ELIZABETH CITY — Elizabeth City State University Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove Sr. recently announced that ECSU received $42 million from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The announcement came during the university’s Founders Day Convocation on March 13, 2026, where Hargrove provided the keynote address.

The gift was the largest dollar per student enrolled gift of any historically black college and university (HBCU) among Scott’s recent gifts, and almost triple what ECSU received from Scott in 2020. More importantly, it comes at a pivotal time at the university, as ECSU just launched its five-year strategic plan — ASCEND 2030.

“I want to express our deepest gratitude to MacKenzie Scott for this remarkable act of generosity and for her recognition of the critical role that HBCUs play in expanding opportunity and strengthening communities,” said Hargrove. “Her investment affirms what we already know: that institutions like ECSU are powerful catalysts for change.”

Hargrove shared that the gift will have a transformative impact across campus, playing an integral role in implementing ASCEND 2030. It will be used to create endowed scholarship programs to support student learning and success; establish endowments to support innovative academic programs and growth; and support academic, athletic and residential infrastructure that aligns with making ECSU a great place to live, work, and learn.

“Gifts like this do more than provide resources; they accelerate momentum,” Hargrove said. “This gift allows institutions like Elizabeth City State University to move boldly toward the future while remaining grounded in the mission that has guided us for 135 years.”

The university celebrated its 135-year anniversary during the March 13 Founders Day Convocation. Founded in 1891 to expand access and opportunity, ECSU has stood as a beacon of hope and possibility for generations. From its earliest days as a teaching institution to its evolution as a dynamic, student-centered university, ECSU has remained grounded in its mission to educate, empower, and elevate. 

COA’s Buckley-Williams to serve at summit

College of The Albemarle is proud to announce that Jessica Buckley-Williams has been selected to serve as a facilitator and mentor for the UNC-Wilmington Community College Collaborative (UNCW/3C) Aspiring Leaders’ Summit, a leadership development experience designed to strengthen the next generation of leaders across North Carolina’s community colleges.
Buckley-Williams was selected from a competitive pool of applicants across the state to join a small cohort of six to eight facilitator and mentors who will help guide and support emerging community college leaders. Through interactive sessions grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, participants explore strengths-based leadership, collaboration, and innovative thinking, all essential to the future of community colleges and the students they serve.

Buckley-Williams’ selection reflects both her leadership and her commitment to
advancing the mission of community colleges. As a facilitator and mentor, she

will help inspire and guide aspiring leaders who will go on to make meaningful
contributions within their institutions and communities.
Her participation also highlights College of The Albemarle’s ongoing commitment
to leadership development and collaboration across the North Carolina Community College System.
For more information about the UNCW/3C Collaborative, visit
uncw.edu/academics/colleges/wce/partnerships-centers/regional-
partnerships/3c-collaborative/.

Career Fair

College of The Albemarle (COA) will host its annual Career Fair on April 1, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. at COA – Elizabeth City in Building AE. The event is open to COA students and the public.

College of The Albemarle has an intentional focus on providing educational and workforce development opportunities for adult learners throughout its service area. Certificate, diploma, and degree programs are available. The Career Fair is a way to discover careers where COA can meet an individual’s employment interests and provide them with Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future.

This year’s event will feature 30+ employers, with additional employers still registering. Some of the employers registered so far include: Aflac – East Albemarle Region, Beacon Christian Academy, Chesapeake Public Schools, Colony Tire Corporation, Dare County EMS, Eastern 4-H Center, ECU Health, Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools, Elizabeth City Police Department, Gates Health and Rehabilitation Center, Mediacom Communications, NCWorks Career Center, Saber Healthcare Group, Twiford Funeral Homes, United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and more.

Virtual workshop

The College of The Albemarle (COA) Humanities and Fine Arts Department invites students and community members to a special virtual workshop, “Fragment as Form: Poetry/Collage Workshop with Sandra Simonds,” on Tuesday, March 17, from 2:30 to 5:15 p.m. via Zoom.

