Forge New Paths at the Colleges and Universities in Elizabeth City

The region's higher education institutions prep students for local, in-demand careers.

By Teree Caruthers on April 15, 2024

College of The Albemarle

With new building projects and programming, Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) and College of The Albemarle (COA) provide specialized training that equips students with the expertise needed to excel in the region’s growing industries. Here’s a deeper look at the great colleges and universities in Elizabeth City.

Flying High 

For example, ECSU is the only university in North Carolina to offer a four-year degree in aviation science. The university trains aviation pilots and air traffic controllers who support major and regional airports in the state. 

ECSU’s aviation program recently launched a new Take Flight Career Pathways program, funded by a $75,000 gift from the Mutual Alliance Restoring Community Hope (MARCH) Foundation, in hopes of providing more learning opportunities for minority students interested in the aviation industry. 

“As ECSU thrives as a leader in aviation science education for the citizens of North Carolina and beyond, the generous gift from the MARCH Foundation will prepare more scholars to serve as skilled pilots, educators, air traffic controllers and more,” says Gary Brown, former vice chancellor for student affairs and university advancement at ECSU. Partners like the MARCH Foundation dramatically enhance ECSU’s ability to attract and retain talent that fuels the aviation industry.” 

Brown further notes that, “There are times where we have some of our best students who also have the greatest need. This program allows us the ability to help cover some of those expenses, such as flight fees, and also allows us to pair them up with mentors and mentorship opportunities with individuals and organizations within the aviation field, which is a real benefit.” 

Mid-Atlantic Christian University

Small But Mighty 

Another one of the great universities in Elizabeth City is MACU, which was founded with the mission to train Church of Christ ministers, focuses on building Christian leaders in all areas of business. In 2023, the university opened the rebuilt Heritage Hall, a 22,452-square-foot building housing classrooms and faculty offices as well as labs for biology, chemistry and physics and a new 73-student lecture hall. 

Chris Bell, director of institutional advancement for MACU, says the new building, along with the school’s smaller size, will allow it to better train students and be more adaptive to workforce needs. 

“If you want that small-college feel while still having big-college opportunities, then MACU is the place for you,” Bell says. “We have some great connections in the local business community that really provide that real-world application for our students so they’re prepared for 21st century jobs when they graduate. We can also provide the business community with some flexibility and be a little bit more nimble in the marketplace so that we can really listen to what employers are telling us they need.” 

Sowing New Career Paths 

COA also plays an important role in workforce development by aligning its educational programs with the evolving needs of the regional economy. The college serves as a bridge between the local industry demands and the labor market by tailoring curricula responsive to the skills required by employers. 

For example, the college leases a 15-acre demonstration farm in Elizabeth City to give students exposure to aspects of the agriculture industry, such as landscaping, forestry, production and marketing. 

The college’s Harris Demonstration Farm is a project expected to significantly enhance its agribusiness program. By simulating real-world agricultural operations, the farm will provide students with a practical understanding of farming practices, business management and sustainable agriculture techniques. 

“The hands-on experience gained at the farm will prepare students to enter the agriculture sector with skills to contribute to the local agricultural workforce,” says Tammy Sawyer, the college’s director of communications and marketing. 

The college also recently launched the Better Skills. Better Jobs. Better Future. program to attract adult learners. It includes a site that offers information on college and job training programs as well as outreach to adults who earned some college credits but left without a degree or certification. COA participates in NC Reconnect, an initiative through the John M. Belk Endowment that focuses on reenrollment and reentry of adult learners. 

“By improving the workforce’s skills, COA serves as a catalyst for economic mobility, offering individuals the chance to secure employment that provides sustainable wages and career growth opportunities,” Sawyer says.