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Elizabeth City State University

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Why Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University was founded in 1891 with one goal: to bring a world-class education within reach of African American students. Our reach has grown since then, fostering a rigorous, practical, supportive learning environment for students of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.

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Our Mission

Elizabeth City State University ensures access to excellent, student-centered, experiential learning. ECSU offers bachelor’s, professional, and master's degrees. Through practical education, applied research, and public and private partnerships, we prepare a diverse student body for personal and professional success to positively impact the region, state, nation and beyond.

Our Vision

Elizabeth City State University is a nationally recognized, transformative institution renowned for cultivating graduates who excel in leadership, lifelong learning, and driving solutions to global challenges.

As a member of the University of North Carolina System, ECSU offers a wide range of degree programs and certificates that empower new, professional opportunities, and personal growth. Our signature areas of study include the humanities, education, and aviation. Every academic program at ECSU uses advanced technologies and hands-on learning to provide a valuable, high-quality education at an affordable cost. It’s always about affordable excellence here.

Our community has everything students need to discover who they are, connect with expert instructors, and leave ready to conquer in their career. We always seek new ways to better serve our students and strengthen our community. To us, every student matters – and it shows.

ECSU

Core Values

ECSU is guided by a commitment to excellence, which is personified in the subsequent group of core values the university strives to demonstrate and maintain.

Leadership

Inspire others through responsibility, service, and action Elizabeth City State University develops principled leaders who embody responsibility, resilience, and a commitment to serving others through positive action. We preserve the traditions that define us and guide students to lead with integrity and uplift their communities.

Excellence

Pursue high standards to elevate our institution Elizabeth City State University fosters innovative learning and provides rigorous instruction with a deep commitment to student success. We uphold high expectations for academic achievement and intellectual growth, build strong relationships, and create opportunities that enrich students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the broader community.

Accountability

Embrace our duty and build trust ECSU upholds a culture of shared responsibility where administrators, faculty, staff, and students honor commitments, operate with openness, and continually improve our institution. We champion accountability as the foundation of trust and excellence.

Belonging

Foster respect, connection, and shared growth Elizabeth City State University fosters an environment rooted in trust, respect, and care for one another. We honor the unique perspective of each individual and ensure meaningful participation—collaborating side by side to share ideas, offer support, and uplift our campus and community.

Commitment

Champion progress with integrity and purpose Elizabeth City State University demonstrates unwavering dedication and integrity in advancing student progress, community vitality, and institutional growth. We prioritize student impact, act with honesty and transparency, engage meaningfully with all stakeholders, and foster creative collaboration that drives shared progress.

Transformation

Drive bold change through innovation Elizabeth City State University leads bold change through forward-thinking solutions, adapting to the evolving needs of students and society, strategically leveraging technology, and continuously improving how we teach, advise, and serve. We build modern systems, processes, and practices guided by data, feedback, and a commitment to quality and transparency.

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Accreditation

Elizabeth City State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, professional and master’s degrees. Elizabeth City State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Elizabeth City State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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