UNC Board of Governors picks new chancellor for ECU
The UNC Board of Governors has chosen Dr. Cecil P. Staton - interim president of Valdosta State University in Georgia - as the new chancellor for East Carolina University.
Staton will start his new job July 1. He takes over from Steve Ballard, who has led the school since 2004.
In addition to his education background, Staton served five terms in the Georgia State Senate, including vice chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus and majority whip.
Originally from Greenville, SC, Staton holds a bachelor's degree in religion from Furman University, as well as master of divinity and theology degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He later earned a doctorate in Old Testament, Hebrew, and ancient Near Eastern studies from the University of Oxford in England.
He also has private-sector experience in publishing and media.
UNC President Margaret Spellings said Staton "brings to ECU a rare blend of leadership experience in higher education, the private sector and elected public office, as well as a practical understanding of how to bring diverse constituencies and organizations together to get things done."
