Leadership at ECSU
Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
Current Members
The purpose of the Board of Trustees of Elizabeth City State University is to perform the duties and exercise the powers prescribed by the applicable provisions of Chapter 116 of the North Carolina General Statutes and by The Code of the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina.
Justin L. Waddell | Chair
Term: 2021 - 2029
Justin Waddell is a 2014 graduate of Elizabeth City State University, where he earned a B.S. in Aviation Science with a minor in Public Administration. Following graduation, he began his career in Washington D.C., with the major defense contractor Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) as a Research & Development Systems Engineer. Over the years, he has held key technical and leadership roles at several prominent aerospace and defense firms. Waddell currently serves as a Systems Engineering Principal at SAIC, where he supports the Federal Aviation Administration's Navigation Programs, contributing to the modernization and sustainment of critical National Airspace System infrastructure. Prior to rejoining SAIC, he held the role of Technical Project Manager at AIRBUS North America, where he led the development, deployment and sustainment of Air Traffic Flow automation systems for both domestic and international clients.
Johnny Tillett | Vice Chair
Term: 2021 - 2027
Johnny Tillett is the senior vice president of state government relations with the McGuire Woods Consulting firm in Raleigh, N.C. He specializes in energy and utilities, healthcare, environmental interest, transportation and education. Prior to joining McGuire Woods in 2007, Tillett led his own lobbying firm in Raleigh. Before opening his lobbying firm, he served in key positions with Dare County and the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.
Tillett has been recognized as a top lobbyist at the North Carolina General Assembly. He is ranked as the 9th Most Influential Lobbyist of the 2013-14 legislative session by the North Carolina Center for Policy Research.
Patricia B. Norman | Secretary
Term: 2023 - 2027
Patricia Bond Norman, a native of Windsor, North Carolina, attended Elizabeth City State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Currently, Mrs. Norman works for the Office of Secretary of State on special projects, including the organization and setting up of conferences as needed. She also serves on the State Employee Advisory Board of her branch of the State Employees Credit Union and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Ms. Norman has provided encouragement to students, by providing resources to students, and provided financial support to students.
James R. Copland, IV
Term: 2021 - 2029
James R. Copland IV, a North Carolina native and New Bern resident, is a senior fellow with and director of Legal Policy for the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. He has served on many private company, nonprofit, and public boards, including as a trustee at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) and as a founding trustee of the African American Heritage and Culture Center of New Bern. Board governance is one of his research interests; on multiple occasions, he has been named to the National Association of Corporate Directors “Directorship 100” list, which designates the individuals most influential over U.S. corporate governance. Copland has a B.A. from UNC Chapel Hill, an M.Sc. from the London School of Economics, and a J.D. and M.B.A. from Yale University.
Christine Evans
Term: 2019 - 2027
Chris Evans is the Vice President of Public Affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina. She previously served as the director of State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs where she monitored and responded to legislative and regulatory issues that impact the company through direct lobbying and development of internal and external networks. She also previously served as associate counsel for Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina. Evans began her career as a high school social studies teacher before entering the practice of law. She graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law with a Juris Doctor with Honors. She earned a Master of Arts in Education from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with High Honors from Denison University in Granville, Ohio.
Stephen Friedrich
Term: 2021 - 2029
Stephen Friedrich is the chief commercial officer for Embraer Executive Jets. He has spent his career in the aviation and aerospace industry. In his current role with Embraer, Friedrich oversees sales, client and industry relations, and business development. Prior to joining Embraer, he led global sales and marketing for Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace Business Aviation. He has also served in senior positions for financial institutions. Friedrich graduated from Lafayette College with a degree in economics and business, and from the Stern School at New York University with an M.B.A.
