joycelyn J. Powe Eason

Ms. Barbaina M. Houston-Black

Mr. William Lewin

The Links, Incorporated - Elizabeth City (NC) Chapter

Mrs. Cynthia W. Morris

Mr. Melvin Norman

Mrs. Valerie Price

Mrs. Kimrey Rhinehardt

Mrs. Juanita M. Shannon and Mr. Glover Shannon

St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church

Senator Warren Daniel

Warren Daniel represents North Carolina Senate District 46 – Burke, McDowell and Buncombe counties. Warren was raised in Burke County and graduated from Freedom High School in Morganton.  He received a Congressional appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1991 with a degree in National Security and Public Affairs.  He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Field Artillery where he served for six years. In 1997, he left active duty to attend law school at UNC Chapel Hill, where he graduated with honors in 2000.   

After his graduation from law school, Warren returned to Morganton to practice law with his father in the Daniel Law Firm, where he has worked for the past 23 years representing hundreds of clients in a wide area of legal matters ranging from real estate and business transactions, estate planning and probate, disability, adoptions, and more.   He has argued cases at every level of the North Carolina court system, including the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.  In 2007, Warren was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Warren and his wife Lydia were married 30 years ago at the West Point Cadet Chapel and are the parents of three daughters, ages 23 to 27.  Their middle daughter, Brenna, is a 2020 graduate of the ECSU Aviation Science program and has served as a flight instructor at the University for the past 3 years.   It was during Brenna's time here that Warren and Lydia became strong Viking supporters, and since then they have always strived to help ECSU continue their upward trajectory of success.  

At home, Warren and Lydia are active members of Burkemont Baptist Church where they serve in the youth Sunday school ministry.  Warren was elected to the North Carolina Senate in 2010 and is currently serving in his seventh term. He serves as the Vice-Chair of the Senate Rules and Operations Committee, and is co-chair of the Senate Judiciary committee, the Justice and Public Safety Appropriations Committee, and the Redistricting and Elections Committees. 

Phyllis C. Elmore ’82

I am encouraged by the people who believed in me enough to enter my name for the Chancellor’s Legacy Award. A native of Waterloo, SC, I am a member of the ECSU Class of 1982 and have attempted to be an advocate for the university since my graduation. While at ECSU, I was initiated into the Delta Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.  ECSU prepared me for my career, and I currently serve as the IT Manager for the Property Management Division of the Transportation Security Administration.

I have felt compelled to ensure that young men and women are made aware of educational options and pursuits available. I have organized and chaperoned many trips from the Washington DC/Baltimore, Maryland area transporting potential students to the campus of Elizabeth City State University. While all did not enroll, it was a pleasure to have them to see the place that fostered my interest and afforded me the opportunity to achieve a bachelor’s degree.

It is no secret to those around me that I have deep pride and admiration for ECSU. I wear my blue and white at every possible opportunity. Joining the Washington DC Metro Alumni Chapter has been a source of a greater Viking Pride for me as it has afforded me the means and opportunity to connect with alumni and support ECSU. I created the Washington DC Metro 5K Run in 2016 and since then, over $12,000 was raised since 2016. As Hospitality Chair of the chapter, annual cook-outs and Christmas parties were planned and hosted by my team and me. Additionally, I have served as Membership Chair as well as Nomination Chair.

I continue to visit ECSU at every opportunity to learn about the changes in structure, strategic plans and dynamics around the campus. Of all my accomplishments, I am most proud of being the mother of two grown daughters, Morgan and Courtney Elmore.

Dr. Lenora Jarvis-Mackey ’66

Lenora Jarvis-Mackey has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of River City Community Development Corporation since it was founded over 30 years ago. Under Lenora’s leadership, RCCDC has adopted a multifaceted vision empowering the residents of Northeastern North Carolina, as well as the nation, by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support systems to improve their quality of life. 

