On March 3, 1891, Hugh Cale, an African-American representative in the N.C. General Assembly from Pasquotank County, sponsored the establishment of a normal (teaching) school for “teaching and training teachers of the colored race to teach in the common schools of North Carolina.” Elizabeth City State University was born as the Elizabeth City State Colored Normal School. Many years and changes later, the NC General Assembly redefined the University of North Carolina system with 16 public institutions, including ECSU. Together, those institutions became constituents of The University of North Carolina (July 1972).

Today ECSU offers over 30 academic programs of study. From business to music to aviation and education, ECSU prepares students to compete in the global work force.  We achieve our commitment to the highest quality education by maintaining a rigorous focus on academic excellence through liberal arts programs and using innovative and flexible technology-based instruction models to enhance our signature areas: integrating technology with education, improving human health and wellness, and advancing the natural and aviation sciences. As of May 2018, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees have been conferred upon more than 20,000 students.