COB students excel in the classroom

It was celebration time – for not only ECU students, but also faculty and staff – as high achievers were recognized for their hard work in the classroom. ECU Excels recognized freshmen and transfer students who earned a 3.0 GPA or higher for the fall 2025 semester.

“Being recognized during my first semester of college made me feel proud and motivated, and the celebration reinforced my sense of belonging and commitment to continuing to strive for excellence at ECU,” said Hannah Wilson, an intended accounting major and Honors College fellow.

More than 350 College of Business students were celebrated through the ECU Excels event. The students received a special ECU Excels lapel pin and decal for their work. There were also desserts and beverages. Many programs had tables and activities for the Excels students. The COB’s area included the popular Polaroid picture station, COB lapel pins and mini bundt cakes.

The packed event in the Main Campus Student Center ballrooms celebrated specific faculty and staff as well. The honored students nominated “influential figures” who had helped them along their early ECU journey. Among those nominated were Dean Mike Harris and Karen Kus, the executive director of engagement and impact in the Center for Student Success.

“It feels good to know you’ve helped them in some way – something you’ve done has made an impact,” Kus said.

Kus taught Wilson in the HNRS 2000 seminar class “Leadership and Service” last fall. Wilson thanked Kus by telling her how much she appreciated all of the help Kus gave her and the opportunities Kus opened up for her.

“Hannah is an incredibly sweet, hard-working student,” Kus said. “She takes her academics very seriously.  She is eager to learn and takes advantage of opportunities that are presented.”

“I am very honored to receive the ECU Excels recognition, as it marked an important milestone in my academic journey,” Wilson added.

COB faculty and staff who were nominated by ECU Excels students included:

• Mary Beth Allen
• Jaclyn Beierlein       
• Melissa Bowers       
• Katie Butler
• Abbey Cash              
• Amy Eason               
• Danny Ellis              
• Kevin Fontana
• Christina Futrell      
• Davidson Gillette    
• Michael Harris         
• Scott Hudson
• Karen Kus                
• Dana Newell            
• Bob O’Halloran       
• Ivan Pineda
• Eric Reifschneider   
• Tilwanda Steinberg 
• Matthew Walker      
• Mel Weber
• Lee Wheeler             
• Arran Wright            
• Emily Yeager