FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ganelle Z. Sutton
Email: gzsutton@ecsu.edu
Phone: 252-335-8745
ECSU Foundation Board Welcomes New Appointees, Returning Leader
Elizabeth City, N.C. — The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Foundation has named three members to serve on its board of directors. The appointments include Chris Johnson and Rev. Jerry Spruell (returning), who will both begin July 1, 2025, and Dr. Steven D. Carter, whose term is effective immediately.
The ECSU Foundation serves as the steward of private contributions to ECSU. Its mission is to provide educational assistance for students, support the faculty, and meet the university's operational needs. By investing and administering charitable contributions, the Foundation fuels teaching, research, service, and creative endeavors that benefit both ECSU and the community.
Kimrey Rhinehardt, chair of the ECSU Foundation, said, "We are thrilled to welcome our newest appointees to the ECSU Foundation Board. Their leadership, passion and commitment to Elizabeth City State University will be instrumental in advancing our mission and expanding opportunities for our students."
Chris Johnson, an ECSU alumna and seasoned financial professional, brings over three decades of federal financial management experience. She serves as a financial systems trainer and analyst at Penn State University and previously held leadership roles at the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Comptroller of the Navy. In addition to her professional career, Johnson serves as president of the Professional Football Players Mothers Association and treasurer of Dwells Ministries. She is married to ECSU alumnus and Ohio State associate head coach/defensive line coach, Larry Johnson.
Dr. Steven D. Carter, a 2009 ECSU graduate, is a global health care entrepreneur and mentor whose work spans the United States and the United Arab Emirates. He operates multi-million-dollar health care agencies in six U.S. states and Dubai, providing mental health, developmental disability, hospice, home health and dialysis services. A recipient of ECSU's "40 Under 40" award, Carter has contributed significantly to university programming through sponsorships and partnerships, securing major speakers and offering health care internships to ECSU students. He holds a doctorate in Health Care Administration from Virginia University of Lynchburg and resides in Dallas, Texas and Washington, D.C.
Returning to the board is Rev. Jerry Spruell, a longtime supporter of ECSU and dedicated community leader. Spruell previously served as a member of the ECSU Foundation Board, where his experience in ministry and civic engagement helped guide the Foundation's mission. Spruell served as pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Farmville, NC, and Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Ayden, NC. He also worked as director of the Board of Elections for Edgecombe County for 18 years and retired from American General Financial Services after a 31-year career. He is no stranger to higher education, as he currently serves as chair of the Edgecombe Community College Board of Trustees. Known for his commitment to service and advocacy for higher education, his return reinforces the board's progressive initiatives as it continues to push ECSU's growth and advancement.
"These appointments represent both excellence and deep commitment to the mission of ECSU," said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. "Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience, a legacy of service, and a heartfelt dedication to the success of our students and our university. Their contributions will help push ECSU into an even stronger future."
Kevin J. Wade, executive director of the ECSU Foundation, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, and interim vice chancellor for University Advancement, spoke about the Foundation's new addition.
"We are leveling up our strategy, expanding our reach, and deepening our network of changemakers committed to innovative fundraising and transformational impact. Together, we will continue to open doors of opportunity for ECSU students through robust scholarship support and visionary partnerships that position our university—and our students—for greatness," he said.
For more information about the ECSU Foundation Board of Directors, visit the ECSU Foundation.
About Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City State University provides students with a high-quality, affordable education. A constituent member of the University of North Carolina System, ECSU develops courageous, resilient, and empowered leaders through excellent student-centered, experiential learning. ECSU offers baccalaureate, professional, and master's degrees across various disciplines. Come to Discover. Leave to Conquer. Visit www.ecsu.edu.
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