Mrs. Mackey has grown RCCDC’s programs and services to include Housing Counseling, Community Development, and Homelessness Services, Youth Development, Business and Economic Development, and Social and Cultural Awareness. She has led RCCDC to invest over $25 million in the community through each of these program areas. She has been the principal developer of a 17-unit single-family affordable housing subdivision and a 48-unit senior housing community successfully leveraged by both public and private funding in excess of $5 million. As a leader and entrepreneur in Northeastern North Carolina, Lenora led the community revitalization project “Renaissance Square”, formerly the heart of the black business district in 

Elizabeth City, NC. Part of this effort includes a 7,000 square foot Business Incubator, which currently houses six small businesses. She has and continues to serve on numerous boards and committees at a local, state, and national level, such as the National Council of Negro Women, Reinvestment Partners, North Carolina Rural Center, Elizabeth City Rotary Club Board of Directors, the Elizabeth City University Foundation Board of Directors, the NC Land of Water Board of Directors, YouthBuild USA Board of Directors, graduate of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) and lifetime member of the ECSU Alumni Association. 

Lenora was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree by Elizabeth City State University in December 2020, in recognition of her many years of service and contributions to her community. Lenora’s unwavering dedication to Elizabeth City and surrounding communities has also afforded her the honor of receiving numerous awards and recognition, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a citizen of North Carolina by a sitting governor.

Other awards and recognition include: the Women of Excellence awards, sponsored by Shaklee and the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce; the Woman of the Year Award, sponsored by the National Association of University Women; the Witherspoon-Harris Community Service Award, presented by the City of Elizabeth City; the Outstanding Alumnus Award, presented by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO); and the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Beta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

These accolades represent the level of commitment, dedication, and love for the work that she does to support the communities that she serves, as she advocates for underserved populations in Northeastern North Carolina. 

Lenora and her husband, Dr. Claudie Mackey, have been married for 55 years. Together they are the proud parents of two sons, Calvin and Jabari, and delighted grandparents of five: Ariana, CJ, Isaac, Ashani, and Kristopher. 

Senator Gladys Robinson

Senator Robinson is in her 7th term in the North Carolina Senate, District 28 which is Greensboro. She serves as the Democratic Senate Caucus Chair and previously served as Deputy Minority Leader.  Receiving her undergraduate degree from Bennett College, she received the M.S.in Education/Counseling and Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies from NC A&T State University. ( Dr. Robinson served on the Advisory Committee to develop the PHD in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies).

Senator Robinson serves on the following Committees: Health Committee; Education/Higher Education; Commerce, Appropriations Health and Human Services; Base Budget, Oversight Com on Governmental, Oversight Com. on HHS; Finance. She serves on the NC Minority Health Advisory Board and on the Southern Region Education Board, appointed by the Governor; and on the NC Commission on the Governance of Public Universities. Senator Robinson is the former North Carolina/South Carolina Director of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. She is the co-founder and co-chair of the HBCU Bipartisan/Bicameral Caucus. Much of her work in the Senate has focused on Health disparities and equal support for HBCU. She was the primary sponsor of the Medicaid Expansion bill in 2012-13.

Senator Robinson served as Chair of the NC Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and Vice Chair of the NC Legislative Black Caucus. She is a former member of the UNC Board of Governors; and she is chair of the Bennett College Board of Trustees. 

Senator Robinson is a retired community health executive with expertise in aging, health, and education, having worked in nonprofit leadership for 45 years. She retired after 35 years as Executive Director of Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency, which provided minority health services including sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS prevention/outreach, diabetes screening and infant mortality services. As a consultant she conducts board development and nonprofit management training. She has been an adjunct instructor at NC A&T State University and the Guilford School of Theology.

Senator Robinson has received numerous awards, the Sojourner Truth Award from the NBPW, the Legacy of Leaders Distinguished Alumnus Award at the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, nominated by NC A&T State University;  Lillian’s List - Legislator of the Year; Legislator of the Year for NC Association of Local Health Directors; Southern Health Association Outstanding Legislator Award; Defenders of Justice Award – NC Justice Center; Working America; Planned Parenthood Award. Senator Robinson introduced the first bill to Expand Medicaid in North Carolina.

Active in her community, she is Asst. Church Clerk and Sunday School Teacher at Providence Baptist Church; a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Grandiflora Chapter of Links, Inc.. National Council of Negro Women, NC Public School Forum, Democratic Women of Guilford County, Children and Families First of Guilford Board, and NAACP (Life Member).

Senator Robinson is a widow, has 2 adult daughters, son-in-law and 3 grandchildren.

