Division of Athletics Alignment Plan Overview

East Carolina University (ECU) Athletics sponsors 18 Division I varsity sport programs, which include seven men’s sports and 11 women’s sports. ECU Athletics is a member of a leading NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision conference known as the American Athletics Conference (AAC). Our ECU student-athletes have distinguished themselves by winning AAC Championships, qualifying for NCAA postseason events, engaging with local community outreach programs, earning academic achievements and graduating at high rates, and through developing new Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) initiatives.

The ECU Pirate Club is the fundraising arm of East Carolina University’s Division I Athletics Program. They conduct annual fund, endowment, and capital campaigns in support of student-athlete scholarships, athletic facility enhancements, and other program needs.

With 175 athletics coaches and staff, and the support of the Pirate Club, the ECU Athletics department prioritizes the academic and competitive success and well-being of 450 student-athletes while operating with principals of integrity, sportsmanship and institutional control. The Division’s mission and vision aligns with the university strategic plan to promote student success, public service, and regional transformation. The plan will be reviewed and revised as needs emerge.

Mission

In alignment with the educational mission of East Carolina University:

  • We guide and support our Student-Athletes in the pursuit of excellence – academically, athletically, and personally;
  • We serve as ambassadors and advocates for our Department of Athletics and the University; and
  • Above all else we promote and protect the safety, health, and well-being of each and every one of our student-athletes.

Vision

To ensure our student-athletes are fully supported and provided with a first-class athletics and academic experience for them to succeed on- and off- the field and in their future endeavors.

Summary of Unit Strategies

M1.1: Strengthen graduation and retention strategies while closing equity gaps to advance opportunity for all.

  • Prioritize student-athlete health, safety, and well-being.
  • Promote academic success of student-athletes.

M2.1: Increase public engagement with and access to educational and cultural offerings.

  • Promote Pirate Club membership and engagement, which allows for additional resources for student-athletes.
  • Continue to emphasize culture of compliance through the department and community.
  • Utilize broadcasting opportunities to connect and engage with alumni, fans and friends of ECU and ECU Athletics.
  • Promote ECU Athletics through branding and sponsorships.

M3.3: Advance regional economic prosperity and sustainability.

  • Focus on Townebank Tower premium seating sales.
  • Continue to build, renovate and maintain facilities and improvement to athletics footprint.
  • Remain in the top 5% of group of five schools in football and baseball attendance.

V1.1: Increase enrollment and completion rates of underserved populations through a lens of affordability and accessibility.

  • Assess student-athlete scholarship endowments – principal and expenditures.
  • Maximize engagement to underserved areas of community, surrounding areas, and state through comprehensive plan to attract new Pirate Club members and create an awareness of ECU Athletics.
  • Provide broad-based development opportunities for student-athletes through Life Skills programs.

V2.2: Commit to sustaining an inclusive environment that welcomes a broad representation of persons and perspectives.

  • Review and commitment to Gender Equity Plan.