Today and Tomorrow: 1986-2005
The end of the 20th century saw East Carolina University build upon the success of the 1960s and 1970s with more changes to the curriculum and campus facilities. Changes in university leaderships throughout the end of the century brought new visions for the future and new areas of progress and importance. New programs including the School of Social Work and the School of Health and Human Performance were created to appeal to an ever growing diverse student body. Along with new programs came new buildings designed to improve the student experience. In 1989 the Bate Building opened, and the new Student Recreation Center opened in 1997 with the popular “Polar Plunge” debuting to celebrate.
The early 2000s saw the university add programs and buildings that were connected to the region and its history. In 2003, the stewardship of the County Doctor Museum was given to Laupus Health Sciences Library by the Medical Foundation of East Carolina University. The Country Doctor Museum remains a staple in the history of the eastern North Carolina region and an integral part of the ECU’s efforts to connect with the region. In 2004, ECU again made efforts to ensure regional history would be preserved when they formally dedicated the Conservation Laboratory on the West Research Campus and began work on preserving the famed pirate Blackbeard’s ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge. East Carolina University continues to ensure that a strong relationship with the region is a central part of their mission.