ELIZABETH CITY, NC- The Elizabeth City State University Department of Athletics held its annual Staff Retreat today on campus at the Viking Lanes. The athletic department staff and coaches participated in a day of programming, team building, and collaborative exchange to set the tempo for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year.
 
"At ECSU we measure our success by the ability to create and maintain a championship culture that affords our teams the opportunity to compete regularly at the highest level possible," said Athletic Director George Bright. "We also achieve success through excellence in academic performance, operational integrity, leadership development, and community engagement. Together We Win.
 
Various campus representatives joined the department staff to engage and educate the group on university policy, the student-athlete experience, and the internal campus partnerships that keep everyone connected and committed to the overall ECSU mission.
 
External Presentations were led by:
James Pennix, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management 
Anita Jordan-Fobbs, Business, and Finance 
David L. Hill, Emergency Management Coordinator
Lucretia Banks, Title IX Coordinator
 
Over the course of the day, the Vikings front office staff shared presentations intended to establish expectations of excellence from ECSU Athletics from the inside out, starting with senior leadership and our phenomenal coaching staffs. 
 
Today's agenda was aligned to simultaneously provide an effective professional development opportunity while creating a space to cultivate necessary dialogue. There was a strong sense of community effort to forge the future of ECSU Athletics and our student-athletes forward. 
 
Pivotal trainings were conducted to tackle hot topics that are currently impacting the state of NCAA collegiate athletics across the nation, Division II, and the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA). 
 
Lunch was provided by Aramark, the new campus dining contractor. It was a great way to introduce staff to a taste of ECSU's fresh campus dining experience. 
 
"It was great meeting everyone and putting a face with a name," said Senior Women Administrator/Women's Basketball Coach Tynesha Lewis. "I'm excited to get back to campus and get back to the season."
 
The day concluded just in time for the staff to enjoy some friendly competition at ECSU's on-campus bowling lanes.
 
"This retreat was a great way to have all the staff in one area and learn from each other," said Associate Athletic Director of Compliance Jacob Mullins. "Our retreat was hosted in a comfortable and entertaining environment where we learned and laughed as we prepared for the competition seasons ahead of us," added Assistant Athletic Director of Business Operations Dorain Spence.