East Carolina University

04/27/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/27/2026 14:14

University sets vision to grow Chancellor’s Scholars Initiative

University sets vision to grow Chancellor's Scholars Initiative

East Carolina University will welcome 75 more Chancellor's Scholars to campus in the fall, students who have chosen to become Pirates thanks to the Chancellor's Scholars Initiative.

The program is helping to shape the future of ECU by creating and providing four-year $2,500 scholarships for 75 incoming students each year. The first class of Chancellor's Scholars and the donors whose investments are making the program possible were celebrated Thursday at the inaugural Chancellor's Scholars dinner.

"Over the past two years, the Chancellor's Scholars Initiative has taken shape through the vision of our leadership and the generosity of those who believe in what this program makes possible for our students," said Provost Chris Buddo. "The Chancellor's Scholars program reflects an important investment in the future of ECU. It creates opportunities for talented, driven students to fully engage in the life of this university, grow as leaders and make the most of their time here."

Building Program Momentum

Celebrating the program's foundational success, Chancellor Philip Rogers used the moment to launch the university's next steps to reach a goal of 300 endowed Chancellor's Scholarships.

"We've set a bold vision to grow this initiative to 300 endowed Chancellor's Scholars. That number matters," Rogers said. "Not because of its scale, but because of what it represents. Endowments are forever."

Rogers announced that the ECU Foundation has committed to match each gift of $31,250, or multiple thereof, to create fully funded Chancellor's Scholars endowments. Rogers said 300 endowed scholarships would not only support 300 individual students but would build a system of opportunity that renews itself year after year.

"We have momentum and a very clear vision - to build something that will define ECU for generations. This is ECU's moment to lead," Rogers said. "The Chancellor's Scholars Initiative reflects a commitment not only to access, but to excellence. It signals that we are willing to invest in students in ways that set them up for success - academically, professionally and personally. And it positions ECU for long-term strength and relevance in an increasingly competitive landscape."

Support the initiative

Rising sophomore Emily Neubauer is studying in the theatre for young audiences program thanks to a Chancellor's Scholarship.

ECU is building momentum around the Chancellor's Scholars initiative with a bold commitment from the ECU Foundation to match gifts of $31,250 to create fully funded endowments. This investment expands opportunity for talented, driven students ready to lead, serve and make a lasting impact, ensuring they choose ECU and thrive here. Donors are invited to join the effort and explore options to support the initiative.

Rogers described the partnership with the ECU Foundation as a way to accelerate momentum and amplify impact.

"It reflects a shared belief that this work matters. And I'm convinced that, together, we can achieve something far greater than any one of us could alone," Rogers said.

"That's what this moment is really about. We have momentum and a very clear vision to build something that will define ECU for generations - a program that consistently attracts high-achieving students and supports them fully, a program that prepares them not just to succeed, but to lead with purpose, with integrity and a deep commitment to service."

Rogers shared a "simple request" for donors to join ECU, the ECU Foundation and those who have previously invested in securing ECU's future and the trajectory of the Chancellor's Scholars.

"This is a movement, and we want each of you to lead it with us," Rogers said. "If you're considering how to make an impact, this is a powerful way to do it. Invest in these students."

Rogers highlighted the program's early success attracting students he described as motivated and filled with potential.

An Educational Journey

Rising sophomore Emily Neubauer is one example of Chancellor's Scholar success. Neubauer, from Greensboro, is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theatre arts as a recipient of the Brian and Sarah Miller Chancellor's Scholar Endowment.

"I was interested in coming to ECU because of the amazing theatre arts program, specifically the theatre for young audiences concentration that I am now pursuing," Neubauer said. "Being offered the Chancellor's Scholarship really helped solidify the decision for me."

Neubauer said she would need the education ECU provides to be successful in her field. She had her heart set on joining the theatre for young audiences program … the challenge was how to pay for it.

"The help from this scholarship gave my family the ability to pay for college without taking out loans. The difference this will make in my future is immense," Neubauer said.

Neubauer said being part of the Chancellor's Scholars program also provided her opportunities to connect with students in and outside of her major.

"Having a shared experience with another student is so valuable when you move away from home and don't know anybody," she said. "Being able to talk to my fellow students about this was an amazing conversation starter and led to future friendships."

It's stories like Neubauer's that Rogers said speak to the goal of the Chancellor's Scholars Initiative - to open doors for hard-working, talented students and encourage them to choose ECU as the home to continue their educational endeavors.

Meaningful Partnership

Steve Cunanan '87 '91, chair of the ECU Foundation Board of Directors, said the board's match and partnership are a meaningful step forward for the Chancellor's Scholars Initiative. Board members came together to establish a Chancellor's Scholars endowment, reflecting shared belief in the initiative and the students it supports.

"I want to take a moment to recognize the people who are already helping bring this vision to life. I want to speak directly to the donors, who have supported Chancellor's Scholars and say thank you," Cunanan said. "Your investment in this initiative is already making a difference for our students and for this university."

Cunanan said the ECU Foundation is proud to support the goal of 300 endowed scholarships.

"It's a way for us as a board to stand alongside you as you create lasting opportunities for ECU students," he said. "That's 300 lasting opportunities that will support students year after year and continue to strengthen ECU."

More Stories

East Carolina University published this content on April 27, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 27, 2026 at 20:14 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]