Eakins' contributions celebrated at COB's annual end-of-year social

It was a big night at the College of Business’ annual end-of-year social and retirement recognition ceremony.

Retiring professors were celebrated for their years of service, dedication and passion for serving students, improving the COB and being the best to work side by side.

Staff and faculty were awarded for their dedication and production in helping the COB be the destination of choice for tomorrow’s leaders and a beacon of support for eastern North Carolina.

In total, three retirees were honored, and eight faculty and staff members walked away with COB awards.

However, all in attendance would agree that the night belonged to Dr. Stan Eakins, who is retiring at the end of the term. The former dean was surrounded by his wife (Laura), son and daughter, friends and colleagues who celebrated his legacy. Stories were told, and gifts were presented. The finale of Eakins’ recognitions came when Rep. Gloristine Brown of North Carolina’s 8th District presented Eakins with the Governor’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine award for his 30-plus-year commitment to providing exceptional contributions to East Carolina University and eastern North Carolina.

Congratulations

Dr. Diana Haytko, former chair of COB’s marketing and supply chain management department, leaves the COB after nearly six years. During her tenure, she helped usher in the sales academy, later named the Twilley Academy of Sales Leadership. In memory of her mom, she funded the first five years of the Elizabeth Haytko Faculty Fellowship, a $5,000 award to support an outstanding faculty member in the department. She also established estate gifts totaling $1 million to create two professorships — one focused on teaching, the other on research — and a study abroad scholarship program.

Dr. Craig Williams retires from the COB as a teaching associate professor after joining the COB eleven years ago. He brought real-world experiences to the classroom, including GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Wells Fargo, Johnson & Johnson, and Walmart. He is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychology (SIOP). As one of his former students said, “If every professor possessed (his) skills, the world would be a way better place.”

College Awards

The Staff Award for Excellence award went to Aaron Sitzman for his continued demonstration of excellence in work and devotion to exceptional service. He was nominated by Karen Kus and Micah Sam.

The Assurance of Learning award went to Dr. Laura Madden for her outstanding contribution to assurance of learning.

Dr. Trang Tran won the Elizabeth Haytko Faculty Fellowship Award for his overall excellence and service to the department of marketing and supply chain management.

Dr. Asligul Erkan won the Deonanan New Faculty Award for her commitment to teaching, research and service.

Dr. Tim Madden won the Stafford Teaching Award for continued commitment to outstanding teaching.

Dr. Jaclyn Beierlein won the Stallings Service Award in recognition of her continued commitment to outstanding service.

Dr. Erik Taylor won the Stansell Research Fellowship award for his continued commitment to outstanding business research.