Partnership Drives Advancement in Greenville and Pitt County

ECU News

Innovation and research are crucial to East Carolina University (ECU), as they drive advancements in health care, education and regional economic development by supporting the university’s mission to improve the quality of life in Greenville, NC, and Pitt County. To help strengthen its research initiatives and drive economic growth, ECU partners with NCInnovation, an initiative that funds and supports research and development across the state’s universities and industries. 

Powerful Partnership in Greenville

“The partnership between ECU and NCInnovation has the potential to enhance collaboration by fostering innovation and technology transfer, integrating cutting-edge technologies and solutions into business operations to boost competitiveness, and creating jobs and economic impact to build regional wealth,” says Sharon Paynter, chief innovation and engagement officer at ECU. 

NCInnovation’s focus on applied research directly complements ECU’s commitment to regional transformation, and the partnership offers new opportunities for ECU researchers to secure funding and resources for technology startups. Paynter says the university will also work with industry leaders to tackle real-world problems and access real-world data for research, creating a dynamic feedback loop that can benefit both academia and business.

“The partnership can encourage more public-private collaboration where various funding mechanisms are used to solve community or regional challenges, like infrastructure projects, advances in public health, increasing resilience and other strategies to leverage both the intellectual resources at ECU and the practical, market-driven insights of local industry,” she says. Paynter also shares that research by ECU faculty has the potential to impact eastern North Carolina and beyond. 

“NCInnovation brings a historic commitment from the state of North Carolina to bear on supporting regional ecosystems that combine the power of UNC system campuses [which includes ECU] with partners in business and industry,” she says.

Transformative Learning 

In addition to research and innovation, the university focuses on workforce development in Greenville and Pitt County. 

“Workforce development is a primary driver for East Carolina University, and we take great pride in the preparation of our graduates for the evolution of their careers,” Paynter says. “We are intentional in working with our industry partners to understand what skills and competencies are needed from day one of employment and for positive career progression. ECU also prioritizes access for professionals to upskill and reskill throughout their career journeys.”

Paynter says the university works to give students the technical skills needed for job success as well as soft skills that lead to career growth and development.

“Employers demand technical expertise as well as soft skills, like the ability to communicate effectively, contribute to a team and demonstrate strong analytical and critical thinking,” she says. “Our approach to collaborative, engaged partnerships means that we have a finger on the pulse of what employers are looking for, and that helps us deliver transformative learning experiences that make students career-ready, whether locally or beyond.”