Lilian (Lily) Faulconer – 2026 40 Under Forty Honoree
Name as you would like it to appear:
Lilian (Lily) Faulconer
Current job & city you reside in:
Attorney; Greenville, NC
Degrees awarded by ECU and years received:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Multidisciplinary Studies: Inquiry and Society, 2017
Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Sport Management, 2018
Degrees awarded by other institutions and years received:
Juris Doctorate, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2021
What does it mean to you to be selected as a 40 Under Forty honoree?
East Carolina University has a remarkable reputation for service, and we have so many alumni making a difference near and far. I am humbled and honored to be selected as a 40 under Forty honoree and truly appreciate this distinctive recognition.
Is there a professor or mentor at ECU that still influences you today?
The Political Science department in the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences, especially professors Jody Baumgartner, Jonathan Morris, and Alethia Cook provided a solid foundation as I moved into graduate and professional studies, and I continue to remember their lessons in my legal practice today. Professor Melanie Satore-Baldwin in the College of Health and Human Performance continues to be a role model with her service to the community, and Professor Todd Fraley, Dean of the Honors College, has been supportive not only of my academic endeavors, but also of my work in the community.
What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of so far?
As an attorney, the relationships I have built with my clients are the biggest accomplishment of my career. It is an honor to be a trusted advisor and zealous advocate for businesses and individuals whom I admire.
What advice would you give current ECU students who want to create meaningful impact in their careers and communities?
I would encourage students to never underestimate themselves and to remember that small acts of good have bigger impacts than they can imagine.