National Alumni Association
Welcome Message from the ECSU National Alumni Association President
Dear Viking Family,
It is with great humility, pride, and excitement that I greet you as the newly elected President of the Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) National Alumni Association (NAA). I am truly honored to serve this incredible network of alumni who represent the heart, history, and future of our beloved Elizabeth City State University (ECSU).
ECSU is more than a university — it’s a legacy. It’s where we come to discover our voices, built lifelong friendships, and shaped the paths that led us to where we are today. As your President, I am committed to honoring that legacy while guiding our association into a future full of promise and purpose.
United by Legacy, Driven by Purpose
Together, we will:
- Reconnect alumni across generations through meaningful programs and events
- Support our students with mentorship, scholarships, and opportunities
- Champion ECSU’s mission through service, advocacy, and shared pride
Whether you graduated or attended decades ago or just received your diploma, your place in the Viking family is permanent — and your voice matters. This association belongs to all of us, and your engagement is the key to our continued success.
Let’s Move Forward — Together
As we embark on this journey, I invite you to:
- Join a local alumni chapter
- Attend upcoming ECSU NAA events
- Mentor a current Viking
- Share your story and stay connected
Thank you for your trust, your continued support, and your unwavering Viking Pride. I look forward to working alongside you to uplift ECSU and ensure its legacy thrives for generations to come.
With Viking Pride,
Additional NAA Information
Chapters/Presidents
Georgia
Maryland
North Carolina
Shalon Hawkins Sharpe
tauren.cartwright@gmail.com
Kinston-Lenoir
grahamkamisha@yahoo.com
New York
Pennsylvania/Delaware/New Jersey
Virginia
Dr. Herman G. Cooke James Cherry, II | E.A. Johnson James Spence |
Peninsula Joe Underdue | Portsmouth Dunston Brooks |
Richmond Sheretta Byrd | Virginia Beach Ethel Ferebee Cox |
Washington, DC
NAA Leadership
Board of Directors
James Cherry, II ‘96 Immediate Past President Ex Officio – Non-Voting (Jan. 1, 2026- Dec. 31, 2028) jwcherry02@msn.com | |
Barbaina Houston-Black ’80 (Feb. 7, 2026-Dec. 31, 2028) | |
Cherelle James ’99 (Feb 7, 2026-Dec 31, 2028) | |
Dr. Jenelle Simpson ’02 (Jan. 1, 2024-Dec. 31, 2026) jenelle_ecsu@yahoo.com | |
Dr. Edward Newsome, Jr. ’73 (Feb. 7, 2026-Dec. 31, 2028) | |
Officers
President Capt Tony Swain USN ret ‘82 anthonywswain@verizon.net | Recording Secretary Dr. Sandra S. Newsome, ’70 lordj_1@yahoo.com |
First Vice President Mikel Brabham ‘01 firstvpnaa@gmail.com | Corresponding Secretary Courtnay Jordan, ’05 |
Second Vice President Ricky Wilkins ’85 rwilkins20@verizon.net | Sergeant-at-Arms James Spence, ‘73 |
Treasurer Sharonne Sawyer-Sutton, ‘02 | Financial Secretary Dr. Jeanette Evans ‘63 hawkins1941@outlook.com |
Additional Links
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)
Office of Alumni Relations & Engagement
- Mone't B. Earle
- Director of Alumni Relations & Engagement