Investing in the future of healthcare.
The Investing in Our Future Endowment was created through a commitment from ECU Health to the ECU Health Foundation. The vision of the endowment is to create a perpetual opportunity to advance ECU Health and the schools and colleges of the health sciences at East Carolina University to improve the health, education and well-being of eastern North Carolina and beyond.
100%
Board Participation
As part of our commitment to this important initiative, every single ECU Health Foundation board member has made a gift.
70%
Fundraising Goal Met
Thanks to the generosity of donors, as of February 2026, nearly $7 million has been raised toward the $10 milion goal.
ECU Health established the endowment by committing the initial $10 million as a challenge match to inspire our philanthropic community to join in our efforts to ensure a healthier and brighter tomorrow for those we serve. Philanthropic contributions designated to the Investing in our Future endowment will unlock, dollar for dollar, matching funds from ECU Health’s initial investment. The endowment will provide critical funding for four key areas: scholarship, recruitment, research and discretionary support.
Investing in Recruitment
Clinician recruitment remains one of the endowment’s top priorities. Because of donor support, eight physicians have received the Investing in Our Future Recruitment Award so far. Collectively, these residents will provide 28 years of service as health care providers in eastern North Carolina. These future physicians are preparing to serve our communities with excellence and compassion for years to come.
Dr. Maya Cox-Terry | IIOF Recruitment Award recipient
Investing in Scholarships
Investing in Our Future Endowment scholarships are divided equally among the Brody School of Medicine, the College of Nursing, the College of Health and Human Sciences and the School of Dental Medicine to financially support students. As of July 2026, more than $125,000 in scholarships have been awarded across the health sciences campus.
Investing in Research
As one of the four pillars of the Investing in Our Future Endowment, research funding plays an essential role in advancing cutting-edge health care initiatives and mission-based research opportunities for ECU Health and East Carolina University. Currently, funding has been provided for six research projects that directly benefit patients, students and communities in eastern North Carolina and beyond.
Courtney Caiola, PhD, MPH, RN and Chandra Speight, PhD, RN, NP-C | Investing in Our Future Research Award recipients
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Investing in Our Future Endowment is already making a significant and tangible impact. Once fully funded at $20 million, the proceeds from the endowed investment will help transform our communities for generations to come.
