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ECSU’s signature aviation program is attractive to flight students not only for certifications with the Federal Aviation Commission, but also because tuition is accessible and affordable. ECSU is an NC Promise Campus, “It’s a tuition reduction program that was put in place by the North Carolina General Assembly spearheaded by Senator Phil Berger (R-Eden), and we’re one of three institutions identified and the only HBCU.” Tuition is $500 per semester for in-state students and $2,500 per semester for out-of-state students.
a four-year degree in emergency management. We are offering the wave of the future, especially in aviation and technology.” Chancellor Dixon says she’s committed to ensuring that the students they serve today have the same experience as ECSU’s distinguished alumni.
“We are producing Vikings who become alumni with great professions and then give of their time, talent, and treasure for the betterment of our institution.” Prior to her appointment at ECSU, Dr. Dixon served as a senior administrator at the UNC System Office; vice
“Once people see the quality education that we’re providing at ECSU as a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system coupled with the price point, there’s no denying that you will get what you pay for.”
president for academic and student affairs, and chief student affairs officer. She was an assistant vice provost at North Carolina State University (NCSU). In 2020, Chancellor Dixon was named to the newly formed national Women in Aviation Advisory board (WIAAB) by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation Secretary, Elaine L. Chao. In 2019, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper awarded Dr. Dixon The Old North State Award, one of the highest honors granted by the State of North Carolina, which is awarded to “individuals who have shown dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the Great State of North Carolina.”
In March, Elizabeth City State University celebrated its 130th Founders Day.
From its origin in 1891 as Elizabeth City State Colored Normal School established for “teaching and training teachers of the colored race to teach in the common schools of North Carolina” to offering over 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with several online degree options to being ranked as one of the nation’s Military Friendly Schools for small public universities, ECSU is on an upward trajectory. “People are taking notice of us, and we’re a proud HBCU,” Dixon said. “The tuition that we are not receiving is being supplemented by the North Carolina General Assembly, so from the standpoint of operations we are not losing out on funding.”
The wife and mother of two said she gleaned from her fellow Sister HBCU Presidents.
“That sisterhood is strong, and we lean on each other for encouragement,” Dixon said. “There are very few of us...it’s important from a social and mental health standpoint for us to have each other to cry and celebrate - especially with someone who understands.” “We have over 100 HBCUs in the country, some are big and some are small; and I’m one of the small ones that we should not overlook because there’s a jewel here in Northeastern North Carolina. So the next time you board a United Airlines flight and hear, “This is your Captain speaking,” it might just be an ECSU Viking! Learn more about ECSU’s Department of Aviation and Emergency Management
She said that access is critical, and there shouldn’t be barriers for people who want to pursue higher education.
Dixon has also placed emphasis on recruitment as part of strategic goals for the institution in the twenty-one counties of North Carolina, out-of-state students with high academic profiles, military students, and adult learners.
Despite the pandemic, ECSU’s enrollment increased by 13%.
The exponential growth ECSU has experienced during Dixon’s three-year tenure is credited to the fact that, “We are very intentional about those pipelines to help us with enrollment.” “We’re one of two institutions, but the only HBCU offering
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