Elizabeth City State University appeared to be threatened with closure Thursday as the North Carolina State Senate called for eliminating “small, unprofitable” institutions and specifically named ECSU in a draft budget proposal for 2014-2015.
As one of 11 historically Black colleges and universities in the state and one of five public HBCUs, Elizabeth City State has struggled financially while experiencing a decline in enrollment. From 2010 to 2013, enrollment dropped from about 3,300 to 2,400, according to state reports.
President Tom Ross of the University of North Carolina System offered initial support the North Carolina State Senate’s draft budget. “The 2014-15 draft state budget released by the Senate Appropriations Committee offers clear evidence that the North Carolina Senate understands the critical role our public universities must continue to play in North Carolina’s economic future,” his statement said.
“Given the needs facing the State, we are grateful that the Senate budget recognizes the need to invest in areas that are key to the future of the university, as highlighted in our strategic plan.”
However, ECSU Chancellor Charles Becton said in a statement released late Thursday, “In my view, ECSU is, and will remain, a vital part of the University of North Carolina system. It has always been the premier four-year educational, economic, and cultural entity in northeastern North Carolina.”
Becton also pointed out that ECSU is “a force for growth in northeastern North Carolina, bringing education, jobs, grants, and cultural events to a part of the state that has been historically underdeveloped.”
His statement also noted that during the school year, even with more than a $4 million budget deficit and an enrollment decline, “We had our largest fall and spring graduation classes. During this year, when naysayers question our worth, we have been recognized nationally for our educational and other offerings,” Becton said.
