News Summary
East Carolina University has appointed Chris Buddo as the new provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, effective May 16, 2025. Buddo, who has been serving as interim provost since October 2024, has a long-standing association with ECU, having joined in 2006. His background includes leadership roles within the university and significant experience in higher education. The appointment comes amid various leadership changes at ECU, signaling a new direction for the institution.
Greenville
East Carolina University (ECU) has appointed Chris Buddo as the new provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs, effective May 16, 2025. Buddo has been serving as the interim provost since October 2024, following the departure of his predecessor, Robin Coger.
In his new role, Buddo will be responsible for the oversight of various critical areas including admissions, academic colleges, libraries, learner operations, and student success programs. He has stated that he feels honored and humbled to receive such confidence from the chancellor.
Buddo has a long-standing association with ECU, having joined the institution in 2006 as a professor and director of the School of Music. Throughout his career at the university, he has taken on several leadership positions, including that of dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. His background also includes significant experience in higher education, having previously served as the associate dean for administrative affairs at Baylor University.
In terms of academic qualifications, Buddo possesses a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Arts in double bass performance from the University of Iowa, in addition to a Bachelor of Music from James Madison University. Beyond his academic credentials, Buddo has an impressive performance history as a double bassist with various orchestras and is recognized as a founding member of the New Carolina Sinfonia. He has also conducted several productions with ECU Opera Theater and was instrumental in establishing the Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra.
The recent appointment comes amid a series of significant leadership changes at ECU, including the replacement of the provost and general counsel. The former provost, Robin Coger, had been in office since 2022 and previously led the engineering school at N.C. A&T State University. Paul Zigas, who served as general counsel since mid-2021, also left his position after working in ECU’s legal department since 2004.
The leadership transitions at ECU have been notable in recent years, starting with the contentious ousting of former Chancellor Cecil Staton in 2019. This pattern of change has brought about adjustments in various administrative roles within the university. Furthermore, ECU has recently made headlines with the dismissal of football coach Mike Houston, who had been with the team since 2019. Such changes indicate ongoing efforts to address various institutional challenges and promote a new direction for the university.
As Chris Buddo prepares to officially take over as provost, all eyes will be on his leadership as he addresses the academic needs of the ECU community and navigates the ongoing changes within the university’s administration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chris Buddo Appointed Provost at East Carolina University
Omaha Welcomes Its First Black Mayor
Concerns Rise Over Trump’s Trade Policies
Trump Proposes Canada as the 51st State
IRS Commissioner Melanie Krause Resigns Amid Controversy
Major Intelligence Shakeup as Trump Administration Dismisses Key Figures
Mass Firings Hit the U.S. Institute of Peace During Restructuring
Big Changes at the Postal Service: DeJoy Steps Down
IRS and DHS Collaborate to Track Undocumented Migrants
Sanderling Resort Unveils Major Redesign for 40th Anniversary
Additional Resources
- WITN: East Carolina University Named New Provost
- Wikipedia: East Carolina University
- Reflector: Top ECU Administrators Out, No Reason Given
- Google Search: East Carolina University
- Business North Carolina: ECU Changes Leadership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Provost
