Steering Committee Charge

The Voyages of Discovery Steering Committee brings together many voices from Harriot College to steward the continued excellence of the Voyages of Discovery series at East Carolina University. The series advances the spirit of exploration and discovery that is the hallmark of the arts and sciences, and it has become the premier intellectual event for students and faculty of ECU and for the citizens of eastern North Carolina, and a showcase for the quality and diversity of academic life at ECU.

For each year’s series, and working within the budgetary framework provided by the Dean, the committee shall:

  • Engage with constituents and supporters of the Voyages of Discovery series to collect input and ideas for series themes and speakers
  • Propose a focus or theme that would engage a diverse and wide range of members of the university and the community to consider and reflect on important issues in today’s society
  • Within the focus or theme, propose a slate of thought-provoking and accomplished speakers from multiple disciplines, or holding different perspectives, so as to construct an inclusive series that all can access and enjoy
  • Collaborate with organizations, units, centers, offices, and other campus entities with an eye towards maximizing access, attendance, and participation
  • Identify community partners and agencies for engagement and fundraising opportunities

In addition, each committee member will enjoy one (1) complimentary ticket to a speaker reception prior to one (1) of the Voyages of Discovery events the following year, in appreciation for their contributions!

Organization

Annually, each spring semester, the Dean will facilitate a call for volunteers representing various Harriot College offices and organizations to serve on the steering committee. In addition, the Dean of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences may appoint a member of the Harriot College Advancement Council and/or a person who has held or currently holds the title of Distinguished Professor to the steering committee.

Meetings

An organizational meeting shall be called by the Dean. Subsequently, and with the support of Harriot College staff, the committee shall meet as many times as necessary in the spring of each academic year to propose a theme for the series and propose a slate of speakers for the following academic year. All members and all guests shall have speaking privileges.

Reporting

The committee shall report to the Dean and Harriot College staff as needed during the spring academic semester, with a goal to make recommendations to the Dean by early April. The Dean will then select and finalize the details of the series for the following year.

Amendment

This document may be amended by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Any member of the committee may petition the Dean to consider amending this document.

Committee for the 2025-2026 Voyages of Discovery Series

A woman in a red shirt and blond, shoulder-length hair stands in front of a purple banner with a white and gold Political Science department logo.

Dr. Alethia Cook
Chair and Professor, Department of Political Sciences

A man in an orange shirt sits in front of a purple photo backdrop

Dr. Seodial Frank Deena
Professor, Department of English

A man in a blue suit jacket and tie sits in front of a purple photo backdrop

Dr. Hanna Samir Kassab
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science

A women with dark hair, glasses and wearing a black shirt sits in front of a purple photo backdrop

Ms. Mary Myers
Academic Advisor, Harriot College Academic Advising and Resource Center

A man in a dark suit jacket and gray shirt sits in front of a dark leather background

Dr. Eric Oakley
Assistant Professor, Department of History and Program in Maritime Studies

A women in a green patterned shirt, brown hair and glasses sits in front of a purple photo backdrop

Dr. Beth Thompson
Associate Professor, Department of Biology

Alexis Williams

Ms. Alexis Williams
Harriot College Dean’s Office Graduate Assistant
Graduated with a B.A. in Psychology in May ’22
Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology ’25

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Ms. Kaylie Williams
Student, B.S. Community and Regional Planning Program
Department of Geography, Planning and Environment

Future Committee Membership

If you are interested in serving on the 2026-27 Voyages of Discovery Steering Committee, please send an email with the subject line:

“2026-27 Voyages Steering Committee” to thcas@ecu.edu.
In the body of the email, include your:
First and Last name
Status (faculty, staff, or student)
Department or major

*Note: The 2026-27 Voyages of Discovery Steering Committee will be announced in mid-spring 2026.
(Visit this website for future updates.)