Want to Attend College in Greenville-Pitt County? You’ve Got Great Choices

East Carolina University and Pitt Community College are valuable assets to their students and the community.

By Teree Caruthers on April 4, 2024

Rob Goldberg Jr./PCC Media Relations

The symbiotic bond between higher education institutions and the communities in which they reside creates a dynamic ecosystem where students gain access to professional and personal enrichment opportunities and residents benefit from educational, recreational and cultural resources as well as a trained workforce. If you’re looking to attend college in Greenville and Pitt County, you have a pair of excellent choices.

The Greenville-Pitt County region is home to two higher education institutions – East Carolina University (ECU) and Pitt Community College. Not only do these institutions prepare students for successful careers, but they play an important role in the community by providing resources to entrepreneurs, offering sports and entertainment opportunities and positively influencing the community’s culture. 

Powerful Partnerships at East Carolina University

“East Carolina University is known for our approach to mutually beneficial partnerships with community and industry. We strive to be an authentic, trusted collaborator working in tandem with stakeholders across a broad array of places, sectors and perspectives,” says Sharon Paynter, acting chief research and engagement officer for research, economic development and engagement at ECU. 

Paynter says the university brings a wealth of cultural offerings to eastern North Carolina by holding performing arts and athletic events, bringing world class scholars, artists and speakers to the region, and attracting a broad community of faculty, staff and students to its campus. 

“ECU athletics holds a unique position in eastern North Carolina, as representative of people and communities across the region. ECU sporting events help unite the people who comprise this part of the state because cheering for ECU teams reminds us all that the people of eastern North Carolina are able to achieve great things when we team together,” Paynter says. 

ECU News

Diving Into the Talent Pool 

Along with the athletic and cultural offerings, workforce development remains a primary driver for East Carolina University. 

“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,” Paynter 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 to deliver transformative learning experiences that make students career ready – whether locally or beyond.”

Like ECU, Pitt Community College plays a major role in the region’s workforce development efforts.

“We have a great relationship with the community. Part of my position is to ensure everyone in Pitt County understands what the college does and how they can utilize the college to their advantage – whether it’s to learn a new skill or upskill so they can get better jobs with better pay,” says Ernis Lee, assistant vice president of college outreach and community engagement at Pitt Community College.

Focused on the Future

“We have an adult and dislocated worker program where adults who want to get back into the workforce can get the skills they need. With our trades program, high school students come here for part of the day to learn a trade. We also have a dual enrollment program and an Early College High School on campus where kids can take both high school and college classes and get a jump on their two-year degree. Our Bulldog Promise program guarantees them free tuition if they continue their education after high school,” Lee says.

In addition to workforce development, Lee says entrepreneurial support is a major benefit of the college’s presence. The Pitt Community College Small Business Center offers courses as well as free seminars and consulting for existing and potential businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the community. With the classes and resources we offer here, we help entrepreneurs better their business skills,” Lee says. “We have several classes that are offered to the community at no cost, and they can learn how to get started in business as well as how to maintain that small business. This is just another way that we help people to continue to grow and build on what they’re trying to do.”