Beth Velde Pilots ECU's New Service Learning Endeavor

ECU’s motto “To Serve” has been exemplified by the development of the new Engagement and Outreach Scholars Academy with Dr. Beth Velde, professor of occupational therapy and assistant dean in the College of Allied Health Sciences, holding the reins. 

The academy was developed in response to the university’s application to the Carnegie Foundation for the Foundation’s Engaged University Classification, as well as to UNC’s Tomorrow Commission.  The purpose is to cultivate engaged scholars who can be leaders within the university, while also working with communities in Eastern North Carolina to improve the quality of life and foster prosperity economically.  With the development of this academy, the image of ECU as a doctoral institution, working with and for external grants, will raise the university’s profile on a national level. 

Having already been actively engaged within the community of Tillery on research, health services, grants, and publication for the past 11 years, Velde was the ideal candidate to spearhead this new endeavor.  Deirdre Mageean, vice chancellor for research and graduate studies believes the appointment of Velde was ideal considering she can “walk the walk, as well as talk the talk.”  With a chance to put ECU on the forefront of active service learning with both faculty and studies Velde sees her new role as an evolution of her time at ECU, one that is meaningful, both personally and professionally.  For more information about the academy, contact Beth Velde at 737-1377 or email, veldeb@ecu.edu.

View the entire February 2009 Issue of Exploration & Discovery