Elizabeth City, N.C. — Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) has received a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education through the Project SERV initiative to support recovery efforts and strengthen campus wellness services following the critical incident that occurred April 2025.
“Ensuring the safety, healing, and success of our students remains our highest priority,” said Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove, Sr. “This support from the U.S. Department of Education allows us to expand critical services that will help our campus community continue to recover and move forward together with strength and resilience.”
The Project SERV (School Emergency Response to Violence) grant provides resources to help educational institutions restore and stabilize the learning environment after traumatic events that disrupt campus communities. At ECSU, the funding will support expanded mental health services, trauma-informed care, and coordinated support systems to address the academic, emotional, behavioral, and social impacts on students, faculty and staff.
Project SERV–funded services will play an important role in strengthening a safe and supportive campus environment by addressing the disruptions that often follow traumatic events. Trauma can significantly affect students’ ability to concentrate, regulate emotions, engage fully in learning and feel secure within educational spaces. The services supported through this grant are designed to help mitigate these impacts and restore a campus climate that supports well-being, learning, and academic persistence.
In addition to direct counseling services with ECSU Licensed Counselors, the grant will support campus-wide wellness programming, trauma-informed training for faculty and staff, and outreach initiatives designed to help students reconnect with academic and social supports. These efforts will ensure that those affected by the incident have access to the resources necessary to heal, rebuild trust, and continue their educational journey.
Kevin J. Wade, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, shared that this moment represents both reflection and renewal for the Viking community.
“We recognize that the past year has been challenging for many members of our campus community,” said Wade. “This is a time for healing and reflection, but also a time for renewed hope. The safety, well-being, and success of our students remain at the heart of the mission of Elizabeth City State University, and this support allows us to continue caring for our students in meaningful ways.”
Through the implementation of Project SERV initiatives, ECSU will continue working collaboratively with campus partners, mental health professionals, community organizations, and campus police to promote resilience, restore a sense of safety, and reinforce a supportive learning environment for all Vikings.
Angie Wills, director of Student Affairs Operations, emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the grant process.
“The Department of Education was an incredible partner throughout this process,” said Wills. “They worked closely with us to ensure this grant truly reflects the needs of our campus community, from technology upgrades and additional personnel to support the safety of future events, to expanded mental health services that give our students, faculty, and staff the space and support they need to heal, reflect, and move forward together.”