All of Eastern North Carolina is in a state of transition. We're adapting to changes in industry and needs. It will probably take a generation or two before we get there.

I heard somewhere that maybe one or two people doubted the capacity of East Carolina University to achieve that great status. It's hard for me to believe that anyone would have doubted us, but I think the record speaks for itself.

The quality of what we're doing is national, but we try to focus on North Carolina, especially the people living east of (Interstate) 95.

We serve students who can't come to the campus and take 18 hours of courses. But we do everything to ensure that our online courses match the quality in the classroom. They are taught by the same faculty with a lower teacher to student ratio.

I strictly adhere to the creed that one needs to 'get off the horse and walk with the people' to understand what is happening around them.

Given weather conditions this winter, supply overall appears to be adequate for U.S. needs through the winter.