Award-winning writer and professor Sandra Simonds, author of 10 books, including the Vermont Book Award-winning novel “Assia,” will lead the interactive session exploring collage poetry and experimental writing.

The workshop will begin with a brief illustrated talk on the history of text-and-image practices, followed by a guided creative session where participants transform found texts and visual materials into original poem collages.

The event is free and open to COA students and the public. Participants who would like to create a collage during the workshop should have cardstock paper, a glue stick, scissors and old magazines or books available.

To join the Zoom session, visit t.ly/Ajhfe.

The Humanities and Fine Arts Department will host additional events this spring, including an artist talk with Benjamin Murphy on April 1, the “Hydrological Landscapes” show on April 1, the “Estuaries” launch party on April 2 and a Wearable Art Fashion Show on May 1. 

Conference on Entrepreneurship, Nonprofits and Missions

Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) will host its 1st Annual International Student Conference on Entrepreneurship, Non-Profits & Missions on April 25, 2026, bringing together students and faculty from across Europe, Latin America, and the United States for a day of academic exchange and global collaboration.
Organized by Global University Institute, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the
conference will welcome participants from France, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Ecuador, and the
United States. The event is designed to explore how entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and mission-driven initiatives can generate meaningful social impact in both local and global communities.
The conference will feature student research presentations, faculty-led discussions, and
collaborative dialogue centered on ethical entrepreneurship, nonprofit innovation, service-
learning, and faith-informed leadership. Participants will engage in cross-cultural conversations aimed at equipping the next generation of leaders to address real-world challenges with integrity, creativity, and purpose.
“It’s been wonderful to see such strong international engagement around themes of
entrepreneurship, service, missions, and nonprofit leadership, especially through a faith-informed and globally minded lens,” said Dr. Patrik Skultety, Director of Online Education, Associate Professor of Management, Business Administration Program Academic Advisor, LMS Administrator, and Instructional Designer at MACU. “I’m truly excited about the conversations, student presentations, and cross-cultural exchange this event will foster.”
Skultety, founder of the conference, emphasized that the event reflects the heart of
international education, bringing diverse perspectives together while remaining grounded in
shared values and service.

Community members, educators, and students interested in attending or learning more about the conference are encouraged to contact Mid-Atlantic Christian University for additional information.
For more information, contact Skultety at 252-334-2045 or email at Patrik.skultety@macuniversity.edu

MACU recognizes alumnus Jimmy McLoud

Mid-Atlantic Christian University is proud to recognize former student Jimmy McLoud, whose three years at the university helped shape a life of leadership, faith, and lasting
service to churches and communities nationwide.
Jimmy currently serves as Lead Pastor of First Christian Church in Canton, Ohio, where his
passion and the church’s vision is to share the good news that Jesus is for all people.
Through his leadership, First Christian Church helps individuals find hope, purpose, and a
place to belong in the family of God.
In addition to his pastoral role, Jimmy serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for The
Solomon Foundation, a foundation that helps churches take their next steps by providing
loans to acquire property, build and renovate facilities, and expand existing ministries. He
also serves as a Ministry Consultant with The Unstuck Group, working alongside pastors
and church leaders to identify roadblocks to sustained church health and to strategically
plan solutions so churches can reach more people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jimmy’s commitment to excellence was evident during his time at Mid-Atlantic Christian
University. A Dean’s List honoree and honors student; he was known for his engagement in
both academics and spiritual formation.
“Jimmy was one of those students who was deeply engaged in his classes and Bible
studies and took his education seriously,” said Ronnie Woolard, one of Jimmy’s former
professors. “He approached learning with intentionality and a genuine desire to grow.”
Staff member Garrett “Pop” Lewis also reflected on Jimmy’s well-rounded involvement,
noting, “Jimmy was musically gifted and talented, and he also played a good game of
basketball.”
Today, Jimmy and his wife, Ashley, live in North Canton, Ohio, with their four children:
Braylon, Carter, Ellie, and Grace.
Mid-Atlantic Christian University proudly celebrates Jimmy McLoud as an example of
faithful leadership, lifelong learning, and Christ-centered service.