Elizabeth City, N.C. — Eric Phelps, a senior from Edenton, NC, has reached another milestone and is on the verge of another: being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Dec. 13 and graduating from Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) with a degree in Kinesiology Dec. 14. His journey at ECSU opened the door to countless opportunities, from athletics to academics and eventually to military service.
For Phelps, ECSU was more than a convenient choice—it was a personal connection. "It was close to home, affordable and my godparents, sister, aunts and cousins also attended ECSU. It is a family affair," he said.
Phelps’ most transformative experience came in his junior year when he joined the ROTC program. "ROTC taught me discipline and leadership skills I'll carry for the rest of my life," he said. Balancing ROTC with academics and a heavy course load—often exceeding 17 credits—was no easy feat, especially while competing in football, golf and cross-country.
Yet Phelps thrived, earning accolades like the ECSU honor roll, dean's list and completing the rigorous Ranger Challenge, held annually to test cadets' physical and mental limits.
Phelps credits his success to a network of mentors, including Jennifer Brown, professor of physical education and health; Jade LaDow, instructor of natural sciences; Carmen Wigfall, office of the registrar; Kevin Wade, vice chancellor for student affairs and interim vice chancellor for university advancement; Sharon Raynor, interim associate vice chancellor of academic affairs, his coaches and all the ROTC staff. "They made sure I had what I needed for my classes, school and scholarship opportunities," he explained. Alongside his mentors, Phelps found camaraderie in the ROTC cadets and the ECSU community.
Outside the classroom, Phelps’ leadership extended to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, the ECSU Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and even as "Mr. Gold" for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. His curiosity and drive also led him to participate in a research project on the challenges faced by student-athletes pre- and post-injury—a subject he understands deeply.
Phelps’ Viking pride shines in his favorite traditions: Fried Chicken Wednesdays, Homecoming and Viking Fest. "My friends and I would even do country line dancing—it was a blast," he recalled with a laugh.
Phelps’ story wouldn't be complete without a nod to his monster truck—a campus icon. “A fun fact about me is that since freshman year, students who didn’t know me labeled me as the boy who drives the Monster Truck and would generally ask me to help them when their cars broke down,” Phelps recalled.
Keeping busy on campus, Phelps served ECSU as a volunteer firefighter. “I would go to fire alarm calls on campus to assist if needed.”
Whether responding to fire alarms on campus or helping fellow students with car troubles, Phelps’ readiness to serve earned him admiration.
Looking ahead, Phelps plans to continue working at Coastal Rehab while serving as a Quartermaster Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves.
When asked the age-old question about his five-year life projection, he said, "Five years from now, I see myself running my own business, building a barndominium on my family's farmland, and still serving in the Army."
As Phelps prepares to leave to conquer, his advice to incoming students reflects his own journey: "Have fun but make getting your work done your main goal. Network outside your friend group—you never know who you'll meet."