EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

East Carolina University’s Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences celebrated its ninth annual scholarship event, recognizing students and thanking donors. This year, nearly 150 students received $385,000 in scholarships, a 28% increase from last year, emphasizing the 'Formula for Success' theme.

ECU students at PharmaFest seek opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, which offers diverse career paths beyond biology and chemistry, including engineering, IT, and finance. The event, supported by ECU’s Eastern Region Pharma Center and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, aims to connect students with potential employers and internships.

ECU Health performed the first pacemaker implantation with Elutia’s EluPro BioEnvelope on September 5, an FDA-approved antibiotic-eluting device designed to prevent post-operative complications for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs).

Dr. Maria Pharr, Pitt Community College's first female president, aims to keep the college relevant through competitive courses and partnerships with local businesses. Born in eastern North Carolina, Pharr previously increased enrollment by 18.6% at South Piedmont Community College. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the college's current culture and working collaboratively to set shared goals. Pharr also highlights the need for flexibility in education to meet the diverse needs of students, particularly adult learners. Pitt Community College, part of the BioPharma crescent, collaborates closely with biopharma companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, ensuring students gain hands-on experience with industry-grade equipment. The college is also expanding its welding program with a new 30,000-square-foot facility set to open in winter 2025.