COB and Howard University Collaborate

In collaboration with Howard University, ECU’s Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement, Office for Equity and Diversity, and the College of Business (COB) have collaborated to sponsor an interdisciplinary course that focuses on examining and developing inclusive economies in eastern North Carolina and Washington, D.C.

ECU students are working with community partner Conetoe Family Life Center (CFLC) to obtain an in-depth understanding of the organization’s mission and operations and research existing programs that address educational, health and economic disparities in Eastern North Carolina.  Students will present recommendations for entrepreneurial activities that will assist the CFLC to sustain its programs.  Information and data collected in this comparative research study will be used to explore inclusive approaches to economic development and enhance research in entrepreneurial education.

Howard University students are researching the impact of gentrification in Washington, D.C. and investigating community-led approaches to urban revitalization. The course will end with the students sharing recommendations for their respective community partners. Information and data collected will be used for collaborative research projects and to apply for external grant funding related to inclusive economies.

The students traveled to each University to visit their respective community partners.

“Building inclusive economies is about equitable opportunities for upward mobility across all sectors during periods of economic growth,” said LaKesha Forbes, associate provost for equity and diversity, ECU. “With ECU’s strategic initiatives toward regional transformation in eastern North Carolina and the urban revitalization occurring around Washington, D.C.’s Howard University, both areas provide perfect learning laboratories to examine the building blocks – or lack thereof – of inclusive economic growth.”

ECU’s Office for Equity and Diversity co-sponsored this collaborative course.  Dr. Ericka Lawrence, associate professor in COB’s Department of Management, is the course’s instructor.

Dr. Ericka Lawrence

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• Management