ECU and NCPC Explore a Partnership Opportunity

On December 15, four executives from East Carolina University visited the Center to present the Board with a partnership proposal. Representing ECU were Michael Dorsey, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Michael Drought, Director, School of Art and Design; Nancy Ball, University Development; and Seo Eo, Professor of Ceramics. Also attending were local potters, former board members, and dignitaries and elected officials from Randolph County.

ECU has proposed that we explore ways of sharing resources. They are readily able to provide personnel to establish an artist-in-residence plan, and greatly expand our educational programming, offering continuing education classes to the local community. Monetary support for general operations is limited for now due to the extreme cuts projected from the state budget, but future developments might include ECU’s assuming ownership and maintenance of some of our buildings. Other possible links with ECU include programs in sustainable tourism, management, and art education.

The Board will meet on January 16 to further discuss their proposal and open a dialogue with the University. ECU is extremely interested in developing a close relationship with the Center and the Seagrove area, and their initiative offers some exciting possibilities for the future of the Center.