Mrs. Mollie M. Beasley was born to Mr. Willie and Mrs. Carrie Majette on May 19, 1933, in Rich Square, NC. She completed her primary education in Rich Square, attending W. S. Creecy High School. Continuing her education, she enrolled and received her B.S. degree from North Carolina Central University and a Master of Education degree from New York University. Mrs. Beasley spent the majority of her career at ECSU teaching, mentoring, coaching, and advising students and athletes.
She played a pivotal role in preparing ECSU student-athletes academically, socially, and professionally, thereby making them eligible to participate on the playing field, graduate, and become leaders in their respective communities. She would also encourage colleagues and others to strive for excellence in all aspects of life.
Mrs. Mollie Beasley faithfully served the university for over 35 years, teaching all segments of students, and is credited with providing guidance, mentorship, and positive leadership to many cheerleaders while serving as the ECSU basketball and football cheerleader coach for many years. She was a “mother” to many, offering unsolicited advice, meals, wisdom, and correction. With a passion for education, she served as a professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education at Elizabeth City State University. She would teach students how to bowl at the Albermarle Lanes and was instrumental in the University building a bowling facility on campus. She was also a mentor and advisor for the Delta Chi undergraduate chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She also mentored and advised numerous ECSU students in the student teaching program.
Mrs. Beasley directed the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) at ECSU. In the 70’s, during the summer months, Mrs. Beasley and members of the health and physical education faculty and staff coordinated a National Youth Sports Program, in which community members participated in youth sports and nutrition activities. Many young people learned health principles, developed skills in sports, and learned how to swim. She hired local youth to work in the program, and she ran a tight ship. NYSP was a program designed to provide sports and educational opportunities to young people from low-income families. It was a collaborative effort between the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and local institutions such as ECSU and community nutrition education.
At retirement, she was bestowed the honor of Professor Emerita (1995). She valued education and cared deeply about her students. She often remembered the names, hometowns, and specific life accomplishments of former students who visited her in later years of her life.
