ECU Honors College Alumnus Named NC Presidential Scholar

Pictured here at the 2017 ECU Honors College Commencement Ceremony, Katie Stanley (middle), was one of four recent UNC system graduates named a Presidential Scholar by UNC President Margaret Spellings Thursday, July 20.

Greenville native and East Carolina University graduate Katie Stanley (Class of 2017) was one of four recent graduates named a Presidential Scholar for the 2017-18 school year by the University of North Carolina General Administration. UNC President Margaret Spellings announced the appointment Thursday, July 20, through a press release.

Presidential Scholars serve a one-year appointment and provide a wide range of professional functions for UNC General Administration. The position has regular interaction with senior leadership and members of the UNC Board of Governors and will also work to help research, write, and implement policy.

“The Presidential Scholars program allows some of our most talented graduates to hone professional skills and gain real working experience in higher education,” Spellings stated in the release. “Scholars also have the unique opportunity to explore and understand the inner workings of an institution that has helped transform our great state.”

During her time at ECU, Stanley was a member of the Honors College, Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, and majored in political science. Stanley plans to pursue a master’s degree in public policy with the goal of working in the North Carolina state government. Stanley previously interned for Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Representative Dean Arp (R-Union).

“We were thrilled to learn about Katie’s appointment as a Presidential Scholar and look forward to hearing about all the great work she will accomplish in this role,” said Dr. David White, Dean of the ECU Honors College. “Katie’s story is an example of how successful our Honors College students are, and how often they make us proud with their personal and professional achievements after graduating.”

The Presidential Scholars were selected among May 2017 UNC system graduates who demonstrated leadership skills, strong motivation, intellectual curiosity, and were not afraid to take risks, according to the release. Previous Scholars had projects assigned from all General Administration departments including legal, advancement, academic affairs, and communications.

By Cole Dittmer
ECU University Communications