Dr. Keith Keene has been selected as the new associate dean for research for East Carolina University’s Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences.
Keene, professor at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, will assume the role Aug. 1, according to an announcement from Dr. Allison S. Danell, dean of Harriot College.
“I am so pleased that Dr. Keene is joining the Harriot College dean’s office,” Danell said. “I have the utmost confidence in his abilities to excel in this ADR role, thanks to his extensive positional leadership experience and his deep connection to the mission of ECU.”
Keene is no stranger to ECU or Harriot College. In 2012, he came to ECU through a joint appointment between Harriot College’s Department of Biology and ECU’s Center for Health Disparities. He became director of the center in 2018.
“I am excited to return to ECU and Harriot College in particular — my tenure home for nearly 11 years — where I advanced through the ranks from assistant to associate and full professor,” he said. “I am enthusiastic about the new challenge to grow the Harriot College research portfolio and build strong collaborations across a wide range of disciplines represented across the college and the university.”
Through the position, Keene will carry out several strategic leadership duties including:
Mentoring and supporting faculty in the development and achievement of research and creative activity goals;Guiding faculty in their pursuit of extramural support for discipline-based, creative, community-engaged scholarship;Fostering engaging, collaborative and interdisciplinary scholarly opportunities for the faculty across Harriot College and ECU; andShowcasing the depth and breadth of scholarly achievements in Harriot College to ensure recognition and career advancement goals.
Additionally, Keene will provide administrative and operational oversight to ensure an effective research administration infrastructure that benefits all, and he will be a leader and collaborator within and beyond the dean’s office.
“My primary goal is to grow the Harriot College research portfolio by first working to foster inclusive and welcoming environments for research,” he said. “Other goals include being a steward of resources to improve the ECU and Harriot College research infrastructure and creating opportunities to showcase and highlight research efforts and scholarly achievements across the college.”
A native of eastern North Carolina, Keene received his doctorate in molecular medicine from Wake Forest University’s School of Medicine in 2007. After completing his postdoctoral fellowship, he began his academic career as a research-track assistant professor at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Center for Public Health Genomics.
In 2022, Keene moved back to Virginia and became director of the University of Virginia School of Medicine’s Center for Health Equity and Precision Public Health, where he also was a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences.
Keene’s research interests include utilizing genomics, epigenetics and metabolomics methodology to gain deeper insights into complex human diseases and eliminate health disparities. His specific areas of focus include Type 2 diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome and ischemic stroke.
Keene has authored or co-authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications, and he has received nearly $16.5 million in extramural research project funding from agencies that include the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.
“ECU has an amazing mission, and I look forward to working with the talented faculty, staff and students to use research as a tool to transform the region and prepare the next generation of scholars, researchers and leaders,” Keene said.
Two employees celebrate 25 years with CopyPro
CopyPro has announced that two of its employees are celebrating 25 years with the company. Anita Sutton, director of administration and Richie Creech, director of service, were lauded for their service to the company.
Sutton joined CopyPro in 1999 as a receptionist while attending Pitt Community College for a business administration education. As needs throughout the company arose, she moved to sales administration, supply sales, and then to coordination of payroll and benefits. It was in this position that Sutton won administrative employee of the year multiple times.
While continuing her duties with payroll, Sutton added the responsibility of supervising accounts receivable and accounts payable. In 2016, she began leading all administrative departments including: sales administration, executive leasing, accounts receivable, accounts payable and customer support, and became director of administration.
“Anita has shown tremendous dedication and consistent success at CopyPro,” said Jason Jones, COO. “Throughout her career she has had a distinct knack for turning tough situations into positive outcomes. Anita’s loyalty and leadership make her a remarkable asset to our CopyPro family.”
Originally from Pungo in Beaufort County, Sutton is married to her husband of 23 years, Jackie. They have two children, Mabry and Jackson.
Creech began his career at CopyPro in 1999 after receiving his degree in electronic engineering technology from Lenoir Community College. He joined the company as a shop tech and has worked in many areas of the business. His many positions include delivery, field technician, team leader and field service supervisor. In his current position, director of service, he oversees all field service activity for the company.
“Richie’s ability to troubleshoot and solve problems has allowed CopyPro to rise above the competition,” said Debra Dennis, vice president. “He works hard every day to ensure we maintain the excellent standard of service for which CopyPro is known.”
He has been awarded technician of the year, Konica Minolta Technician of the Month and service manager of the year. Creech is serving a four-year term on the BTA Southeast Board of Directors where he is the 2023-24 vice president.
CopyPro, Inc. has been providing the technology and expertise needed to help businesses since 1971.
New director to lead NC Mock Trial Program
The North Carolina Mock Trial Program has named Jerry Smith Jr. as its executive director. Smith, a resident of Arden, is a licensed attorney in North Carolina and practiced as a civil litigator in Charleston, South Carolina, in the 1990s. He earned an undergraduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a juris doctor degree from North Carolina Central University and an master’s of education from George Mason University. He served 14 years on the Hendersonville City Council.
Smith taught high school social studies and English for more than 26 years and coached the mock trial team at Hendersonville High School for 17 years, often to the state finals competition. Smith also helped start the first mock trial team at Hendersonville Middle School.
“After many years of success with limited staff and a large cadre of volunteers, we are so fortunate to have Jerry Smith leading the NC Mock Trial Program statewide as our executive director,” attorney Brooke Schmidly, president of the Board of Directors, said. “His experience supporting students, volunteers, and attorney advisors in Henderson County will expand to lead North Carolinians across the state to make meaningful contributions to their communities and our state and nation.”
Smith attributes much of his success in mock trial to the dedication and perseverance of his students. His mentor and predecessor Paul Goebel, who coached a successful program at Hendersonville High School, and his assistant coach Kathryn Wells, who served as attorney advisor to Hendersonville’s teams for many years, have also been instrumental in his career.
“From my days in the classroom and on council, I have learned how to work with students and constituents with different points-of-view,” Smith said. “I understand the importance of the NC Mock Trial Program continuing as an opportunity for North Carolina’s families from diverse backgrounds, and I look forward to expanding our program to reach as many young adults as we can. I am excited to further build support for this program in the legal community across the state as well as with foundations that support civic education and leadership skills for North Carolina’s youth.
“I thank all the mockers, coaches, advisors, and volunteers who contribute countless hours to making Mock Trial happen and I look forward to serving you.”
Smith’s first day as executive director was July 1. He can be reached at jerry@ncmocktrial.org or 828-470-7665
The NC Mock Trial Program’s mission is to create engaged citizens through the hands-on learning activity of mock trial, thereby enabling students to gain the civic understanding, self- confidence, analytical reasoning, and communication skills that are vital for tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit ncmocktrial.org.
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