Art A. Hall
Term: 2025 – 2029
Art Hall, from Texas, hails most recently from San Antonio. He currently serves as Vice President at Tidewater Community College in Virginia, the second largest of 23 in the state. He previously held positions at Alamo Colleges and investment banking firms Southwestern Capital Markets and Popular Securities and owns Dos Veces Ranch in Texas, raising Wagyu cattle on land once owned by his great grandfather. Art has written several articles in law and international finance journals, served on San Antonio’s City Council (2003-2007, 2019), served on the San Antonio Fire and Police Pension Fund Board ($3.5B assets), and currently serves on the TexasTechU Law School Foundation Board. He holds a Private Pilot License and enjoys equestrian eventing, hunting, golf, languages/traveling, and collecting stamps/coins. He attended HarvardU (BA, 1993), TexasTechU (JD/MBA ,1996), and UWales (UK) (LLM, 2001). He and his wife, Stephanie, have one daughter, Londyn Hall, a Spelman College junior.
Kathryn Roebuck Holding
Term: 2023 - 2027
Kathryn Holding is a non-profit leader with nine years of experience in strategic planning, leadership, asset development, and community philanthropy. A licensed attorney, Holding has experience in charitable giving, community foundation, estate planning and tax law. Born, raised, and educated in North Carolina, Holding has a deep love and respect for our state, and believes community-led philanthropy and access to higher education are core elements of its progress and sustainability.
James A. Kinion, Jr.
Term: 2025 – 2027
James A. Kinion, Jr. is a seasoned public policy leader with over 40 years of experience in consumer financial services, legislative affairs, and nonprofit leadership. A proud graduate of Elizabeth City State University with a degree in accounting, James spent more than three decades at OneMain Financial, ultimately serving as Vice President and Director of Government Relations. In that role, he worked closely with lawmakers, regulators, and stakeholders to shape fair, effective financial policies. He was also appointed to the North Carolina Banking Commission, where he provided regulatory oversight during a period of rapid industry change. Today, as President of Government Relations Strategies, LLC, he advises clients on advocacy, compliance, and public engagement. Deeply committed to community service, James founded the Wakefield Deckers Association to support frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to sound governance, civic responsibility, and the power of education to transform lives.
Wendy P. Pierce
Term: 2025 - 2029
Wendy Pierce serves as the Manager of Community Benefit and Grants for Sentara Health. In this role she provides leadership and program management to build on and enhance Sentara's longstanding commitment to our communities including Virginia and North Carolina. Wendy has successfully developed strategic partnerships and investments across multiple states, to strengthen communities.
As a lifelong resident of the region, she is committed to empowering communities through collaborative initiatives that drive impactful change to create sustainable solutions that address health disparities.
She most recently served as Chair of the Elizabeth City State University Board of Visitors and is also an acting Board of Director serving the Healthnet of the Albemarle, Economic Development Commission, Stable Housing Improvement Project, and past Board Chair of the Albemarle Area United Way. She is active on several other community committees.
Wendy holds a Masters of Public Health from Walden University, a Non-Profit Management certificate from Duke University, and a Bachelor of Science from Elizabeth City State University.
Dr. Denauvo M. Robinson
Term: 2025 – 2029
Dr. Denauvo Robinson has over 50 years of extensive people related experience in education and community related settings. He is currently retired after serving as President and CEO, of Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families. He has a BS and an MA from Truman State University and a Doctorate from Grambling State University. Dr. Robinson is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Counselor Supervisor in the state of North Carolina.
Dr. Robinson serves and has served on numerous civic and social boards. He currently represents North Carolina on the Counseling Compact Commission, is Chair of the Trillium Health Services Governing Board, a member of the College of the Albemarle Board of Trustees, Past Chair, Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools Board of Education, Past Chair of the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, and Past President of the American Association of State Counseling Boards. He is a 33rd degree Mason and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Denauvo is married to Jan King Robinson, JD. Their family includes daughter Camille, son Devire, and two grandchildren Ava and Dean.
Jasmine Jackson | Ex-Officio Member
Term: 2025 – 2026
Jasmine Jackson is the current Student Government Association President. She is a senior student-athlete majoring in kinesiology with a minor in public health.
