Viking Profile

Bethany Eley

As Elizabeth City State University celebrates the 30th anniversary of its radio station, WRVS 89.9 FM, it’s important to remember that it’s the students who help make this station great. That’s where junior Bethany Eley comes into the picture.

Bethany is an on-air personality who hosts a show every Monday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A communications major, she is also a member of the Mass Media Club.

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Bethany moved to Lexington, North Carolina when she was 14. That’s where she completed high school before making the decision to attend ECSU.

While Bethany is a very active in extracurricular activities as a member of the Viking family, she also recognizes the importance of her academic career here.

“Over the past three years I have been heavily involved on the Elizabeth City State University campus,” she says. “However, as I became an upperclassman and got further into my major courses I realized academics was first and only stayed in things that contributed toward my major.”

Bethany says if she were to impart her experience on other students, she would recommend taking advantage of all of the benefits found here at ECSU.

“My advice for other students would be to take advantage of the small class sizes and really get to know your professors, go to office hours and really open up and talk to them,” she says.

Bethany says these simple things really make the difference between a B and an A.

“And you really have to remember that college is about networking and these professors have been where we are trying to go,” she says.

She recognizes that the wisdom and experience her professors provide will assist her in pursuing her dreams.

Bethany says professors that have influenced her have provided support inside and outside of the classroom. These professors, she says, have gone the extra mile to make certain that she, and other students, have what they need in order to succeed here at ECSU and out in the world.

“Professor (Antonio) Rook, who was both my algebra and computer applications professor, also stood out to me. He made me earn my grades, but was always willing to teach and help when needed,” said Bethany.

She went on to explain that his influence has illustrated to her that if you want something, you must work for it.

“Even though I am no longer taking any of Professor Rook’s classes, he still keeps his doors and office open to help me prepare for graduate school and my life beyond Elizabeth City State University.”