The Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) Board of Trustees elected new officers and welcomed five new members to the board.

Justin Waddell has been elected chair of the board. A 2014 ECSU graduate, Waddell holds a Bachelor of Science in aviation science with a minor in public administration. He began his career in Washington, D.C., with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) as a research and development systems engineer. Waddell currently serves as a systems engineering principal at SAIC, supporting the Federal Aviation Administration’s navigation programs and contributing to the modernization of the National Airspace System infrastructure. He previously worked as a 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 has been elected vice chair. Tillett is senior vice president of state government relations with McGuireWoods Consulting firm in Raleigh. He brings decades of experience in lobbying and public service, with expertise in energy, healthcare, transportation, and education policy. Prior to joining McGuireWoods 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.

Patricia B. Norman has been elected secretary. A native of Windsor, North Carolina, Norman attended ECSU and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh. She currently serves in the Office of the Secretary of State, where she manages special projects and supports the coordination of conferences. Deeply committed to civic engagement, Norman serves on the State Employee Advisory Board of her local State Employees Credit Union and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A dedicated advocate for student success, Norman has provided mentorship, resources, and financial support to help students pursue their academic goals.

New Board Appointments

The ECSU Board of Trustees also welcomes five new members:

Art Hall, from Texas, is vice president at Tidewater Community College in Virginia. He previously held positions at Alamo Colleges and at the investment banking firms Southwestern Capital Markets and Popular Securities. He also owns Dos Veces Ranch in Texas, where he raises Wagyu cattle on land once owned by his great-grandfather. Hall has written several articles in law and international finance journals, served on the San Antonio City Council from 2003 to 2007 and in 2019, and was a member of the San Antonio Fire and Police Pension Fund Board. He currently serves on the Texas Tech University Law School Foundation Board. A licensed private pilot, Hall holds degrees from Harvard University, Texas Tech University, where he earned a J.D. and MBA, and the University of Wales, where he earned an LL.M.

James A. Kinion Jr. is an ECSU alumnus with a degree in accounting and more than 40 years of experience in consumer financial services, public policy, legislative affairs, and nonprofit leadership. He spent over 30 years at OneMain Financial, including 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 now leads Government Relations Strategies, LLC, and is active in community service across North Carolina. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to sound governance, civic responsibility, and the power of education to transform lives.

Wendy Pierce serves as manager of community benefit and grants at Sentara Health. In this role, she provides leadership and program management to build on and enhance Sentara’s longstanding commitment to the communities in Virginia and North Carolina. She most recently served as chair of the ECSU Board of Visitors and is also an acting board director serving the Healthnet of the Albemarle, Economic Development Commission, Stable Housing Improvement Project, and past board chair of the Albemarle Area United Way. An ECSU alumna, Pierce has led health equity initiatives throughout the region and holds a Master of Public Health from Walden University and a nonprofit management certificate from Duke University.

Dr. Denauvo Robinson has over 50 years of extensive experience in education and community 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. He serves and has served on numerous civic and social boards. He currently represents North Carolina on the Counseling Compact Commission and is chair of the Trillium Health Services Governing Board.

Jasmine Jackson, current president of the ECSU Student Government Association, will serve as an ex-officio member. Jackson is a senior student-athlete majoring in kinesiology with a minor in public health.

“I am pleased to welcome our new board members and congratulate our newly elected officers,” Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove said. “Their experience, dedication, and shared commitment to ECSU’s mission will be instrumental as we advance the university’s strategic goals and strengthen our impact across the region and beyond.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.ecsu.edu/about/leadership/board-of-trustees.php.