Meeting Schedule
K.E. White Graduate Center
K.E. White Graduate Center
K.E. White Graduate Center
ECSU Board of Trustees Subcommittee on Naming of University Buildings Special Meeting
The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Board of Trustees Subcommittee on Naming of University Buildings will hold a special meeting on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., via videoconference. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss topics outlined in N.C.G.S. § 143‑318.11.(a)(2). This meeting will open and close in open session. However, the meeting will be held almost entirely in closed session. Join here.
K.E. White Graduate Center
The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., via videoconference. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss topics outlined in N.C.G.S. § 143‑318.11.(a)(2), (3), (4) & (5). This meeting will open and close in open session. However, the meeting will be held almost entirely in closed session. Join here.
December 16, 2025 | 9 AM
K.E. White Graduate Center
September 9, 2025 | 9 AM
K.E. White Graduate Center
ECSU Board of Trustees Equality Policy Subcommittee Meeting
The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Board of Trustees Equality Policy Subcommittee will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., via videoconference. The purpose of this meeting is for the committee to review the equality policy compliance report before its submission to the UNC Board of Governors. A portion of this meeting may be held in closed session to discuss confidential personnel matters and to preserve the attorney client privilege. The meeting can be accessed here.
ECSU Board of Trustees Special Meeting
The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., via videoconference. The purpose of this meeting is to swear in new members, elect board officers, and establish a new subcommittee to provide oversight of ECSU’s compliance with the UNC System’s Equality Within the University policy. The meeting can be accessed here.
K.E. White Graduate Center
ECSU Board of Trustees Special Meeting
The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Board of Trustees will hold a special, virtual meeting on Tuesday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to consult with an attorney in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege, to plan, conduct, or hear reports concerning investigations of alleged criminal misconduct, and to discuss plans to protect public safety. This meeting will open and close in open session. However, the meeting will be held almost entirely in closed session. Join here.
ECSU Board of Trustees Special Meeting
The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Board of Trustees will hold a special, virtual meeting on Monday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is for a Search process update and confidential personnel matters. This meeting will open and close in open session. However, the vast majority of the meeting will be held in closed session to discuss confidential personnel matters. Join here.
K.E. White Graduate Center
9 a.m. – Committees | 2 p.m. – Full Board Meeting
K.E. White Graduate Center
K.E. White Graduate Center
9 a.m. – Committees | 2 p.m. – Full Board Meeting
K.E. White Graduate Center
9 a.m. – Committees | 2 p.m. – Full Board Meeting
K.E. White Graduate Center
9 a.m. – Committees | 2 p.m. – Full Board Meeting
September 12, 2022 | 9 AM
Board of Trustees Retreat
G.R. Little Library – P.W. Moore Boardroom
September 13, 2022
K.E. White Graduate Center
9 a.m. – Committees | 2:30 p.m. – Full Board Meeting
The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Board of Trustees will hold a special, virtual meeting on Monday, June 6 at 1:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to approve the construction manager and commissioning agent for the housing and dining capital project. The Board of Trustees will also consider the authorization of a new heating, ventilation, and cooling system for Viking Village.
April 6, 2022
ECSU Board of Trustees Special Meeting
The purpose of the meeting is to consider awarding honorary degrees, professor emeritus status, and approval of a designer for a campus project. The meeting will begin in open session and move to closed session. The approval of the designer for the campus project will be discussed and approved in open session.
March 25, 2022
December 14, 2021
September 14, 2021
Virtual Meeting
June 8, 2021
Recorded Virtual Meeting
March 8-9, 2021
Recorded Virtual Meetings
March 8, 2021
March 9, 2021
March 10, 2020
June 1-2, 2020
Recorded Virtual Meetings
June 1, 2020
June 2, 2020
September 21-22, 2020
Recorded Virtual Meetings
September 21, 2020
September 22, 2020
November 11, 2020 – Virtual Board of Trustees Annual Retreat
December 14-15, 2020
Recorded Virtual Meetings
December 14, 2020
December 15, 2020