Elizabeth City, NC — Before degrees were conferred and tassels turned, one message framed Elizabeth City State University’s (ECSU) 182nd commencement ceremony: “Walk Into Your Season.” The ECSU University Choir’s rendition of the Donald Lawrence gospel anthem set the tone for a ceremony focused on perseverance.
Throughout ECSU’s 182nd Commencement Ceremony, the message remained clear: seasons change, obstacles come and go, and perseverance often becomes part of the journey itself. In his keynote address, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein reminded graduates that the road ahead would not always be smooth—but it would still be worth walking.
“It’s ok to not know your final destination. It’s OK to say yes to things that don’t fit the traditional path if they fuel your passion. And yes, sometimes it’s OK to turn off your brain for the day, turn on some bad reality TV or play Madden—so long as you get up again; so long as you keep moving forward; so long as you take one next step. And while you’re moving forward, understand that sometimes you will stumble,” Stein said.
The university celebrated a graduating class of 255 students during Saturday’s ceremony, while also honoring individuals whose legacies have helped shape ECSU and communities across North Carolina.
Longtime educator, coach and alumnus Claudie Mackey, Ph.D., received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the state of North Carolina.
The surprise recognition honored Mackey’s decades of service to education, athletics and youth development throughout the state.
A member of the ECSU Class of 1965, Mackey played basketball under legendary coach Robert Vaughan before becoming one of the university’s most influential figures. A member of both the CIAA Hall of Fame and ECSU Hall of Fame, he served more than 40 years as a professor of education and coached ECSU men’s basketball for nearly a decade.
Mackey’s impact extended beyond the classroom and court. He established the Down East Classic basketball tournament, helped create the ECSU Viking Hall of Fame, developed after-school and summer youth programs, mentored generations of student-athletes and secured millions of dollars in grants to support teacher training initiatives.
“Commencement is always one of the most meaningful moments in the life of a university because it reflects years of sacrifice and achievement,” ECSU Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove, Sr. said. “This year’s ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of our graduates and also recognized individuals whose lives and service continue to shape ECSU and communities across North Carolina.”
The ceremony also recognized Andre P. Stevenson, Ph.D., professor of social work and director of the Office of International Programs, as ECSU’s recipient of the 2026 UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching.
The award, one of the highest teaching honors presented within the University of North Carolina System, includes a $12,500 stipend and recognizes outstanding commitment to student success and academic excellence.
Saturday’s ceremony marked the latest milestone in ECSU’s 135-year history as one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities, continuing a legacy of preparing students to Come to Discover and Leave to Conquer.
You can watch ECSU’s Commencement Ceremony on the university’s YouTube channel.