Gwendolyn Sanders ’77

Gwendolyn Sanders is a 1977 graduate of Elizabeth City State University. She successfully completed her bachelor’s degree in English, with a concentration in Speech Pathology. In addition to her academic pursuits, Gwen was a member of the Marching Band and was initiated into the Delta Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Upon graduation, she returned to her home in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Her career path, however, led her to Washington, D.C. There she worked for her beloved Sorority, at National Headquarters. Her professional pursuit and expertise in conference and event planning led her to opportunities at the Washington DC Board of Realtors and later with IQ Solutions, located in Rockville, Maryland.

After spending over 20 years in the DMV, Ms. Sanders decided to return to North Carolina and to her beloved alma mater, where she was offered the role of Alumni Director by then Chancellor, Dr. Mickey Burnim.  After spending a few years in that role, Gwen was asked to join the Office of the Chancellor as the Senior Executive Assistant to Dr. Willie Gilchrist.

Ms. Sanders was instrumental in the leadership change over the next few years and continued to support Interim Chancellor, the Honorable Charles Becton. In 2013, Dr. Stacey Franklin Jones was at the helm of ECSU and Ms. Sanders served in the role of Secretary to the University. Dr. Jones was followed in leadership by Chancellor Thomas Conway, whose vision Ms. Sanders continued to support.

Dr. Karrie G. Dixon was named Chancellor in 2018 and Ms. Sanders remained in the Office of the Chancellor, serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff. Ms. Sanders served on several university committees during her tenure and supported the installation activities of four Chancellors.

Gwen continued in this capacity until her retirement in 2023. While she remains a committed Viking, her professional endeavors led her to her current role as Director, Office of the Bishop/Site Pastor Relations for Bishop Kim W. Brown. 

In addition to her commitment to ECSU, Ms. Sanders serves as the president of the Elizabeth City (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Parliamentarian of the Elizabeth City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is also, a member of the Board, Elizabeth City, Committee of 100.

In addition to her community service, Ms. Sanders enjoys serving at her church, St. Stephen Missionary Baptist, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Ricky Banks.

While she has much professional success, Gwen’s heart is rooted in God and family. She is the proud mother of her legacy, Chariss Sanders Riddick, mother in love to Patrick, and Gigi to her only grandson, Isaac Emmanuel. 

Her goal in life is to serve with a smile, to love unconditionally, and to always exhibit Viking Pride.

Mr. James E. Swimpson ’62

A proud native of Williamston, NC, Mr. James Earl Swimpson attended Martin County Public Schools and graduated from EJ Hayes High School in 1957 at 16 years old. From a young age, he has been a scholar and a leader having earned a scholarship from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T SU) based on his aptitude test score.

Although he was unable to attend NC A&T SU, he was committed to furthering his education and was accepted into Elizabeth City State Teachers College (ECSTC) in the winter of 1957.  While there he was active in various organizations including the yearbook staff and of course, his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

His activism also led him beyond the campus as he helped organize and participated in the Grant Store sit-in in February 1960. Mr. Swimpson, along with four other students from ECSTC, changed history by defiantly sitting at a whites only lunch counter. On October 13, 2022, Mr. Swimpson was recognized with a historic marker as the only surviving member of the original five ECSTC student activists.

Elizabeth City State Teachers College not only sparked his activism but also awarded him a B.S. in Education degree in 1962  and blessed him with his college sweetheart, Ms. Cassie Bazemore Swimpson. The blessings continued with the birth of their two children, Mr. Trevor Swimpson and Dr. Inger Swimpson.

After graduation, Mr. Swimpson worked as a Social Investigator in New York City before returning to North Carolina. In 1971, he began a 30-year career at his beloved alma mater, Elizabeth City State University (previously College). Although he worked in several positions throughout the University, he truly loved his work as Director of Financial Aid. He believed in all of the students at ECSU and his goal was to ensure that a student’s ability to meet their financial obligations would not become a barrier to graduating. 

Now Mr. Swimpson enjoys spending time with his family, and still the scholar, completing Sudoku puzzles. He especially enjoys his grandchildren: Kyra Banks, a third generation Viking, Jaihyra Banks, an entrepreneur, Coleman Moore, an 11th grade student and basketball player, and Blake Moore, a 1st grade student and Mr. Swimpson’s 8:00 am wake up call. He also adores his three great grandchildren: Jai Sean, Kash, and Marley.