Harris, who has been appointed as the new dean of the College of Business at East Carolina University, expressed his excitement and humility in taking on this role. He emphasized the importance of nurturing future leaders who will have a positive impact not only in eastern North Carolina but also beyond. Harris highlighted the support system provided by over 30,000 alumni who are dedicated to uplifting and guiding current students.
During his tenure as interim dean, Harris made significant strides in advancing the College of Business and its commitment to serving the region and students. One such achievement was the establishment of the Twilley Academy of Sales Leadership, made possible by a generous $4.5 million donation from Richard G. Twilley. The academy focuses on enhancing sales education and offering executive programs to cultivate future industry leaders.
To re-engage with the COB Pirate Nation, Harris embarked on a journey that took him over 20,000 miles and allowed him to connect with alumni, industry partners, and supporters in eight different states. His collaborative efforts with COB leadership led to the development of the Thomas D. Arthur Graduate School of Business and the launch of the Office of Expert Services. Additionally, Harris played a pivotal role in the completion and grand opening of the Isley Innovation Hub.
In an effort to provide students with valuable real-world experiences outside of the classroom, Harris collaborated with the Business Advisory Council to create travel opportunities for students. These experiences not only complemented their academic learning but also exposed them to various career pathways and allowed them to interact with alumni for networking and mentorship.
Overall, Harris is excited about his new role as dean and looks forward to continuing to advance the College of Business while serving as a leader for future generations.
