Laura McMaster

Director

Laura McMaster, originally from Pennsylvania, joined the ECU community in Spring of 2012.  She has a bachelor's in Communications from The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a Master's in College Student Affairs Administration from The University of Georgia.  Currently working on her dissertation towards a Ph. D. in Educational Leadership from Clemson University, her research is focused on the impact of stereotype threat on college women's political leadership efficacy.  She is a member of several national leadership associations and is currently serving her second term as Leadership Chair for the Commission for Student Involvement for the American College Personnel Association.  Finding her passion in helping students gain access to and realize their full leadership potential, Laura works to help students find ways of creating positive sustainable change for their community.

"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." - Michelangelo

Patrick Edwards, Ph.D.

Associate Director

Dr. Patrick Edwards is the new Associate Director and serves as primary adviser to the East Carolina University Student Government Association. Prior to ECU Dr. Edwards most recently served as an Adjunct Faculty at Shorter University where he taught student development courses. Dr. Edwards has over seven years of experience in higher education. His background is primarily in Student Affairs, and most recently served as the Director, Office of Student Leadership Development at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Edwards also has backgrounds in Multicultural Affairs, Campus/Student Life, and collaborating with Academic Affairs/faculty to facilitate student development initiatives. His student leadership experience includes serving as co-lead facilitator for the Student Leadership Institute, alum and faculty member for the Leadership Institute, developing and facilitating leadership seminars and workshops, training student, and advising student governance organizations.

Dr. Edwards earned a B.B.A. in Marketing from Georgia State, a M.S. in Higher Education from Florida State University, and a Ph.D. in Education Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education from Mercer University. His research interest is in policy and completion (student success) for underrepresented college students. His dissertation study is titled The Personal and Institutional Dimensions of Success for Low-Income Students: Implications for Collaboration between Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.

"Leadership is a process, not a position" - Unknown

Katina Cooper

Administrative Assistant

Katina Cooper serves as an administrative assistant in the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement.  Throughout her time at ECU, she has played an instrumental role in the success of the Student Government Association, CSLE, homecoming and other offices within Student Involvement and Leadership.  She is a mother of three beautiful daughters.  She is also an active member of the Greenville community.  Affectionately referred to as "Ma" by her students, Katina helps to create a safe and inviting environment for all students at ECU.

"A goal without a plan is just a wish" Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Ira Lawson

Graduate Assistant

Ira Lawson is a graduate student from Timberlake, North Carolina in the Masters of Art in Communication with an emphasis in health program here at ECU. He is currently the graduate assistant for the Center for Student Leadership engagement. Ira enjoys learning and being involved with leadership as his entire college career has encompassed holding leadership positions and being involved with leadership. He has served in the SGA cabinet and executive assistant to the Student Body President in 2007, while then moving on to become the Vice President for the Association of Student Governments for the State of North Carolina. Ira has been a member of many university committees at ECU to continue his leadership involvement. Enriching others with leadership skills is a passion Ira holds dear and he has presented numerous leadership programs. In the past year Ira was a presenter for state leadership conferences including NC L.E.A.D. and the NC W.I.L.D. Also, this upcoming year, Ira will have the honor to present at the National Collegiate Conference in Arizona to students from across the United States.

"The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams." - Oprah Winfrey

Grace Brown

Student Leadership Assistant

Grace is a sophomore double majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and History.  She cheered competitively for eleven years including one at ECU and loves Pirate Nation.  She is also an active member in Chi Omega.  One days she hopes to earn her Graduate degree in communication and work for a PR firm.  In her free time she loves to spend time with her friends, family and dogs.

"Leaders instill in their people a hope for success and a belief in themselves. Positive leaders empower people to accomplish their goals." - Unknown

Student Leadership Assistant

Zack is a Business major with a concentration in Finance and is pursuing a minor in Political Science.  He is a member of the ECU Ambassadors where he serves the the Vice President of Events.  Zack has also served on the 2011 Homecoming Committee, as the Assistant Brand Ambassador for the 2012 Back to College Target Event, as well as an Orientation Assistant for the past two summers.  Zack was also a resident of the Jarvis Leadership Program his first year at ECU.  He plans to attend law school after graduation.

"Leadership and learning are insensible to each other." -John F. Kennedy

Ira Rushing

Student Leadership Assistant

"If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good." - Dr. Seuss

Marcella Camara

Student Leadership Assistant

"People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." - Simon Sinek

Matthew Moy

Student Leadership Assistant

Matt is from Cary, NC.  He is pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Geography and a B.S. in Urban and Regional Planning.  He has been enlisted in the NC National Guard since 2009 and is an Apache helicopter mechanic.  He is a brother in Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity and a member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society.  He is also a Cadet in ECU's Army ROTC program.  He always likes to share a laugh and have a good time.  He loves football, trying new things and learning.

"The best leader is the one who has the sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and the self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it." -Theodore Roosevelt

Andy Carlson

Student Leadership Assistant

Andy is a senior from Raleigh, North Carolina in the Graphic Design program at the College of Fine Art and Communication.  Andy is involved in numerous organizations and clubs on campus dealing with his passion for the arts.  His involvement with the office began a year ago volunteering his time as the graphic designer and in the summer he became a regular staff member in CSLE.

"Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall." - Stephen Covey, author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People