National Alumni Association
Message from the President
Dear ECSU Alumni,
On behalf of the Elizabeth City State University National Alumni Association, it is my honor to extend a heartfelt welcome to all of you attending the 53rd NAA Convention hosted by the Portsmouth Alumni Chapter!
This convention is a momentous occasion where we come together to celebrate our shared history, cherished memories, and the lasting impact of our beloved alma mater. It's a time to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and strengthen the bonds that make our alumni community truly exceptional.
Throughout the convention, we have a diverse range of exciting events, insightful discussions, and engaging activities planned for you. We aim to empower you with knowledge, inspire personal and professional growth, and foster a spirit of unity and pride.
As we gather in the beautiful city of Portsmouth, VA, let's take a moment to reflect on the tremendous achievements and advancements that our alma mater has made. Together, we continue to shape the legacy of Elizabeth City State University, both as individuals and as a collective force.
I encourage you to embrace this convention as an opportunity to network, share experiences, and learn from one another. The power of our collective wisdom and the wealth of expertise within our alumni community is immeasurable. By engaging in meaningful discussions and collaborations, we can drive positive change and create a brighter future for our alma mater.
To the Portsmouth Alumni Chapter, thank you for hosting this remarkable event and for your tireless dedication to organizing a convention that showcases the very best of our alumni community. Your efforts are truly appreciated, and I have no doubt that this convention will be a resounding success.
Once again, I extend a warm welcome to all of you joining us for the 53rd NAA Convention. Let us come together, celebrate our achievements, and forge new paths towards a future filled with success, unity, and a shared commitment to the continued growth and prosperity of Elizabeth City State University.
With Viking Pride,
James W. Cherry, II Elizabeth City State University - National Alumni Association
JOIN THE NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Membership in the ECSU National Alumni Association is an easy way to show your Viking
pride. Through your active membership, we will be a stronger organization, which will
allow us to provide unwavering support to ECSU and its students far into the future.
We encourage you to get involved and stay connected by sharing the elite status of membership with other members of our alumni community.
Pay your annual dues or purchase your life membership online today.
(Annual Membership Year: January 1 – December 31)
MR./MS. ALUMNI CONTESTANTS
About Samaya
Samayah I. Ellerbe is from Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Her childhood dream has always
been to be a performer and entertainer, which led her to study Vocal Performance at
the illustrious Elizabeth City State University under Dr. Walter R. Swan. She was
titled Miss University Choir for the 2019-20 and 2023-24 academic year. Samayah has
brought talent, smiles, and great ideas to the University Choir and has much more
to offer in her career in music. Samayah graduated from Frederick Douglass High School
in Prince George's County Maryland.
She played a great part in the school's choir for three years and has traveled with
them to perform. Her Choir Director Marilyn Walls motivated and pushed her to put
her best in what she does. Miss Ellerbe has previous experience with performing recitals.
She has been in musicals like A Christmas Carol and played Dorothy in The Wiz. In
her undergraduate career, she has played Amahl in Amahl and the Night Visitors ad
well as partnership with College of the Albemarle, took on the understudy lead role
of Ti Moune in Once on this Island. Samayah is not only known for her opera singing,
but also her R&B music that she has been releasing since 2020, as well as her recent
appearance in the NewsPaper for her co-written poem "Segregation."
About J. Donté
J. Donté Prayer is a Greenville, North Carolina native currently residing in Charlotte,
North Carolina. An enthusiastic alumnus of Elizabeth City State University, he is
attending Morehouse School of Medicine in a dual advanced credentials program. During
his time at ECSU, he actively participated in various student organizations, including
serving as the President of the Pre Alumni Association, which helped him develop leadership
skills and a deep appreciation for the impact of alumni engagement on the university's
growth and development.
Today, Donté continues to remain actively involved with ECSU and its alumni network.
He is an active member of the ECSU National Alumni Association and holds the position
of Vice President in the ECSU NAA Greater Charlotte Alumni Chapter. He has been honored
as a recipient of the ECSU 40 Under 40 distinction, recognizing his contributions
and achievements, and serves on the ECSU Board of Visitors, where he actively contributes
to the university's strategic initiatives. Currently, Donté is a member of the 2023-2024
ECSU NAA Royal Court as first runner-up.
Beyond his involvement with ECSU, Donté is a passionate change agent and advocate
for health equity, community engagement, and economic empowerment. He is a proud member
of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Donté loves to travel and has interests in fashion,
music, and theater.
THE OFFICIAL CORONATION DETAILS
Thursday, October 24, 2024
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: TBD
More details to come!
For More Information About the Mr./Ms. Alumni Contest, please contact, Shalon Sharpe
at shalonhsharpe@gmail.com
Thank you for supporting the National Alumni Association, Inc.
53rd Elizabeth City State University
National Alumni Association, Inc. Convention
ACCEPTING THE CALL
Portsmouth, Virginia
July 11 - 13, 2024
Host Hotel: Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel
For More Information, please contact:
Additional NAA Information
Chapters/Presidents
Shalon Hawkins Sharpe
Kinston-Lenoir
NAA Leadership
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Trequita Overton ’99
(Jan. 1, 2021-Dec. 31, 2023)
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James Cherry, II ’96
President
(Jan. 1, 2022-Dec. 31, 2024)
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Abdul Sm Rasheed ’71
Immediate Past President
Ex Officio – Non-Voting
(Jan. 1, 2022- Dec. 31, 2024)
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Dr. Karrie G. Dixon
Chancellor, Ex Officio – Voting
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Keith O. Richardson ’03
(Jan. 1, 2022-Dec. 31, 2024)
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Barbaina Houston-Black ’80 – Chair
(Jan. 1, 2022-Dec. 31, 2024)
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Timothy Rodgers ’83 – Vice Chair
(Jan. 1, 2018-Dec. 31, 2023)
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Cherelle James ’99
(Jan. 1, 2023-Dec. 31, 2025)
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Shalon Hawkins Sharpe ’99
(Jan. 1, 2023-Dec. 31, 2025) |
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Maryella Ward Leigh ’67
(Jan. 1, 2019-Dec. 31, 2023)
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Barbara B. Sutton ’74
(Jan. 1, 2019 – Dec. 31, 2024)
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Dr. Edward Newsome, Jr. ’73
(Jan. 1, 2023-Dec. 31, 2025)
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President
James Cherry, II '96
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Recording Secretary
Melvin Norman, '77
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First Vice President
Dr. Sandra S. Newsome, '70
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Corresponding Secretary
Courtnay Jordan, '05
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Second Vice President
Michael N. Johnson, '96
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Sergeant-at-Arms
James Spence, ‘73
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Treasurer
Sharonne Sawyer-Sutton, ‘02
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Financial Secretary VACANT |